Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From north to south, areas to explore in Bayankhongor include the following:
Galuut Canyon
A 25m-deep canyon that narrows to around 1m wide in places. It is
20km southwest of Galuut sumcentre, 85km northwest of Bayankhongor town.
Böön Tsagaan Nuur
(GPS: N 45°37.114', E 99°15.350')
A large, scenic saltwater lake at
the end of Baidrag Gol with prolific birdlife, notably relic gulls, whooper swans and
geese. The nearest sumcentre is Baatsagaan. Locals from there sometimes come
to swim in the lake. The east end of the lake is best for birdwatching. Camping is
the only sleeping option.
Ikh Bogd Uul
The highest mountain (3957m) in the Gobi Altai range. It's possible to
part-jeep, part-hike your way to the top for stupendous views. On Ikh Bogd's south-
ern flank you'll also find the beautiful
Bituut rock
, formed after an earthquake in
1957.
Tsagaan Agui
(White Cave; GPS: N 44°42.604', E 101°10.187; admission T1000)
This is a cave
with a crystal-lined inner chamber that once housed Stone Age people. It is about
90km east of Bayangovi in a narrow gorge.
Tsagaan Bulag
(GPS: N 44°35.156', E 100°20.733')
Also near Bayangovi, this white rock
outcrop has the faint imprint of a strange helmeted figure, which locals believe was
created by aliens.
Gunii Khöndii Gorge
A beautiful, 4km-long gorge with vertical walls. It is about
70km southwest of Bayangovi.
Bayangiin Nuruu
(GPS: N 44°17.218', E 100°31.329')
A canyon with well-preserved rock
engravings and petroglyphs depicting hunting and agricultural scenes dating from
3000 BC.
Yasnee Tsav
An eroded hilly region with some impressive buttes. Local guides claim
they can point out authentic fossils at this site.
Bugiin Tsav
(GPS: N 43°52.869', E 100°01.639')
A large series of rift valleys running par-
allel to the Altan Uul mountain range and famous for its dinosaur fossils.
Khermen Tsav
(GPS: N 43°28.006', E 99°49.976')
The most spectacular canyons in the
area - some say more impressive than Bayanzag. The closest town is Gurvantes
(GPS: N 43°13.599', E 101°02.798')
where you can buy fuel and basic supplies.
Sevrei Petroglyphs
(GPS: N 43°33.678', E 102°01.052')
These depict herds of animals in-
cluding deer, ibexes and gazelles; 20km from the town of Sevrei.
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Bayangovi
