Into the Heart of the Gobi

The moment I set foot in Mongolia, I knew this was going to be an adventure unlike any other. The Gobi Desert, with its endless sky and blue mirages, beckoned me with promises of golden sands and expansive steppe lands. As a former extreme sports athlete, I’ve trekked deserts before, but the Gobi was something else entirely. It was a land where mountain sheep, wild asses, ibexes, camels, and gazelles roamed freely, and the flora was as diverse as the fauna.

Our journey began at Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a picturesque granite mountain standing at 1751 meters above sea level. The drive there was a thrilling ride through the rugged terrain, each bump and jolt a reminder of the wild beauty of this land. The mountain itself was a sight to behold, with its ancient Buddhist temple ruins and a stone hole with spring water that was said to have healing properties for the eyes. As I explored the small cave nearby, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the history and natural beauty surrounding me.

The White Stupas and Beyond

Next, we ventured to Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the “White Stupas.” This natural wonder was a breathtaking display of color and form, with its cliffs standing 62 meters high and 400 meters wide. The wind had carved these cliffs over hundreds of thousands of years, and from a distance, they resembled the ruins of an ancient town. As I stood at the edge, looking out over the vast expanse, I felt a thrill of excitement. This was the kind of adventure I lived for, the kind that made my heart race and my spirit soar.

The journey continued to the “Three Beauty Mountains” National Park, where we explored the Yoliin Am, a narrow ice canyon with sheer rocky walls towering 200 meters high. The air was crisp and cold, a stark contrast to the desert heat, and the sound of the river flowing through the canyon was a soothing melody. This area, protected since 1965, was a testament to the untouched beauty of Mongolia, and I felt privileged to witness it firsthand.

The Flaming Cliffs and Orkhon Waterfall

Our adventure didn’t stop there. We made our way to the Khongoryn Els dunes, where the sands stretched as far as the eye could see. The dunes were a playground for the adventurous, and I couldn’t resist the urge to climb to the top and take in the view. The feeling of standing atop a dune, with the wind in my hair and the sun on my face, was exhilarating.

The Flaming Cliffs, or Bayan Zag, were next on our itinerary. These cliffs, famous for their red and orange hues, were a sight to behold. As the sun set, the cliffs seemed to glow, casting a warm light over the desert. It was a moment of pure magic, one that I will never forget.

Finally, we visited the Orkhon Waterfall, a stunning cascade of water that seemed to appear out of nowhere in the middle of the steppe. The sound of the water crashing down was a symphony of nature, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace as I stood there, taking it all in.

As we made our way back to Ulaanbaatar, I reflected on the incredible journey we had just undertaken. The Gobi Desert had been everything I had hoped for and more, a land of endless adventure and breathtaking beauty. I knew that this was a place I would return to, a place that would forever hold a special place in my heart.