Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Mongolia

Last updated 10 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: September 25, 2022

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Mongolia

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, the largest national park in Mongolia, is situated in the southern part of the Gobi within Omnogovi Province. This park features a rugged mountainous landscape, with peaks reaching up to 2,800 meters, dramatically emerging from the expansive desert plains. As part of the Gobi Altai Range, it represents the outer folds of the Himalayan geological activity. The area is renowned for its remarkable biological diversity, showcasing a unique ecosystem where the harsh desert environment meets the high-altitude terrain.

Yolyn Am, one of the most frequented sites within Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, derives its name from the Mongolian word for “Vultures’ Gorge/Mouth/Canyon.” This name is inspired by the sight of Lammergeiers, or Bearded Vultures, soaring on the thermals above. The gorge is notable for a thick sheet of ice that accumulates in its narrow confines during winter. The towering cliffs that cast shadows over the gorge contribute to a delayed melting process, allowing this ice to sometimes persist into early summer. However, visitors should temper their expectations, as the ice often melts into a gray residue rather than remaining a solid mass of pure ice.

Other notable gorge areas within the park include Dungenee Am, named for the distinctive sound of wind that sweeps through it, resembling a whistle or hum. During the summer months, this gorge transforms into a natural roadway traversing the high terrain along the crest of the Zuun Saikhan. This area is distinguished by its rare desert alpine meadows, providing a unique ecosystem amidst the arid landscape. Another significant gorge is Gegeettyn Am, a narrow pass slicing through the western end of the Saikhan Range. For visitors exploring these routes, they walk a path steeped in history, as evidenced by the remnants of a ruined monastery at the southern entrance of Dungenee Am, indicating that the area has been a hub of human activity for centuries.

The Gobi Museum of Nature and History

While many visitors primarily associate Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park with the three mountain ranges known as Zuun Saikhan (Eastern Beauty), Duud Saikhan (Middle Beauty), and Baruun Saikhan (Western Beauty), the park’s boundaries are far more extensive. Spanning about 27,000 square kilometers, it stretches 400 kilometers from east to west and roughly 80 kilometers from north to south. Additionally, the Khongoryn Els sand dunes, locally known as Duut Mankhan or the “singing sands,” are a significant and spectacular part of the park. This vast and diverse area encompasses a variety of ecosystems, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of the Gobi’s unique environmental and geological features.

Wildlife In Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including notable large mammals such as the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), Argali sheep (Ovis ammon), grey wolves (Canis lupus), snow leopards (Uncia uncia), and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx). Despite the presence of these impressive species, the park’s biodiversity is dominated by smaller creatures. Rodents such as various species of hamsters, jerboas, gerbils, and the Mongolian pika actually outnumber the larger mammals in terms of species diversity, individual population sizes, and overall biomass. This prevalence highlights the ecological significance of these smaller animals in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem within the expansive and diverse habitats of the national park.

A Mongolian Pika. Image: EL guest Marian Herz

Underfoot in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a diverse array of plant species thrives, each contributing uniquely to the local ecosystem. Juniper, known locally as “arts,” is especially significant in Mongolian culture, often burned in temples and monasteries to create a thick, fragrant incense. The landscape also boasts Asters, Siberian Mint, and the Saikhan Poppy. Another crucial species is Saxaul, which flourishes in sandy areas with access to groundwater. Additionally, the park is home to over 12 species of wild onion. These onions are not only a vital part of the local flora but also influence the regional agriculture; livestock grazing on them impart a distinctive flavor to the area’s meat and milk.

If you’re eager to explore the stunning landscapes of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, consider our tailor-made Gobi Explorer experience. Alternatively, look at our Untamed Mongolia small group experience which also includes Gobi Gurvan Saikhan. For more information or to discuss your travel plans, feel free to get in touch with Jess for further details.

Jess @ Eternal Landscapes