Khongoryn Els

Name: Khongoryn Els

Location: Dalanzadgad, Omnogovi Province, Mongolia

Reason to Visit: Some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, which provides iconic images of endless sand dunes

Duration: A day

Our Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Khongoryn Els, also known as Khongor sand dunes or Khongoriin Els. Khongoryn Els are the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, which is 763 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. It is called Singing Dunes because the sound is very wonderful when the wind blows to the sand dunes. The whole sand dunes are long and narrow, with a length of 100 kilometers, a width of 12 kilometers, and the narrowest width is 800 meters. The sand dunes cover an area of more than 900 square kilometers. The highest peak of the sand dunes is above 300 meters, which is located in the northwest of the sand dunes. Standing on the top of the sand dunes and look for into distance, you will experience the vast expanse of the endless rolling desert.

Climb up to the Top of the Sand Dunes

If you come to the Khongoryn Els, it is worth trying to climb up to the top of the sand dunes. And first of all, you should be aware of that it is not easy to climb up to the top of one of the sand dunes. Taking time to climb up to the top of the sand dunes must be impressive when you see the sheep and yurts on the green grassland and rolling sand dunes in the skyline, which make up splendid scenery. If you have enough time, climbing to the top of the highest sand dune is recommended, which will give you sense of achievement.

Although it is difficult to climb up to the sand dunes, coming down from the top will be much easier since you can slide down along the slopes. When you slide down from the top of the sand dunes, the sound you hear may be similar to the sound of Singing Dunes. And sliding down from the sand dunes must be exciting and fun.

Watch the Marvellous Sunset on the Sand Dunes

Watching the sunset on the Khongoryn Els is also an unforgettable experience. You can climb up to the top of the sand dunes at afternoon before the sunset. It is amazing to watch the sand dunes changing from yellow or golden to red or orange, even pink or purple. Watching the sunset on the sand dunes is memorable.

Desert is lonely, the red sunset and the red sky will give you warmth. Sit on the soft sands, seeing the sun gradually setting down until it totally sets down. The sunset will take your breath away and you can’t find any words to describe the amazing scenery but beautiful.

Camel Riding on the Khongoryn Els

Sand dunes are hot places for riding camels. Camels are the only vehicle in the sand dunes. Generally speaking, camels are very gentle and compliant when you are riding. There will be no problems on the camels. Riding a camel is a special experience. Cross the sand dunes by riding a camel, feel the moving of the camel and you will get a sense of achievement. Keep moving forward and not fearing difficulties, the spirit of the camels will give you power in your life.

Some tourists will choose to spend more than a day to cross the sand dunes by riding a camel. It is a challenge to join this trip to cross the desert. But if you successfully finish, that will be really exciting and happy.

Visit the Oasis in the Sand Dunes

There is not only sands at the Khongoryn Els. There is an oasis here because a river exists in this area. Everyone will be surprised that find an oasis in the desert. The existence of green vegetation is rare in the vast desert. So you don’t need to be amazed that grassland occurs in the sand dunes.

The appearance of the oasis adds green color to the endless sand dunes and makes it more attractive. There are yurts and herders in the oasis, which make the scenery more beautiful.

Travel Tips

1. It is hot and dry in summer, please protect yourself from the sunshine and moisturize your skin. And drink enough water to replenish moisture.
2. The sand dunes can be very hot during the day, especially at noon. Avoiding the heat, morning and afternoon are recommended when visiting the sand dunes or the desert.
3. If you take a camera with you, please take good care of your camera. The sands can ruin a camera in small quantity. To better record the beautiful, you should protect your camera.
4. Although the camels are very gentle and compliant when you are riding, please be careful when you are riding and pay attention to your safety.
5. Please protect your eyes when the wind is blowing to avoid the sands enter your eyes. You can wear hats or sunglasses.
6. Do not wear sandals because the sands can be very hot in the sunlight in summer. If you wear sandals, your feet may be scalded by the hot sands.