Narrow walls
Towering rock.
Bernard Gagnon — CC0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC0 · Bernard Gagnon — CC0
A deep, narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia, named after the lammergeier, which Mongolians call yol, so its name is often translated Valley of the Vultures. It lies inside Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and feels like another world in the desert. The towering rock walls close in until only metres apart, with a small stream at the bottom. In the shade it used to keep a thick ice field into midsummer, though in recent years it melts earlier. The air in the gorge is much cooler than the desert around it. Visitors walk about an hour along a path following the stream between meadows and rocks, or ride horses for the first part. Mountain animals live here, such as ibex, wild sheep, marmots and birds of prey, and a small nature museum stands at the entrance. The park fee is small, and the road from Dalanzadgad takes about an hour. UK travel advice reported fuel shortages in 2026 that may disrupt domestic flights and road travel to remote areas, so check with your operator before setting out.
Towering rock.
In the shade.
Ibex and vultures.
Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, about 45 km west of Dalanzadgad
It used to last into midsummer, but now melts earlier, so June is the best bet.