
Thinking about a desert, people usually picture the unbearable heat, strong winds, and endless dunes. If that's your case, then Dalanzadgad is about to surprise you. Welcome to the charming capital of the Omnogobi province, a magical place where you can find ice in the desert even if it's the middle of June.
Hundreds of people add Dalanzadgad to their Mongolia itinerary every year because of its amazing location. This small town is nestled in the middle of the majestic Gobi Desert, 540 km (335 mi) away from the scenic capital of the country, 1470 m (4820 ft) above sea level, and, most importantly, near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park (one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mongolia).
There are several places you can't miss during your Dalanzadgad travel, exploring the unique desert park. One of them is the impressive Khongoryn Els, boasting some of the biggest and most spectacular dunes in the country. It looks exactly like you would expect a desert to look like and provides some excellent photo opportunities. This incredible place is also known as the "Duut Mankhan" or the "Singing Dunes", due to the particular sound the sand makes when the wind is blowing.
Another place to add to your Mongolia bucket list is the scenic Flaming Cliffs, famous for being the place where the first dinosaur egg was found. This place got its name because of the out-of-this-world landscape. It's better to visit the Flaming Cliffs in the evening; in the rays of the setting sun, the magnificent cliffs turn carmine, offering some of the most striking panoramas in the country.
There's so much to explore in Dalanzadgad. Take a look at the list below and get inspired to plan your journey.