Discover Mongolia’s Middle Gobi
Family holidays To Mongolia – when are the best times to travel?
May 10, 2018
Khustain Nuruu National Park – Mongolia
May 20, 2018Last updated 3 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: May 11, 2018
Discover Mongolia’s Middle Gobi
A Mongolian ger surrounded by the immensity of Mongolia’s middle Gobi landscapes
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Zorgol Khairkhan
The sacred granite mountain of Zorgol Khairkhan provides the backdrop here.
Zorgol Khairkhan is a mountain that rises almost vertically out of the steppe in the Bayan-Unjul district of Tüv Aimag. The massif, including its 1668m peak, is venerated and revered by the local people. As part of the Mongolian granite belt, Zorgol Khairkhan shelters crucial natural springs that sustain both the livelihoods of herders and the diverse wildlife inhabiting this region.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
The remarkable granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Image: EL guest Egon Filter.
Baga Gazriin Chuluu, translating to ‘small land rock,’ is renowned for its extensive granite rock formations, nestled amidst the expansive steppe and semi-desert landscape under local-level protection.
As mentioned, Baga Gazriin Chuluu is one of Mongolia’s Local Protected Areas. Whereas areas with national level protection are permanently safeguarded, local protected-area designations eventually expire, but they prevent mining leases on the land while valid. Today, many of these designations last for an average of 20 years (The Nature Conservancy).
This is Batsaikhan – local protected area ranger of Baga Gazriin Chuluu in Mongolia’s middle Gobi. Image: EL guest Nick Rains.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
Image: EL guest Julian Elliott
Adjacent to Baga Gazriin Chuluu lies its sister site, aptly named “Ikh Gazriin Chuluu,” translating to ‘big land rock.’ This area holds distinction as one of Mongolia’s 70 Important Bird Areas, designated by Birdlife International, offering crucial habitat for numerous nesting and migrating raptors, notably the Lesser Kestrel. Keep an eye out for artificial nests strategically placed by the Artificial Nest Project along your journey to protect the nesting grounds of the Saker Falcon, but do exercise caution and use binoculars rather than approaching the nests directly.
Amidst the striking rock formations, you’ll encounter an open-air theater, established in 2006 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of Mongolian Statehood. Additionally, a monument pays homage to the esteemed Mongolian state-honored long song singer Norovbanzad.N, who hails from this region. From the monument’s vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offering a glimpse into the vastness and grandeur of the Mongolian wilderness.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Delgeriin Choirin Khiid
Image: EL guest Tristan Clements
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Sangiin Dalai Nuur
For bird enthusiasts, a visit to Sangiin Dalai Nuur is a must. Nestled amidst the middle Gobi steppe, this area encompasses marshland and a shallow freshwater pool, creating an ideal habitat for a diverse array of avian species. Here, keen observers can spot a variety of waders, including Snipe, Stints, Sandpipers, as well as aerial displays by large flocks of Pacific Golden Plover and Northern Lapwings.
Venturing onto a small island within Sangiin Dalai Nuur unveils more than just natural beauty; it reveals a treasure trove of historical relics. Among the ruins lies the ancient Süm Khökh Burd Temple, dating back to the 10th century, followed by a 300-year-old palace. Despite their storied past, both structures succumbed to time and were eventually replaced by a stage, a testament to the enduring legacy of Danzan Ravjaa, a revered figure in Mongolian history, albeit lesser-known in the Western world. This stage served as a venue for performances of plays written by Danzan Ravjaa, adding yet another layer of cultural significance to this landscape.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Tsagaan Suvraga
Image: EL guest Egon Filter
Translated as ‘White Stupa,’ this site holds Buddhist connections. It’s a vast expanse characterised by sun-baked rocks, scrub vegetation, towering limestone formations reaching up to 30 meters, and an overwhelming sense of emptiness. Despite its arid appearance, the landscape is rich in marine fossils, a testament to its ancient history.
Groups of visitors often pass through hastily, eager to capture selfies and exclaim in the vastness of space. However, once they depart, a stillness descends, allowing one to truly immerse oneself in the tranquility of the surroundings. Listen closely, and you’ll hear the calls of Sand Martins gracefully circling on the currents, adding to the atmosphere.
For an even more profound experience, consider visiting during the winter months. During this time, you’ll likely have the landscape entirely to yourself, enhancing the sense of solitude and allowing for a deeper connection with the awe-inspiring immensity of this remarkable terrain.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Ongiin Khiid Monastery
This monastery is frequently included in tour itineraries due to its historical and cultural significance. Situated in a small mountainous region within the Ongiin River Valley, Ongiin Khiid was once an impressive monastery complex. Tragically, it was destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, leaving behind a haunting reminder of Mongolia’s turbulent political past. Despite its popularity, it is possible to escape the tour groups and spend quiet moments of reflection among the ruins, which once spanned two separate complexes across the river valley. The site stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of Mongolia’s history and spiritual heritage.
Mongolia’s Middle Gobi: Erdenedalai
Image: EL guest Tristan Clements
Erdenedalai, meaning ‘Jewel Ocean’ in Mongolian, may seem paradoxical given its remote location amidst the expansive desert-steppe, far from any literal ocean, but, despite its remoteness, staying in Erdenedalai offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of a close-knit and traditional community. Here, amidst the rolling desert-steppe and panoramic vistas, visitors gain a genuine insight into the rhythms of everyday life in Mongolia. Interacting with locals, sharing meals, and participating in cultural activities provide an authentic experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and enduring spirit of Mongolia.
Erdenedalai is also notable for being home to Dambadarjaalin Khiid, also known as Gimpil Darjaalan Khiid. This functioning temple, constructed in 1810, holds historical significance as one of the few monasteries and temples across the country that survived the destructive purges during Choibalsan’s rule in the 1930s.
The main assembly hall of this venerable complex stands as a testament to resilience, having weathered the storm of political upheaval. Its survival serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of Mongolia’s cultural and religious heritage, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a bygone era amidst the vastness of the desert-steppe landscape.
Image: EL guest Nick Rains
Despite the low annual precipitation, absence of permanent lakes, and scarcity of springs, approximately 5,800 herder households call the transition zone between the steppe and desert home, including Nergui, our main host at Erdenedalai. This beautiful region, often overlooked by international visitors due to its omission from guidebooks and tour itineraries, holds untapped potential for immersive travel experiences.
Nergui and his wife Tsegmid embody the nomadic lifestyle, moving their livestock 2-4 times a year or more depending on local rainfall patterns. Erdenedalai holds significance as the hometown of a portion of our team, prompting us to forge long-term partnerships in this lesser-visited area. By prioritising support in such communities, we aim to maximise our positive impact while offering our guests a more intimate and authentic experience.
Choosing Erdenedalai as one of our bases allows travelers to delve deeper into the heart of Mongolia, fostering connections with local communities and gaining insights into traditional herding practices that have sustained life in this harsh yet breathtaking landscape for generations.
The Nergui family. Image: EL guest Joyanne Horscroft
These are just a few reasons why we’re passionate about Mongolia’s Middle Gobi. If you’re eager to explore this captivating region with us, take a moment to browse through our Mongolia experiences to discover how you can immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the Middle Gobi.
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
Jessica Brooks
I'm Jess Brooks, the founder of Eternal Landscapes Mongolia and the voice behind EL's blog posts. For almost two decades, since 2006, I've been based in Mongolia, working closely with my beloved Mongolian team to advocate for a tourism approach that brings about positive change.. What sets our blog apart is our deep understanding of Mongolia—our home. Unlike content from influencers or creators, our posts prioritise authenticity and firsthand knowledge as guiding principles.
