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Khermen Tsav

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Khermen Tsav is a massive canyon system located in the Gurvantes Soum of Omnogovi Province, deep within the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Known for its striking red sandstone formations that resemble ancient city walls or fortresses, the canyon stretches for approximately 10 kilometers and reaches depths of up to 200 meters. This remote geological wonder is globally significant for its Late Cretaceous paleontological sites, where numerous dinosaur fossils, including those of the Protoceratops and Velociraptor, have been discovered since the early 20th century. The area was famously explored by the American Museum of Natural History expeditions led by Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s. Today, it remains one of the most difficult to reach yet scientifically valuable locations in Mongolia, characterized by its extreme desert climate and unique erosion patterns created over millions of years by wind and water. The canyon provides a stark contrast to the surrounding flat desert plains, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric environments of Central Asia.
- Location: Mongolia
- Top sights: Hermen-Tsav ("Mongolian sphinxes") · khermen tsav
- Nearby: Bayankhongor (60 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -12 | -7 | 1 | 10 | 17 | 23 | 26 | 24 | 17 | 7 | -2 | -10 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The distance from Dalanzadgad city is approximately 400 kilometers
- Geological formations date back roughly 70 to 80 million years
- The total length of the canyon system is about 10 kilometers
- First scientific exploration led by Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922
- Major fossil discoveries include Protoceratops and dinosaur nesting sites
- Average elevation of the area is 1000 meters above sea level
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Khermen Tsav (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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Khermen Tsav: where is it located?
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