The Mongolian Gobi is a crown jewel of Mongolian tourism, captivating travelers with a unique blend of adventure, history, wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. These features make the Gobi Desert a unique destination for adventure travelers. Let's delve deeper into what makes the Gobi so special.
The Gobi: A Treasure Trove of Dinosaur Fossils
The Gobi Desert has yielded a wealth of dinosaur fossils, with the first fossilized dinosaur egg discovered near the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi Desert in 1922. This groundbreaking discovery shattered the prevailing belief that dinosaurs didn't lay eggs and offered crucial insights into dinosaur evolution and their link to birds. Below are some of the top iconic archeological discoveries made in the Gobi Desert:
- Velociraptor Mongoliensis: This agile predator, featured in Jurassic Park, is a key evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. Velociraptor fossils often show evidence of feathers, further solidifying this connection.
- Protoceratops Andrewsi: This herbivore, known for its bony frill and beak, may have been an ancestor of ceratopsians like Triceratops.
- Therizinosaurus Cheloniformis: This bizarre dinosaur had a long neck, a beaked head, and large claws on its forelimbs. While not directly ancestral to birds, its long arms and bird-like features suggest a close evolutionary relationship between theropod dinosaurs and birds.
- Oviraptor Philoceratops: Initially thought to be stealing eggs from Protoceratops, this feathered dinosaur is now believed to have been caring for its own young. Oviraptor's brooding behavior further strengthens the link between dinosaurs and avian lineages.
Visit the Flaming Cliffs of The Gobi
The Flaming Cliffs, named for their dramatic coloration at sunset, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. The Flaming Cliffs get their name from the large orange-tinted rocks and mineral-filled sands that give the cliffs their bright hue, made even more dramatic by the golden light of sunset. It is a very unique and breathtaking viewpoint in Mongolia and a very important point for dinosaur enthusiasts. Recognizing the Flaming Cliffs' historical importance, Mongolia Quest founders collaborated with the South Gobi province to create a sustainable tourism management plan. This resulted in the creation of a tourist visitor center with marked trails, public restrooms, as well as souvenir shops run by locals, thus empowering the community and fostering a shared responsibility for preserving the legendary site.
The Great Gobi 6 Species
The Great Gobi 6 are six iconic species that are heavily protected, together with their respective habitats in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. In 2016, the World Wildlife Fund - Mongolia launched The Great Gobi 6 initiative to protect these vulnerable animals and address threats faced by them. The The Great Gobi 6 are without doubt, a wonder worth seeing as they are an eye-opener to the species that once existed and are almost extinct, thus the need for preservation. Below is a list of the Great Gobi 6 species:
- The Gobi Bear: Also known as the Mazaalai Bear, this subspecies is critically endangered, with an estimated population of only 40 left. The Gobi Bear is the rarest bear species globally.
- The Wild Bactrian Camels: These majestic two-humped camels are perfectly adapted to the Gobi's dry climate and are found only in Mongolia and China. They can travel long distances without water and survive on sparse vegetation.
- Kulan, also known as the Mongolian wild ass, is a fast and agile equine that roams the Gobi.
- The Goitered Gazelle: is a medium-sized gazelle well-adapted to Gobi desert life. It can efficiently extract water from plants and tolerate high temperatures.
- Takhi, also known as Przewalski's Horse: once extinct in the wild, the Takhi has been successfully reintroduced to the Gobi through conservation efforts. However, ongoing protection is crucial for their long-term survival.
- The Saiga Antelope: classified as critically endangered, the Saiga Antelope has experienced a population decline due to poaching and disease. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.
The Snow Leopard Haven of the Mongolian Gobi
Mongolia boasts the world's second-largest population of snow leopards, with estimates ranging from 500 to 1,000 snow leopards. These elusive big cats find sanctuary in the rugged terrain of the South Gobi and Gobi Altai mountains, where average elevations soar between 8,530 and 9,843 feet (2,600 and 3,000 meters). A crucially-protected area for snow leopards is Tost Toson Bumbat National Park which provides a safe haven for these magnificent creatures and for travelers to visit responsibly. The Snow Leopard Trust is also located here, conducting vital research to better understand and conserve these endangered cats.
Understand the Nomad Culture Legacy of the Gobi
The Gobi Desert is not just about dinosaurs and wildlife; it's also the land of nomadic herders who have thrived here for centuries. Their traditional way of life, centered on herding camels, sheep, goats, and horses, is a testament to their preservation efforts and deep connection to the environment. Hospitality is also a cornerstone of nomadic culture. Visitors might be welcomed into a ger (traditional yurt) for a cup of Mongolian tea (often salted milk tea), fermented mare's milk (airag), or camel's milk. These interactions offer a glimpse into their fascinating traditions and a chance to experience nomadic culture firsthand.
Experience the Gobi
The Gobi offers limitless unique activities such as trekking across vast sand dunes on camelback, camping under the night sky with the visible Milky Way, or overland driving through the vast and arid desert. The Gobi is more than just a destination; it's an experience; an experience so diverse, catering to every traveler category from curious adventure seekers eager to venture off the beaten path, to dinosaur enthusiasts or wildlife photographers. The Gobi offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Mongolia's natural and cultural heritage.
Conservation Efforts and Responsible Tourism in the Gobi
The Gobi faces a multitude of threats, including climate change, habitat loss, and poaching. However, conservation efforts are rising to the challenge. The Mongolian government has established national parks like the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area and the Tost Toson Bumbat National Park, which provide crucial sanctuaries for wildlife and natural resources. Conservation efforts are constantly implemented to ensure the Mongolian Gobi, with its stark beauty, captivating history, and resilient wildlife, continues to thrive for generations to come. Responsible tourism plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts, and Mongolia Quest is at the forefront.
About Mongolia Quest
At Mongolia Quest, we design all our tours to support local communities, preserve national parks, and support educational and research initiatives. Our commitment extends to contributing to scientific advancement and responsible tourism practices. Our "Gobi with a Cause" program offers travelers the unique opportunity to make a personal impact and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities and their initiatives. Additionally, our "Dinosaurs of Mongolia" expeditions led by international and national paleontologists, in cooperation with the Institue of Paleontology under the Mongolian Academy of Science, allow travelers to participate in fossil digs and contribute to scientific discoveries.