Southern Mongolia

Eagle Valley, also known as Yolyn Am in Mongolian, is a picturesque and narrow gorge located in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park in southern Mongolia. It is situated in the southern part of Mongolia, within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. It is approximately 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) west of the town of Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi Province. The valley was formed by the movement of water over thousands of years, creating a deep and narrow gorge with steep rocky walls. During the winter months, the valley is known to be covered in ice, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. Eagle Valley is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including wild ibex, argali sheep, and various bird species. The valley is also known for its population of the endangered bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier or bearded vulture. Due to its location in the Gobi Desert, Eagle Valley experiences extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. Summers can be hot with temperatures reaching over 40°C (104°F), while winters are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing. Eagle Valley is a popular tourist destination in Mongolia, attracting visitors who come to admire its stunning natural beauty and unique wildlife. Tourists can hike through the gorge, explore the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the valley. There is a small museum located near the entrance of Eagle Valley that provides information about the flora, fauna, and geology of the region. Visitors can learn more about the natural history of the area before exploring the valley itself.

Overall, Eagle Valley is a beautiful and tranquil natural attraction in Mongolia, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the Gobi Desert region.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a unique rock formation and a sacred site located in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia. It is situated in the Dundgovi Province of Mongolia, approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) to the north of Adaatsag sum (village). It is a remote and rugged area characterized by granite rock formations, hills, and valleys. Also, this place is known for its granite rock formations, some of which reach heights of up to 15-30 meters (49-98 feet). The site is surrounded by rocky hills and valleys, creating a unique and picturesque landscape in the otherwise flat Gobi Desert region. The area is considered sacred by the local nomadic herders and is believed to have spiritual significance. The site has historical and cultural importance, with ancient petroglyphs and Buddhist shrines scattered throughout the area. Despite its arid environment, Baga Gazriin Chuluu supports a variety of plant and animal species. Visitors may encounter wildlife such as wild sheep, ibex, marmots, and various bird species. The area also features unique flora adapted to the desert climate. While Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a remote location, it is accessible by road from the nearby town of Mandalgovi, the capital of Dundgovi Province.

Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, is a renowned archaeological and natural site situated in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Located in the Ömnögovi Province, about 95 kilometers northwest of Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital, Bayanzag features striking red sandstone cliffs that give the area its distinctive appearance. These cliffs, aptly named for their red and orange hues that seem to glow in the sunlight, create a captivating contrast against the desert landscape. Not only is Bayanzag known for its geological beauty, but it is also famous for its significant paleontological and archaeological discoveries. The Flaming Cliffs have yielded a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils and eggs dating back to the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The site gained international recognition when American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs here in the 1920s.

In addition to dinosaur fossils, Bayanzag has revealed ancient stone tools and petroglyphs, shedding light on the prehistoric past and the early human inhabitants of the region. This rich history and diverse wildlife further add to the allure of the area.

Khamriin Khiid monastery was founded in the early 1820s by the renowned Mongolian intellectual and educator Danzanravjaa, who was a prominent figure in the 19th-century literary scene. The monastery served as a significant hub for the Buddhist "red sect" and was also known as the seat of the revered Gobiin Dogshin Noyon Khutagt, or the "Terrible Noble Saint of the Gobi". Danzanravjaa was a vocal critic of the societal norms of his time, challenging the prevailing class and gender divisions. He placed a strong emphasis on advancing public education, a mission he pursued at Khamriin Khiid monastery by establishing a comprehensive public school, theater, museum, and library.

One of the notable institutions within the monastery was the "Namtar duulakh datsan" (story-singing college), which was established in the 1830s and is acknowledged as Mongolia's earliest professional theater. In close proximity was the "Khuukhdiin datsan" (children's college), which provided fundamental and specialized artistic training to local children. Many of these children would go on to pursue careers as singers, dancers, painters, sculptors, and other artistic roles within the monastery or its affiliated theater group. Khamriin Khiid monastery was situated in a picturesque setting, characterized by a river lined with lush trees to the south and rocky mountains with numerous caves to the north, where the vibrant Saran Khokhoo drama echoed through the surroundings.