Yolyn Am
Ёлын Ам
A deep, narrow canyon in the Gobi, named after the bearded vultures (yol) that nest here. Its floor stays shaded year-round and ice can persist into early summer, making it the coolest hiking spot in the southern Gobi.
Yolyn Am lies about 40–60 km west of Dalanzadgad, in the Zuun Saikhan Mountains. Its rock walls rise steeply on both sides, and at its narrowest point the gorge is only a few meters wide. A stream runs along the floor. Because sunlight rarely reaches the bottom, ice often lasts until June or July, or even later, although climate warming has led to earlier melting in recent years. The canyon takes its name from the bearded vultures (called yol in Mongolian) that live here. Along the trail you may also spot Siberian ibex, argali sheep, and pikas. At the entrance, a small natural history museum run by the national park displays dinosaur eggs and animal specimens. The walk from the parking lot to the back of the canyon is 2–3 km one way, mostly flat and easy. You can also rent horses at the entrance. Admission and national park fees add up to several thousand tugrik (confirm on site). Note: the canyon stays cold even in summer, so bring a jacket. After rain, the stream rises and the path becomes slippery.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Dungenee Am
- Dalanzadgad
- South Gobi Aimag Museum
- Moltsog Els
- Khavtsgait Petroglyphs
- Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag)
- Bayanzag Saxaul Forest
- Ongi Monastery