by Altantogos Myagmar
PureTravel Writing Competition 2024
I never expected this would be part of my greatest journey.
One year ago, amidst the rugged beauty of Mongolia, I embarked on an adventure that would take me deep into the heart of the Gobi Desert. The sheer vastness of the landscape, where the sky meets the earth in an endless horizon, stirred a sense of adventure deep within me. This yearning led me to experience the Gobi’s wonders firsthand.
The journey began with an early morning flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. As the plane soared over the rugged mountains and sprawling steppes, a growing sense of excitement filled me. Upon landing, I was greeted by the local team who would guide me through this extraordinary journey. Our first stop was Khavtsait Valley, home to ancient rock drawings. These petroglyphs, etched into the rock by early inhabitants, offered a glimpse into the lives of those who once roamed these lands, connecting me to a time long past.
Next, we traveled to the Flaming Cliffs, a site of immense paleontological significance. Here, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur fossils, including nests of eggs that revolutionized our understanding of these ancient creatures. As the sun set, casting a golden hue over the cliffs, I stood in awe of the beauty and history surrounding me. That night, I stayed in a traditional ger camp, a round, felt-covered dwelling that provided a 360-degree view of the steppes. The simplicity of the ger, combined with the vastness of the desert and the brilliance of the starry night sky, created a profound sense of peace.
The following day, we journeyed to the Khongor Sand Dunes, the tallest dunes in the Gobi Desert. The sight of these towering sand formations was nothing short of awe-inspiring. I visited a local nomad family, experiencing their warm hospitality and learning about their way of life. Their resilience and deep connection to the land were evident in every aspect of their daily routines.
One of the highlights of my trip was riding a Bactrian camel, an iconic creature of the Gobi. These two-humped camels are uniquely adapted to the harsh desert environment. As I swayed gently atop the camel, I felt a profound connection to the ancient traditions of this land. Climbing one of the towering dunes was a physical challenge, but reaching the top offered a reward like no other – a panoramic view of the desert that seemed to stretch to infinity. The locals call these dunes “Singing Sands” because of the melodic sounds created by the wind sweeping over the sand. Standing atop the dune, listening to this natural symphony, was a moment of pure magic.
Our journey continued to the Eagle Valley, or Yoliin Am, a lush, green canyon nestled within the arid desert. This valley, part of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, is a hidden gem, home to bearded eagles, wild sheep, and ibexes. The valley’s cool, shaded environment, with its narrow gorge and perennial ice, was a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. As we hiked through the canyon, the sense of wonder and awe deepened. The lush green vegetation, the cool air, and the occasional sighting of wildlife created a surreal experience, making it hard to believe I was still in the Gobi Desert.
On the final day, as I prepared to leave the Gobi Desert and return to Ulaanbaatar, I reflected on the journey. The Gobi had shown me its many faces – from the ancient rock carvings of Khavtsait Valley to the awe-inspiring Flaming Cliffs, from the towering Khongor Sand Dunes to the hidden oasis of the Eagle Valley. Each day brought new experiences and deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of this land.
This journey through the Gobi Desert was more than just a travel experience; it was a profound encounter with nature and history. The vast, open spaces and the warmth of the people I met along the way have left an indelible mark on my soul.
Photo by Patrick Schneider on Unsplash
