Yol Valley National Park
Explore the remote and beautiful Yol Valley National Park, set at the foothills of the Altai Mountains. Discover a lush valley, often dotted with ice formations even in high summer, and a pristine habitat for fascinating indigenous species.
Area
The Gobi Desert and Southern Mongolia
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
Full Day
Drive to Yol Valley, nestled at the heart of Zuun Saikhan Mountain of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range. This seven-mile valley is a lush landscape best known as a prime habitat for Yol vultures (lammergier), or bearded vultures. Lammergiers nestle atop the cliffs and when the air is warm, they fill the sky, soaring with the sun. Wonder why this valley is named for them? Simply look up, and the sheer number of vultures gliding through the sky will show you.
The Yol Valley is a wondrous place where ice formed during the winter does not melt until late June. It is a place where pikas jump from bush to bush. These amazing little rodents are in the squirrel family and can only survive in elevations higher than 3,000 feet. Birds, from white ramped swifts to wall creepers, are plentiful in the Yol Valley, too.
Visit the small, but informative museum to learn more about the local wildlife of the Gobi region before driving 10 km/ 6.5 miles to the starting point for your hike. The narrow valley with a stream running through the center delivers a rewarding hike for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourUltimate Mongolia with Naadam Festival
Discover the ‘land of the blue sky’ on this 10-day Mongolian adventure, taking in Ulaanbaatar’s famed Naadam Festival, the sun-scorched landscape of the Gobi Desert, and the grasslands of the Orkhon Valley alongside some of the most luxurious hotels Mongolia has to offer. This itinerary is perfect for the adventurous and culturally curious traveller looking to get off the common tourist trail in comfort and style.
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![Mongolia Landscape]()
View TourUltimate China & Mongolia
From the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing to Mongolia’s remote Gobi Desert, this 13 day itinerary explores two of Asia’s most curious destinations, combining adventure, incredible landscapes, rich cultures and one-of-a-kind luxury accommodation. This itinerary is perfect for the intrepid traveller looking for an adventure without forgoing too many home comforts.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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![Exterior]()
View AccommodationThree Camel Lodge
In the wilderness of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Three Camel Lodge is a one-of-a-kind ecolodge that captures the nomadic spirit of this mesmerising landscape with its singing dunes, dinosaur skeletons and herding tribespeople that have thrived for centuries.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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![Gobi Desert Sand Dunes]()
View ExperienceMotlsog Els Sand Dunes
Amongst the rugged rocks and cliffs of the Gobi, Moltsog Els is one of the few areas covered by sand dunes. Explore the shifting sands on foot.
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![Flaming Cliffs]()
View ExperienceFlaming Cliffs
Travel to the spectacular ‘Flaming Cliffs’ or ‘Bayan Zag’, a vibrant ridge of red-orange sandstone that glows like fire as the sun sets. It was here that the celebrated Dr Roy Chapman Andrews found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen.
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