The park at a glance
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park lies in the south of the country, in Umnugovi province, and is generally described as the largest national park in Mongolia. It covers a huge area of mountains, valleys, dry steppe and dunes. The name means “three beauties,” which refers to the three mountain ranges that give the park its name: sometimes translated as the east, middle and west “beauties.” Because the area is so big, travelers usually see only a few sections of it on any trip.
For many visitors this park is the practical heart of a Gobi desert trip. It is also a reminder that the Gobi is not a single sea of sand. It is a mixture of rock, gravel plain, saxaul shrubland, mountain ranges and oases, with sand covering only part of the land.
The three ranges and their valleys
The three beauties are low, rugged mountain ranges that are part of the Gobi Altai system. Rain and snowmelt cut gullies and canyons into them, and these valleys hold most of the water, vegetation and wildlife.
Yolyn Am is probably the most famous valley. It is a narrow gorge where, historically, ice has lingered in the shaded canyon well into summer. The amount of ice varies year to year, so do not count on seeing it. A short walk or horse ride leads in from the entrance, and the valley is known for birds and for ibex on the cliffs. Visitors sometimes also hope to spot lammergeier or other large raptors overhead, which is plausible but never certain.
Other valleys and oases lie within the ranges, with springs, poplar groves and small meadows that look surprising against the dry slopes. Exact routes and conditions depend on recent rain and vehicle access.
Dunes
The best-known dune field in the south is Khongoryn Els, often called the “singing dunes” because moving sand can produce a low hum or rumble in certain conditions. It is a long band of sand that runs alongside the foot of the mountains, with a narrow stream and green strip at the base in some seasons. Climbing the slope is tiring, since each step slides back a little. The topic of sand dunes in Mongolia is covered separately, but it is worth noting that dunes are fragile, so walk with care and avoid driving on them.
Strictly speaking, whether a given dune field falls inside the park boundary or just beside it can depend on how boundaries are drawn, so check on the ground. Other famous Gobi sites, such as the red cliffs known as Flaming Cliffs, are nearby but belong to the broader region rather than being a simple part of this park.
Wildlife
Mongolia’s southern mountains are habitat for argali and ibex, which are described under mountain sheep. Snow leopards are present in the high rocky country but are rarely seen. In the lowlands, Asiatic wild ass or goitered gazelle may appear in some areas, and Bactrian camels, both domestic and wild, are part of the wider Gobi story. Small animals and reptiles are common. Birds include raptors and desert species. As ever, the best approach is to treat sightings as a bonus.
The remote Gobi is also associated with the Gobi bear, an extremely rare animal living in a different protected area to the west. It is not something a visitor should expect to see.
People and livestock
The park is not uninhabited. Herders raise goats, sheep, camels and horses in the valleys, and families often move camp with the season. Camels in particular are a cultural symbol of the south. You may be able to arrange a camel ride or a visit to a herder family nearby, and the usual ger etiquette applies.
Visiting practicalities
- Season: Late spring to early fall is the common window. Summer days can be very hot, while nights are cool, and spring brings dust storms. Winter is bitterly cold and many camps are closed.
- Access: People typically arrive by road from Dalanzadgad or by a short flight there. Vehicle conditions and track quality vary, so a driver with local experience is valuable.
- Fees and permits: Park entry fees normally apply. Check with official sources for current rules.
- Water and supplies: Carry plenty of water and sun protection. Services are limited, and distances between points can be long.
- Staying: Ger camps and homestays are the main options, described under accommodation types.
Looking after the desert
Desert soils and plants recover slowly. Stay on established tracks, avoid creating new ones across the gravel, take rubbish with you, and use camps rather than random sites where possible. Water sources are precious to both people and animals, so keep clear of springs and never wash in them. These habits, expanded under Leave No Trace, make a real difference in a dry place.