Mongolia’s vast wilderness spans an incredible diversity of landscapes, from the Gobi Desert’s sweeping dunes to the northern mountains’ pristine alpine lakes. As you venture through this land of endless horizons, you’ll discover natural wonders that showcase the country’s remarkable geographical variety.
These 20 destinations represent some of Mongolia’s most striking landscapes, each offering unique opportunities for exploration and cultural connection.
Khongoryn Els, South Gob
These impressive dunes, known as the ‘Singing Dunes,’ stretch for 60 miles across the Gobi Desert and reach heights up to 1,000 feet. The name comes from the distinct sound produced when the wind moves across the sand, creating a natural acoustic phenomenon.
The dunes provide a vital ecosystem for desert wildlife, including various species of gazelles and reptiles.
Khuvsgul Lake, Northern Mongolia
This ancient freshwater lake contains 1% of the world’s freshwater and reaches 800 feet deep, making it Mongolia’s deepest lake. Its crystal-clear waters support a unique ecosystem, including the world’s southernmost population of Arctic grayling.
The surrounding Khoridol Saridag Mountains create a stunning backdrop for this pristine alpine environment.
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Sayan Valley, Khovsgol Province
Located in Mongolia’s northern reaches, this remote valley is home to the Tsaatan people, one of the world’s last remaining reindeer-herding communities. The valley’s unique ecosystem consists of taiga forest and alpine tundra, supporting diverse wildlife, including moose and brown bears.
During summer, the valley floor becomes covered with native wildflowers and herbs.
Turtle Rock, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Located 40 miles east of Ulaanbaatar, this distinctive granite formation stands 79 feet tall and genuinely resembles a turtle. The surrounding national park features numerous other interesting rock formations created by centuries of erosion.
The area offers excellent hiking opportunities and provides habitat for various wildlife species, including marmots and black vultures.
Baga Gazryn Chuluu, Dundgovi Province
This granite rock formation complex covers approximately 18 square miles in the middle Gobi steppe. It features numerous natural springs and small caves, making it an important stop for travelers crossing the region.
In the 19th century, Buddhist monks established several small temples, some of which still stand today.
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Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, Arkhangai
This freshwater lake, formed by ancient volcanic activity, is 10 miles long and 6,960 feet high. The surrounding area features clear evidence of volcanic activity, including perfectly preserved lava flows and cinder cones.
The lake’s pristine waters provide an important habitat for migratory waterfowl.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Bayan-Ölgii
This national park encompasses Mongolia’s highest peaks and most spectacular mountain scenery, including the country’s largest glaciers. The area is home to traditional Kazakh eagle hunters who maintain their centuries-old practices.
The park protects several endangered species, including snow leopards and argali sheep.
Bayanzag, Ömnögovi Province
These distinctive orange cliffs, known as the ‘Flaming Cliffs,’ have yielded some of the world’s most important fossil discoveries, including the first dinosaur eggs. The surrounding landscape features rare saxaul forests that help prevent desertification.
The site continues to be an important paleontological research location.
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Orkhon Valley, Central Mongolia
This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 121,967 acres and was the seat of several ancient Mongolian empires. The valley features numerous archaeological remains, including the ruins of Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire.
The Orkhon River cuts through the ancient volcanic rock and creates dramatic waterfalls.
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve, Bulgan Province
This protected area combines sandy dunes, rocky mountains, and steppe landscapes within a relatively small area. The site includes the ruins of Erdene Khamba monastery, which was built in the 17th century and partially destroyed in the 1930s.
The diverse landscape supports various ecosystems and provides excellent hiking and wildlife observation opportunities.
Uran Togoo-Tulga Uul, Northern Mongolia
This extinct volcano complex features four distinct volcanic peaks, with the highest reaching 4,744 feet. The protected area covers 5,800 hectares and showcases unique geological formations from ancient volcanic activity.
The site offers excellent opportunities to study volcanic structures and their impact on local ecosystems.
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Tavan Bogd Peaks, Western Mongolia
These five peaks form Mongolia’s highest mountain range, with Khuiten Peak reaching 14,350 feet. The area features Mongolia’s largest glaciers and covers approximately 23 square miles.
The mountains create a unique climate zone that supports rare alpine plants and animals.
Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve, Eastern Gobi
This 166-square-mile reserve features unique granite rock formations and is an important habitat for endangered species. The area supports one of the world’s largest argali sheep and Siberian ibex populations.
The reserve also contains numerous petroglyphs and archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.
Otgontenger Peak, Zavkhan Province
Standing at 13,215 feet, this permanently snow-capped mountain is the highest peak of the Khangai Mountains. It represents the only peak in the range that maintains year-round glacier coverage.
The mountain creates unique weather patterns that support diverse alpine ecosystems.
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Three Beauties of the Gobi, South Gobi
These mountain ranges – East, Middle, and West Saikhan – contain surprisingly diverse ecosystems, including ice fields and oases. The mountains provide critical habitat for endangered species, including snow leopards and wild camels.
The area features dramatic gorges and canyons formed by ancient water flows.
Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall, Övörkhangai Province
This 80-foot waterfall flows from the Orkhon River over ancient volcanic rock formations. The surrounding canyon reaches depths of up to 130 feet and stretches for 7.5 miles.
The site provides important insights into Mongolia’s geological history and volcanic past.
Eej Khairkhan, Bayankhongor Province
This mountain rises dramatically from the surrounding steppe and is protected due to its unique geological features. The site contains important paleontological discoveries, including dinosaur fossils and prehistoric human artifacts.
The mountain’s distinct profile makes it a notable landmark visible from great distances.
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Khyargas Lake, Western Mongolia
This salt lake covers 1,175 square miles and is 3,706 feet above sea level. It is a crucial stopover for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway.
Despite its high salt content, the lake supports several fish species and provides important wildlife habitat.
Dariganga Volcanic Field, Sükhbaatar Province
This volcanic region features numerous perfectly preserved cinder cones and lava flows. It contains over 220 volcanic formations created during different periods of activity.
The unique landscape provides important insights into Mongolia’s volcanic history and geological development.
Biluut Tolgoi, Bayan-Ölgii Province
This remarkable rock art complex contains over 10,000 petroglyphs dating from the Bronze Age to the Turkish period. The site spans multiple hills along the Khovd River, with rock carvings depicting ancient wildlife, hunting scenes, and daily life.
The surrounding landscape features dramatic rock formations and provides crucial habitat for various bird species, including golden eagles.
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Experience Mongolia’s Natural Diversity
These landscapes represent the incredible variety of Mongolia’s natural environment, from towering mountains and pristine lakes to dramatic deserts and volcanic formations. Each destination offers unique opportunities to experience the country’s remarkable biodiversity and geological heritage.
As you plan your journey through Mongolia, remember that these sites showcase natural beauty and provide crucial habitats for rare and endangered species.
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