Dalanzadgad, Mongolia: travel guide
The gateway to the South Gobi's dunes, canyons and dinosaur cliffs
Capital of Ömnögovi (South Gobi) and gateway to Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park — the Yolyn Am ice gorge, Khongoryn Els singing sand dunes, and the Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) dinosaur fossil site.
About Dalanzadgad
Dalanzadgad is a small town and provincial centre in the South Gobi, and it is mainly a staging post for the desert landscapes of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Travellers arrive by road or flight, stock up and head out.
The nearby sights are the highlight. Yolyn Am is a narrow gorge where ice can linger into summer, Khongoryn Els are large singing sand dunes, and Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, is known for dinosaur fossil discoveries. A small museum in town gives background on the region.
Dalanzadgad suits adventurous travellers and those joining multi-day Gobi tours. Late spring through early autumn is the usual season, with summer hot and winter very cold.
- Country
- Mongolia
- Currency
- MNT
- Time zone
- Asia/Ulaanbaatar
- Nearest airport
- DLZ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Dalanzadgad
Yolyn Am (Yol Valley)
gorge · 4.7 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
A deep, narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains where thick sheets of ice survive deep into summer. Famed for lammergeier (bearded vulture) sightings, pika, ibex and a scenic walk along the stream.
Khongoryn Els (Singing Sand Dunes)
dunes · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Mongolia's most spectacular sand dunes — up to 300 m high and stretching ~100 km. Climb for sunset views, ride a Bactrian camel, and hear the dunes "sing" when the wind shifts the sand.
Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
geology · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The red-orange sandstone cliffs where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in 1923. Glowing brilliantly at sunset, Bayanzag remains a rich fossil site and a Gobi highlight.
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
national-park · 4.7 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
Mongolia's largest national park, named for the "Three Beauties" mountains. Encompasses Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els and vast desert-steppe home to wild ass, gazelle, ibex and the elusive snow leopard.
South Gobi Museum (Dalanzadgad)
natural-history · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The provincial museum in Dalanzadgad with dinosaur fossils and eggs from the Gobi, plus natural-history and ethnographic displays — a useful primer before exploring the desert.
Things to do
- Khongoryn Els Camel Riding Adventure · 2 h · from MNT 80,000 per person
- Gobi Desert 2-Day Highlights Tour Adventure · 24 h · from MNT 600,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Gobi: Yolyn Am & Flaming Cliffs Day 10 h · from MNT 200,000
Where to stay in Dalanzadgad
- Dalanzadgad & Gobi Ger Camps about MNT 150,000 per night
The Gobi gateway town plus desert ger camps near Yolyn Am and Bayanzag — choose town hotels for convenience or ger camps for the desert experience.
Hotels
- Three Camel Lodge 5-star · MNT 500,000 to MNT 1,100,000 per night
- Tövshin Hotel Dalanzadgad 3-star · MNT 90,000 to MNT 190,000 per night
Where to eat
- Gobi Tour Restaurant Mongolian, International · about MNT 18,000 per person
Getting to Dalanzadgad
Airport: Dalanzadgad (DLZ)
Getting around
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in Mongolia
Frequently asked questions about Dalanzadgad
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Dalanzadgad?
- The highest-rated places in our Dalanzadgad guide are Khongoryn Els (Singing Sand Dunes), Yolyn Am (Yol Valley), Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), South Gobi Museum (Dalanzadgad).
- Where should I stay in Dalanzadgad?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Dalanzadgad: Dalanzadgad & Gobi Ger Camps.
- How do I get around Dalanzadgad?
- Ways to get around Dalanzadgad covered in our guide: Off-road vehicle, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Dalanzadgad?
- The nearest airport to Dalanzadgad has the code DLZ.