Khongoryn Els dunes are located in the extreme south of the Gobi Desert, about 180 km from Dalanzadgad town in Umnugobi Province and roughly 763 km from Ulaanbaatar. They are the largest and most breathtaking sand dunes in Mongolia, known for their “singing sands” phenomenon, changing colors at different times of the day, and their vast, undulating landscapes.
Location
180 km from Dalanzadgad town
Size & Scale:
The dunes stretch 180 km long, 7–8 km wide, and cover more than 900 km², with heights ranging from 100–300 meters.
Color Changing Sands
The sand shifts from pale yellow to silver and even red at sunrise, creating dramatic visual effects.
Annual Mini Naadam
Every 15 August, a traditional mini Naadam festival is held at the dunes, celebrating Mongolian culture and sports.
Khongoryn Els were formed by wind-deposited sand over millennia, lying along the northern slopes of the Sevrei and Zuulun Mountains in Bayandalai and Sevrei soums. The dunes are surrounded by mountains, desert steppe, and sparse saxaul forests. The Khongoryn River flows along the base, creating a natural oasis in the desert, with camels grazing nearby. Wildlife includes desert foxes, jerboas, and various birds, while the dunes themselves host unique desert flora and pockets of green vegetation near the river. Its red-orange sand contrasts beautifully with the green saxaul shrubs at the dune base.
Local legend says the dunes were formed by a giant’s tears over the lost love of a beautiful woman who wandered the desert. The melodic singing of the dunes is believed to be the echo of his sorrow, giving Khongor its mystical reputation.
Sevrei Mountain, visible from the dunes, was nicknamed “the Queen” because it blesses women.
Spectacular Natural Landscape: Majestic sand dunes with dramatic desert scenery.
Singing Sands Phenomenon: Hear the rare sound created by shifting sand in the wind.
Cultural Events: Participate or observe the mini Naadam festival in August.
Adventure Activities: Climb dunes, ride camels, and explore the desert oasis.
Accessible via Dalanzadgad, usually by 4×4 or organized desert tours. Travel takes around 3–4 hours across desert terrain.
The sand produces sound when the wind blows, usually in the afternoon when sun-heated sand shifts, but it can vary depending on wind conditions.
Yes, Bactrian camels are available for rides. Hiking is safe but challenging due to loose sand—start with lower dunes and follow recommended paths.
Winter Tours
Explore Mongolia’s highlights from the Gobi Desert to ancient Karakorum
Experience camel riding, dog sledding, and nomadic family stays
Discover iconic sites like Flaming Cliffs, Hustai wild horses, and Terelj National Park
From: 1750 USD
10 day tours
Classic private tours
Stay with nomadic families, engage with eagle hunters, and experience Mongolian culture from the inside out
From the Gobi Desert’s dunes to alpine lakes and glaciers in the Altai Mountains
Enjoy seamless travel with private transport, internal flights, English-speaking guides
From: 3300 USD
18 & more
Classic private tours
Explore the mini gobi, and riding Mongolian horses at pristine Khuvsgul province
Enjoy meeting with reindeer herders and taking photos of reindeers
See the biggest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan & breathtaking famous Terelj National Park
From: 2920 USD
12 day tours
Classic private tours
Explore the diverse landscape and must-see attractions of the world-famous Gobi Desert
Enjoy riding two-humped Mongolian camels at Gobi’s largest Khongoryn Els sand dunes
Enjoy meeting with nomads and experiencing the nomadic culture of Mongolia
From: 1550 USD
7 day tours
