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Suikhent Petrified Forest

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Suikhent Petrified Forest is an extraordinary paleontological site located in the Gobi-Altai Province of southwestern Mongolia. Scattered across several square kilometers, hundreds of fossilized tree trunks date back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 90 million years ago. The magnificent preservation of the wood structures allows scientists to examine the cellular details of prehistoric conifers that once flourished in the region. These trees grew in a humid, subtropical climate that stands in stark contrast to the modern arid desert environment of the Gobi. The trunks underwent a process of permineralization, where minerals replaced organic matter over millions of years, turning wood into stone. Suikhent is among the largest areas of its kind in the world, providing crucial insights into the flora of the Mesozoic Era. As much of the area remains unprotected, the preservation of this natural heritage against erosion and human interference is a significant concern for local conservationists.

Location: Mongolia
Nearby: Sainshand (75 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-14	-9	0	9	16	23	27	24	16	6	-3	-12
Rain mm	1	2	3	5	12	22	28	26	16	6	2	2

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Suikhent Petrified Forest is a paleontological open-air site in the Mongolian desert. You can see petrified tree trunks and the unique landscape, but the area is remote and undeveloped.

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Typical hours

The site is usually accessible during daylight hours, but there are no fixed opening times. As the area is remote, it's recommended to coordinate arrival with a guide or tour operator.

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Photography

Photography is allowed everywhere to capture the unique formations. Be careful not to touch or damage the fragile fossils.

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Time needed

Allow at least half a day for travel and exploration. A full-day trip is more realistic if you also want to explore the surrounding desert landscape.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with other Gobi desert attractions or a detour to a nearby oasis. A visit to the nomadic families in the region is also worthwhile.

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Getting there

The site is remote in the desert and only accessible by off-road vehicle or on an organized tour. From Ulaanbaatar, it takes several hours of travel.

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Insider tip

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a map, as the area is very remote. Book a guided tour to get expert explanations of the fossils and avoid getting lost.