Weather in Dalanzadgad

Dalanzadgad is the main gateway to Mongolia's Gobi Desert, a small administrative town that serves primarily as a launchpad for trips into Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, home to towering sand dunes, ice canyons, and dinosaur fossil sites. From here, travellers head out into a vast, dry landscape of rock formations, wild camels, and ger camps under enormous skies.

Best areas to stay in Dalanzadgad

Dalanzadgad Town

A small administrative centre with basic services, used as a base before heading into the desert.

Yolyn Am (Vulture Valley)

A dramatic canyon within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, known for ice that can persist into summer.

Khongoryn Els

Mongolia's famous 'singing sand dunes', a multi-hour drive from Dalanzadgad.

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

Red sandstone cliffs famous for major dinosaur fossil discoveries.

Getting to Dalanzadgad

✈

Flights

Fly to Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), then take a domestic flight to Dalanzadgad.

⏱

From London

~13-15 hours total from London including the domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar

🚕

Getting around

Most exploration is done by 4x4 with a driver and guide, as distances within the national park are large and roads are unpaved tracks.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Dalanzadgad?

May to September is best, avoiding the extreme cold of the Gobi winter; June can still bring cool nights even as days warm up.

How do I get to Dalanzadgad?

A short domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar (around 1 hour) is the most common way to reach Dalanzadgad, avoiding a long overland journey.

What is Dalanzadgad known for?

Being the main access point for Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, including the Khongoryn Els sand dunes and Yolyn Am ice canyon.

Is Dalanzadgad itself worth visiting?

The town itself is small and functional; most travellers use it purely as a base before heading into the national park.

What language is spoken in Dalanzadgad?

Mongolian is the main language; English is limited, so tour guides are recommended for travel in the Gobi region.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Flew into Dalanzadgad and spent several days touring the Gobi by 4x4, the Flaming Cliffs at sunset were incredible. The town itself is just a stopover but the desert beyond is the real draw.

Oyun B. · August 2024

★★★★★

Yolyn Am still had ice in the canyon even in summer, a strange sight in the middle of the desert. Khongoryn Els dunes were a highlight, climbing them at sunset was tough but worth it.

Mike T. · July 2023

★★★★☆

Great base for exploring the southern Gobi, just make sure you book a guide and vehicle in advance as there's not much infrastructure in the town itself.

Ariunaa S. · September 2024