Tsagaan Suvarga, or “White Stupa,” is located 420 km from Ulaanbaatar and 65 km southwest of Ulziit village in Dundgobi province. It is famous for its colorful limestone cliffs, steep slopes, and resemblance to ancient Buddhist stupas or pagodas, earning it the nickname Mongolian Grand Canyon.
Facts
Location
65 km southwest, Ulziit village, Dundgobi province.
Establishment
Under state protection in 1994
Height & Length
30–60 meters high and 400 meters long
Waterfall Effect
After rain, water flows down the cliffs, creating the massive cascading waterfall.
Highlights
About the Complex
Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the "White Stupa," is a striking geological formation located in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. It is renowned for its 60-meter-high cliffs and unique sedimentary layers that resemble the ruins of an ancient city.
Tsagaan Suvarga is a steep limestone formation, part of an ancient sea bed shaped over millions of years. Its east-facing slope rises at an almost vertical 90-degree angle, creating a dramatic landscape. The surrounding area is semi-arid steppe, with sparse vegetation, making the cliffs stand out as a natural landmark in southern Mongolia.
Interesting Story
The name “Tsagaan Suvarga” comes from its resemblance to white Buddhist stupas, symbolizing sacredness and purity. Locals compare its shape to pagodas, giving the site spiritual and cultural significance in Mongolian folklore. Some travelers say that viewing the cliffs at sunrise or sunset evokes a sense of reverence and awe, as if witnessing a sacred monument rising from the steppe.
Why You Should Visit This Place
Unique Geological Formation: One of Mongolia’s most striking limestone cliffs.
Photography Opportunities: Ideal for capturing sunrise, sunset, and colorful rock layers.
Adventure: Explore the nearby Khevtee Bosoo caves.
Scenic Drive: A beautiful route through Dundgobi’s vast steppe landscapes.
