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Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)

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Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)

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Bayanzag, internationally renowned as the 'Flaming Cliffs,' is a world-famous paleontological site located in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. The name was coined in 1922 by the American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews, who observed the red sandstone cliffs glowing with a brilliant orange hue at sunset. Bayanzag achieved global fame when the Central Asiatic Expedition of the American Museum of Natural History discovered the first-ever fossilized dinosaur eggs here. In addition to these eggs, numerous significant dinosaur skeletons, including those of Protoceratops and Velociraptor, were unearthed, fundamentally changing scientific understanding of prehistoric life. The Mongolian name 'Bayanzag' translates to 'Rich in Saxaul,' referring to the desert shrubs that are prevalent in the area. Over millions of years, wind and water erosion have carved a dramatic landscape of canyons and unique sedimentary formations. Today, the site remains a critical area for research and a popular destination for visitors seeking to witness its unique geological beauty and ancient history.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-14-10-2713202321144-4-13
Rain mm22441221302314533

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) are a freely accessible landscape formation in the Gobi Desert. You can explore the red sandstone area on foot and marvel at the fossilized remains.
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Typical hours
The site is open all day as an open-air natural monument. The best light for photographs is late afternoon when the cliffs glow reddish.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted, and the landscape has dramatic shots. For the best composition, use a wide-angle perspective and take advantage of changing shadows.
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Time needed
A visit takes one to two hours to explore the main cliff area. If you plan a longer hike through the surrounding canyons, allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine with a trip to the nearby Khamariin Khiid monastery or the Gobi fossil sites. The Valley of Sounds is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
Bayanzag is remote in the desert, best reached by 4x4 vehicle or as part of an organized tour. The nearest major town is Dalanzadgad, about two hours away.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection, as there is little shade. Bring plenty of drinking water, as the desert is dry and windy.

Geography

Coordinates
44.13780, 103.71530

Facts

  • Discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews during expeditions in the 1920s.
  • Site of the first scientifically recognized discovery of dinosaur eggs.
  • Significant fossils of Protoceratops and Velociraptor were found here.
  • The cliffs consist of red sandstone dating to the Late Cretaceous period.
  • Located roughly 100 kilometers northwest of the city of Dalanzadgad.
  • The area is named after the native saxaul trees growing in the arid soil.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gobi Camel BreedingGobi Camel Breeding36 km · NEExplore →
Ongi Monastery RuinsOngi Monastery Ruins37 km · NWExplore →
Valley of the Eagles (Yolyn Am)Valley of the Eagles (Yolyn Am)42 km · NEExplore →
Ongi MonasteryOngi Monastery46 km · NWExplore →
DalanzadgadDalanzadgad80 km · NExplore →
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National ParkGobi Gurvansaikhan National Park81 km · SExplore →
Khar Bukh BalgasKhar Bukh Balgas101 km · WExplore →
White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga)White Stupa (Tsagaan Suvarga)110 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (4)

Bayanzag Dinosaur Excavation Site📍 landmark

The site where the world's first fossilized dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1923 by Roy Chapman Andrews.

Flaming Cliffs📍 landmark

Striking red sandstone cliffs that appear to be on fire when illuminated by the setting sun.

valley viewpoint on the Flaming Cliffs📍 landmark

A viewpoint overlooking the vast Gobi basin and the rugged red badlands rich with fossils.

Dino mongolia museum site🏛 museum

A small field museum at the Flaming Cliffs displaying Protoceratops fossils and petrified wood.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why are they called Flaming Cliffs?
The red sandstone glows fire-red at sunset.
Are there fossils there?
The region is famous for findings of dinosaur eggs.
Can you hike alone?
Yes, there are marked paths along the cliffs.
How long does a visit take?
About 1 to 2 hours.
Is there shade?
Barely any; sun protection is extremely important.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): where is it located?
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) is located in Mongolia.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): what is there to see?
Highlights include Bayanzag Dinosaur Excavation Site, Flaming Cliffs, valley viewpoint on the Flaming Cliffs.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): why is it worth visiting?
Bayanzag, internationally renowned as the 'Flaming Cliffs,' is a world-famous paleontological site located in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia.
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Nearby cities

Dalanzadgad — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Dalanzadgad
Dalanzadgad is the gateway to the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia.
Khongoryn Els — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (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) — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
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.
Khongoryn Els — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Khongoryn Els
Khongoryn Els, also known as the 'Singing Sands', are the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in the Gobi Desert.
Khermen Tsav — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Khermen Tsav
Khermen Tsav is a remote, rugged canyon landscape of red sandstone deep in the Gobi Desert.

More places

Gobi Camel Breeding — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
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In the vast plains of Ömnögovi province, nomads breed the two-humped Bactrian camel for wool, milk, and as a hardy pack animal.
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
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.
Gobi Desert — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Gobi Desert
One of the largest deserts in the world, characterized by extreme temperature fluctuations and vast gravel plains.
Tavan Tolgoi Coal Mine — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Tavan Tolgoi Coal Mine
A massive coal deposit in the South Gobi, producing mainly high-quality coking coal.
Ukhaa Khudag Coal Mine — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
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.
Oyu Tolgoi Mine — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Oyu Tolgoi Mine
One of the world's largest copper and gold deposits, located deep in the Gobi Desert.
Nemegt Basin — Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) (Mongolia)
Nemegt Basin
A dry valley in the Gobi Desert, famous worldwide for its rich dinosaur fossils.