Bayanzag is located 17 km from Bulgan soum and about 100 km northwest of Dalanzadgad, in Umnugobi Province, southern Mongolia. It’s world-famous for being the site where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1922 by American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews. The area’s red sandstone cliffs glow in fiery shades of orange and red at sunset — earning it the nickname “Flaming Cliffs.”
Facts
Location
17 km from Bulgan soum
Dinosaur Discoveries
First dinosaur egg and over 100 fossilized remains of dinosaurs
Height
20–50 m-high red cliffs
Established
Under state protection in 1996
Highlights
About the Complex
Bayanzag was shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion, exposing vivid layers of sandstone and clay that date back to the Cretaceous Period. The soil’s deep red color comes from high iron oxide content, giving the cliffs their flaming appearance, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The surrounding area features sparse saxaul trees, desert shrubs, and rolling sand dunes. Despite the harsh desert climate, wildlife such as lizards, small rodents, and birds of prey thrive in this semi-arid environment.
Fossil Discoveries
In 1922, Roy Chapman Andrews, a pioneering American explorer often said to be the real-life inspiration for Indiana Jones, led an expedition to the Gobi Desert. While searching for evidence of ancient human life, his team stumbled upon fossilized dinosaur eggs — a groundbreaking discovery that transformed paleontology forever. Their work proved that dinosaurs were egg-laying creatures, and Bayanzag became known worldwide as a cradle of prehistoric life.
Why You Should Visit This Place
Iconic Flaming Landscape: Experience one of Mongolia’s most photogenic sunset spots.
Walk in Dinosaur Territory: See the birthplace of paleontological history.
Peaceful Desert Scenery: Enjoy tranquility amid striking red canyons and open steppe. Cultural &
Natural Connection: Combine it with nearby Gobi attractions like Moltsog Els and Khongor Sand Dune.
