Yolyn Am ("vulture's mouth") is probably the most famous valley in the Gobi. it's actually an ice gorge, in the midst of the Gobi desert. it is protected since 1965, long before the creation even of the national park (Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park). at an altitude of about 2,500 meters above sea level, it has an ice glacier around his little stream, though in recent years, the ice has no longer been there for all 12 months of the year, but rather around 8-10 months. in winter, however, the ice can be up to 10m high.
the valley nonetheless makes for wonderful and easy hikes, surrounded by the "three beauties", the summits of Zuun Saikhan mountains, the highest of which is at 2,825 meters above sea level.
the valley is also known for its flora and fauna. for example, there are almost 240 different species of birds, as well as snow leopards, argali sheeps and ibex. you're more likely to see marmots, though. actually, lots and lots of marmots...
No comments:
Post a Comment