May 2, 2017/ Sunny -> Windy
We drove almost 170 kilometers to the Khongor Sand Dunes. On the way, we stopped to see the Flaming Cliffs, a site famous for the fossilized remains of dinosaur eggs. In 1922, American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered evidence that dinosaurs once lived here. Since then, many other important scientific discoveries have been made in this area. Around 60 types of dinosaurs are believed to have lived here, making Mongolia the second most significant country for dinosaur finds, after the United States.
It is illegal to remove fossils from Bayanzag. If you find any, do not touch them—just observe them carefully. Andrews also discovered petrified forests in the area.
After visiting the cliffs, we headed to a nearby village to take a shower. Then, it was time for lunch. We had a traditional Mongolian dish called khuushuur. Khuushuur is a type of dumpling, and the lady who prepared it cooked them with a perfect rhythm. The filling is made from mutton, mixed with onions and garlic, and seasoned with salt and other spices. It was delicious. The khuushuur were quite large, so three dumplings were more than enough for me.
In the morning, we had clear blue skies overhead. But as time passed, clouds began to cover the sun, and the weather took a turn for the worse. The temperature suddenly dropped, and we couldn’t stop shivering from the cold. When we arrived at Khongoryn Els, the largest sand dune in Mongolia, the wind picked up, blowing the fine sand into the air. After a short break with a cup of coffee, we set off on our camel riding tour.
It wasn’t my first time riding a camel, but I still felt excited and full of happy energy. Camels are so cute, and I adore their long eyelashes, dreadlocked humps, and big, round eyes. But what I love most are the slow, gentle waves they make with their necks—they have such a calming effect.
By the way, these sand dunes are massive, stretching 180 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers in width.
While riding the camel, I spotted some blue flowers on the ground. My guide mentioned that they’re rarely seen, so maybe we were lucky to find them. This wild grass is said to be good for the throat. The view of the towering sand dunes from atop the camel was absolutely stunning.
The ger I stayed in and the food we were served that day.
That night, a blizzard set in. I woke up several times due to the howling wind and the biting cold.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1. Baga Gaziin Chuluu (small rocky formations)
Day 2. Bayanzag (unique shaped trees and small flaming cliffs)
Day 3. Khongoryn Els (Sand Dune)
Day 4. Yol valley canyon
Day 5. Dundgobi province
Day 6. White Stupa and the way back to UB
Khongor expedition arranged my trip. Do you want to know them? Check my review here.
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