MN
Gobi Desert
Sand dunes, ice-filled gorges and dinosaur-fossil cliffs in Mongolia’s South Gobi
Sand dunes, ice-filled gorges and dinosaur-fossil cliffs in Mongolia’s South Gobi
Mongolia’s largest dunes stretch for about 100km along the foot of the mountains and rise up to about 300m. They are known as the ‘singing dunes’ for the sound the sand makes in the wind.
Climb in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sand is cooler.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
A narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan mountains, named after the lammergeier (bearded vulture). Ice used to stay in its shadiest section well into summer, though in recent years it has often melted by early summer.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
These red sandstone cliffs were named the Flaming Cliffs by Roy Chapman Andrews, whose American Museum of Natural History expeditions found dinosaur eggs and fossils here in the 1920s.
Best at sunset, when the cliffs glow red.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
Herding families near the dunes keep two-humped Bactrian camels and offer short camel rides.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
Tourist ger camps near the main sights provide beds, meals and showers; staying with a herding family is a simpler alternative.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
Meals at ger camps are Mongolian and Western staples. Herding families may offer camel-milk tea and dried curd. Supplies are limited, so bring snacks and water for long drives.
Dalanzadgad, the provincial centre, has restaurants, supermarkets and fuel.
Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad take about 1.5 hours. The road from Ulaanbaatar is paved and takes around 9 to 10 hours. Between the sights, distances are long and tracks are rough, so nearly all visitors travel by 4WD with a driver or on a tour.
Citizens of the US, Germany, Japan and some other countries can visit Mongolia without a visa, and a temporary visa-free scheme for 34 more countries, including the UK, Australia and most EU states, runs until 1 January 2027. Other nationalities need an e-visa; check current rules before you travel.
Mongolia uses the tögrög (MNT). Cards work in Ulaanbaatar, but carry cash for the countryside, where most travellers join a tour or hire a driver and guide, which is the main cost of a trip.
Prices are approximate.
Gorge, dunes and the Flaming Cliffs.
Fly to Dalanzadgad and walk into the Yolyn Am gorge.
Drive across the plains to Khongoryn Els and climb the dunes at sunset.
Ride camels with a herding family and explore the edge of the dunes.
Drive to the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs for sunset, then return to Dalanzadgad.
Days can be hot and nights cold; bring sun protection and warm layers.
Spring brings dust storms; April and May can be very windy.
Carry plenty of water on long drives.
Removing fossils is illegal.
Quick answers for planning time in Gobi Desert.
Fly to Dalanzadgad in about 1.5 hours, or drive around 9 to 10 hours.
Up to about 300m.
In summer, yes, but winters are very cold.
Yes, at Bayanzag in the 1920s.
May to September.
Offline maps are essential outside Ulaanbaatar, where signal is patchy.
Free
Few people speak English outside the capital; camera mode reads Cyrillic signs and menus.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Mongolia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.