Elsen Tasarkhai is a breathtaking natural wonder of Mongolia, featuring stunning sand dunes that stretch over 80 km in length. These sand dunes are located on the west side of Bathaan Mountain, spanning the regions of Erdenesant of Central Province, Burd of Ovorkhangai Province, and Gurvanbulag of Bulgan Province. The central road divides the sand dunes into two: the southern part is known as Mongol Els, and the northern part is called Hugnu Tarna sand.
The sand dunes are home to various bushy plants such as willow, elm, and yarrow, which grow in the moisture of the sand settled by the influence of the Tarna River. On one side of the dunes is a rocky mountain called Khugnu Khan, while on the opposite side is Ikh Mongol, which marks the Central Point of Mongolia. The sand hills are spread the widest (9-10 km) around the confluence of the Sharlin and Jargalant rivers, the source of the Tarna River, and the Ikh Mongol Mountain. The Ikh Mongol Sand is semi-fixed by vegetation, so migration is relatively low, but in recent years, it has been overburdened due to its use as a livestock pasture.
Tourism in Elsen Tasarkhai
Elsen Tasarkhai is situated along the main road from east to west of Mongolia, and it’s a must-visit destination for tourists. The sand dunes offer an array of activities, including horse and camel riding services that local people provide. These rides cost about 3-5 US dollars for a 30-minute ride and provide an unforgettable experience. People also enjoy walking along the top of the sand dunes, which offer stunning views of the surrounding areas.
There are several comfortable ger camps around the sandbar that provide comfortable accommodation for foreign tourists. These camps include Bayangobi, Hoyor Zagal, Khanhar Uul, and Khugnu Khan, among others. So, if you’re planning a trip to Mongolia, Elsen Tasarkhai should be on your list of must-visit destinations.
