The Nemegt Formation is located 400 km west of Dalanzadgad, situated to the north of Gurwantes, and is a natural wonder composed of red canyons and rock cliffs. Contrasting sharply with the surrounding flat steppe, the steep gorges are up to 30 meters deep. Although the exact age of the Nemegt Formation has yet to be determined, it is believed to date back to the late Cretaceous period. The rock layers consist of slate and sandstone and contain skeletons of dinosaurs and various fossils. The Nemegt Formation is thought to have been heavily forested in the past, while its highest peak, the Nemegt Mountain, rises to an impressive 2769 meters. It is one of the world-renowned sites for dinosaur fossils. Composed of red clay sediments, it boasts a majestic and unique appearance due to its mountainous terrain. The region features several other notable sites, including the mountains Nemegt, Altan, Tugrugiin Shiree, Ukhaa Tolgod, and Khermen Tsav, all of which are not only well-known for their dinosaur fossils, but are also the subject of ongoing international research efforts.
From the top of the mountain plateau, visitors can behold the endless canyons that make up the Nemegt Formation. The main gorge branches out into three, creating a mystical and enchanting landscape. The weather-worn walls resemble houses with various windows and balconies, and it is noteworthy that they contain dinosaur bones.
Paleontological Expedition
In the 1960s and 1970s, scientists from Mongolia, the Soviet, and Poland conducted several excavations in the area, unearthing world-famous artifacts. Notably, the discovery of a carnivorous dinosaur called Nemegtsaurus, named after the mountain, still holds great significance.
Researchers have dubbed Nemegt Valley and Nemegt Mountain the “dragon’s grave.” While scientists have already conducted extensive excavation and cleaning of the upper layer of the mountain, they argue that deep excavation of the lower layer could reveal previously undiscovered fossils. With almost no vegetation in Nemegt Valley and a dry, particle-filled fog rather than rain, the site is a fascinating and unique destination for academic and scientific research.
