Yolyn Am
Mongolia · Ömnögovi · 2200 m
Description
Yolyn Am is a narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan mountains, cut so deep and facing so close to north that the sun barely reaches its floor. Ice that forms in winter survives well into summer here, sometimes into July, while the desert thirty kilometres away is at thirty five degrees. The walls close to a few metres apart at the narrowest point and rise two hundred metres. The gorge is named for the lammergeier, the bearded vulture that nests on the cliffs. Ibex and pika live on the scree above the path.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June or September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Yolyn Am gorge and its summer ice field (May - July)
- Gurvan Saikhan National Park
- Lammergeier and vultures over the cliffs
- Two hundred metre canyon walls
- Ibex and pika on the scree
- Horse ride into the gorge mouth
- Nature museum at the park entrance
- Meltwater stream along the canyon floor
Getting there
- Airports:
- DLZ