Khongor Sand Dunes are some of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. It stretches for 180 kilometres across the desert covering more than 900 sq km. It lies at the foot of sacred Mt. Sevrei, about 200 km northwest from the capital of South Gobi Province, Dalanzadgad. The tallest dune is popularly called Singing Dune signifying the low-pitched sound it makes under a gentle breeze. These dunes reach 1,400m upwards and known as the Gobi’s most magnificent sand dunes. As a result of remoteness, the sand dunes have been kept untouched for thousands of years.
With the surroundings, the sand dune offers a diversity of vibrant colours. The view from the top is extraordinary with sand dunes. It’s green meadows and the endless desert that stretches as far as the eye could see.
Although the area is predominantly desert, it has rich fauna and flora. Big mammals such as Ibex, Argali wild sheep, and the majestic snow leopard can be spotted in the mountains of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan and Sevrei Khairkhan. Unique birds in the area include Mongolian finch, saxual sparrow, desert grey shrike, and Henderson’s ground jay. Small mammals including Gobi jerboa and thick-tailed pygmy jerboa, reptiles such as toadhead agamas and even-fingered gecko are some of the Gobi’s unique habitats. The Gobi has unique and yet fragile ecosystem like no other in the world.
Riding a Bactrian camel along the beautiful dunes is a popular activity here, in addition to climbing to the Singing Dune.
If you want to find out more about Khongor sand dune, here is our gallery with our best photos.
