Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, established in 1965 and expanded to its current size in 1993, is a gem of Mongolia. Covering nearly 2.694,307 hectares, it is the largest national park in the country and stretches over 380 km from east to west and 80 km from north to south. The park is named after the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, also known as the Three Beauties. The mountains consist of three sub-ranges, namely the East, Middle, and West Beauty.
The northern side of the Gobi desert is marked by the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, which cover the eastern half of the park. The higher elevations are home to steppe areas and can reach heights of up to 2,800 metersThe park is home to a number of rare plants and animals, including the elusive snow leopard and the Gobi Camel. The park also boasts many sand dunes, the most famous of which are the Khongoryn Els, also known as the Singing Sands.
Yoliyn Am (Vulture Valley)
One of the major tourist destinations in the park is Yolyn Am, which is a mountain valley that features a large ice field throughout most of the year.The Vulture Valley is a narrow and deep gorge that has formed over time due to the erosion caused by water. The entrance to the gorge is wide, but it gradually narrows into a remarkable gorge. In earlier times, the blocks of ice rarely melted, being protected from the vicious sunlight. The ice field reaches several meters thick by the end of winter and is several kilometers long. In past years, it remained year-round, but the modern ice field tends to disappear by September.
Apart from its spectacular natural beauty, Yolyn Am is also home to more than 200 bird species, including the Mongolian desert finch, cinereous vulture, desert warbler, and houbara bustard. Spring brings further waves of migratory birds, making the valley a birdwatcher’s paradise. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique cultural heritage, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
