Bayanzag cliff
🌄Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Mongolia
Known worldwide as the Flaming Cliffs, Bayanzag is one of Mongolia’s most important paleontological sites. Located in the heart of the Gobi Desert, its red sandstone cliffs glow spectacularly at sunset. This site gained fame in the 1920s when American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur eggs here. Today, it offers a rare blend of science, natural beauty, and Mongolian nomadic culture.
📌 Quick Facts
🔍 Category | Details |
---|---|
📍 Location | Ömnögovi Province, Southern Mongolia |
🗺️ Coordinates | ~100 km northwest of Dalanzadgad |
🦖 Famous For | First discovery of dinosaur eggs |
🏜️ Geology | Red sandstone cliffs over 70 million years |
🕒 Best Time to Visit | May to September |
🏕️ Accommodation Nearby | Ger camps and eco-lodges |

🌟 Highlights
🦴 Dinosaur Fossil Discovery
Home to fossils of Velociraptor, Protoceratops, and dinosaur eggs.
🌄 Sunset Views
The red cliffs appear to be on fire during sunset—perfect for photography.
🌳 Saxaul Forest
Scattered saxaul trees adapt to extreme Gobi Desert conditions.
📍 Nearby Attractions
🏜️ Khongor Sand Dunes – Towering dunes 180 km away, also known as “Singing Sands.”
🦅 Yol Valley (Yolyn Am) – Ice-filled gorge in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park.
🐫 Nomadic Camps – Interact with camel herders and stay in traditional gers.
✨ Special Features
🦖 On-Site Paleontology Info
A small museum ger may be open during peak season with fossil replicas and site history.
📸 Stunning Landscape Photography
Contrast of red cliffs and desert sky offers epic photo opportunities.
🐫 Camel Trekking
Short camel rides available through local herders.
❓ FAQ
Q: How do I get to Bayanzag?
A: Most travelers reach Bayanzag from Dalanzadgad by 4x4, a drive of approximately 2–3 hours.
Q: Can I camp at Bayanzag?
A: Yes, ger camps are available nearby, or you can camp with your own gear (no facilities).
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, many Gobi Desert tours include a visit to Bayanzag with local guides.
Q: Can I take fossils?
A: No. It is illegal to remove fossils—photography only!

🧳 Visitor Tips
🕶️ Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
📷 Visit early morning or evening for best light and cooler temps.
🚮 Do not litter or disturb the site—it’s a protected area.
🧥 Nights can get cold even in summer—pack layers.
❤️ Why Visit Bayanzag?
✔️ Stand on the very ground where dinosaurs once roamed.
✔️ Witness one of the Gobi’s most photogenic sunsets.
✔️ Experience the blend of science, desert beauty, and nomadic heritage.
✔️ Easily accessible as part of a broader Gobi Desert tour.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Meet the camel herder nomads of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert—guardians of ancient traditions, Bactrian camels, and life on the vast southern steppe.
Explore Mongolia’s Khongor Sand Dunes—massive singing dunes, camel rides, and desert oases in the heart of the Gobi. A surreal and stunning escape.
Marvel at the colorful cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert—geological wonders shaped by wind and time, perfect for exploration.