Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is a vast, cold desert region spanning southern Mongolia and northern China, ranking as one of the largest deserts in the world. It is a rain shadow desert, created by the Himalayan plateau blocking moisture-bearing clouds from reaching the interior of Central Asia. Unlike typical sandy deserts, only about 5% of the Gobi consists of sand dunes; the majority is covered in bare rock, gravel plains, and resilient dry steppes. Geologically, it is a paleontological goldmine, famously hosting the 1920s expeditions that discovered the first fossilized dinosaur eggs. The climate is notoriously extreme, with temperatures swinging from 45°C in the summer to -40°C in the deep winter. Historically, the Gobi was a formidable section of the Silk Road, where caravans navigated between scattered oases. Today, it provides a habitat for rare wildlife, such as the wild Bactrian camel and the Gobi bear. The ongoing process of desertification in the Gobi is a major environmental concern, impacting agriculture and air quality across East Asia.

Nearby cities

Dalanzadgad

Dalanzadgad is the gateway to the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia.

Khongoryn Els

Massive sand dunes in the Gobi Desert known for the musical sound produced by shifting winds.

History & landmarks

Valley of the Eagles (Yolyn Am)

Yolyn Am, also known as the Valley of the Eagles, is a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan National Park.

Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)

The Flaming Cliffs, locally known as Bayanzag, are a reddish sandstone formation in the Gobi Desert.

Khongoryn Els

Khongoryn Els, also known as the 'Singing Sands', are the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in the Gobi Desert.

Khermen Tsav

Khermen Tsav is a remote, rugged canyon landscape of red sandstone deep in the Gobi Desert.

More places

Tavan Tolgoi Coal Mine

A massive coal deposit in the South Gobi, producing mainly high-quality coking coal.

Ukhaa Khudag Coal Mine

A state-of-the-art coal mine in the Gobi, operated by the Mongolian Mining Corporation, known for its integrated washing plant.

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Tsetsii Wind Farm

A modern wind energy project in the Gobi Desert, utilizing the strong and constant desert winds.

Gobi Camel Breeding

In the vast plains of Ömnögovi province, nomads breed the two-humped Bactrian camel for wool, milk, and as a hardy pack animal.

Oyu Tolgoi Mine

One of the world's largest copper and gold deposits, located deep in the Gobi Desert.

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Demchig Monastery

The ruins of Demchig Monastery are situated in the Omnogovi province, surrounded by bizarre red granite formations.

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Mongolia's largest national park protects a unique desert and mountain landscape, home to rare species such as the snow leopard.

Nemegt Basin

A dry valley in the Gobi Desert, famous worldwide for its rich dinosaur fossils.