Mongol Els

Mongol Els is a national park in Zavkhan Province protecting Mongolia's largest sand dune field, which extends about 330 km along the Zavkhan River basin north of the Gobi-Altai^[1].

The dunes lie in an arid steppe setting where nomadic herders are the traditional inhabitants^[1].

The park is a dune and desert-steppe landscape with sparse vegetation.

The park is a belt of golden sand dunes running along the Zavkhan River basin, reaching toward the river's source^[1].

The park has a dry continental climate typical of western Mongolia's desert steppe.

Nomadic herders are the desert's traditional inhabitants. In the westernmost dunes, sand baths are used in folk medicine^[1].

The park was established in 2010.

From the dune summits there is a view over Lake Ereen Nuur, which is marshy and can be hazardous to approach^[1].

The nearest settlement is Erdenekhairkhan, about 45 km away. Visitors reach the dunes by crossing the Zavkhan River.

The park protects the dune field and the grazing lands of the Zavkhan basin as a national park.