The park hosts a diverse array of wildlife adapted to its extreme environment, including endangered species like the snow leopard, argali sheep, and Siberian ibex. Other notable inhabitants include the Gobi bear (mazaalai), wild ass, gazelles, and numerous bird species such as lammergeiers and Altai snowcocks. The area is also home to various reptiles and small mammals adapted to desert conditions.
Despite the harsh climate, the park supports over 620 species of plants, many of which are endemic to the region. Vegetation varies from desert-adapted shrubs and grasses to unique alpine plants in the mountainous areas. Notable species include wild rhubarb, wild onion, and various medicinal plants used in traditional Mongolian medicine. The park's plants have remarkable adaptations to survive extreme temperature fluctuations and limited rainfall.
The park's dramatic landscape features the easternmost peaks of the Altai Mountain range, with the highest point reaching 2,825 meters. Its geological formations include ancient marine fossils, exposed sedimentary layers, and distinctive rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. The area is particularly notable for its dinosaur fossils, including famous discoveries of dinosaur eggs and well-preserved skeletal remains.
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan, meaning 'Three Beauties of the Gobi,' was established as a national park in 1993 to protect its unique ecosystem and cultural heritage. The region has been home to nomadic herders for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period. Ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils discovered in the area have made it a significant site for both cultural and paleontological research.
The park's most famous attraction is the Yolyn Am (Vulture's Mouth) gorge, known for its dramatic cliffs and historically permanent ice field. The Khongoryn Els sand dunes, nicknamed the 'Singing Sands' due to the sound they make when winds pass over them, stretch for over 100 kilometers. The park also features numerous petroglyphs, fossil sites, and opportunities for experiencing traditional nomadic culture through local family homestays.
The Gobi Gurvan Saikhan experiences extreme continental climate conditions typical of the Gobi Desert region. Summers are hot and dry with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while winters are severely cold, dropping to -35°C (-31°F). Rainfall is minimal, averaging only 130mm annually, with most precipitation occurring during July and August. Strong winds are common throughout the year, occasionally creating dramatic dust storms in spring.
Mongolia
43.5000°, 104.0000°
1993
27000
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan is the largest national park in Mongolia, featuring the easternmost points of the Altai Mountains. The park contains the famous Yolyn Am gorge and diverse desert-steppe ecosystems. It is home to rare snow leopards, ibex, and various bird species.