The Gobi Desert is a vast, arid region in northern China and southern Mongolia. It's known for its dunes, mountains and rare animals such
as snow leopards and Bactrian camels. In the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, the Khongoryn Els sand dunes are said to sing when the wind blows. The park also features the deep ice field of Yolyn Am canyon. Dinosaur fossils have been found at the red "Flaming Cliffs" of Bayanzag.
Area: 1.295 million km²
Elevation: 1,580 m
Coordinates: 42°35′N 103°26′E / 42.59°N 103.43°E
Length: 1,500 km (930 mi)
Lake Khuvsgul is one of the most pristine large bodies of water of Asia, situated at 1645 meters above sea level. It is the twin lake of Baikal and its waters are equally blue. The setting is spectacular with Siberian taiga and the Horidal Saridag Mountain Range to the west. The lake is almost devoid of any ships, and is transparent to depth of 16-25 meters. There is lenok trout and an endemic grayling in the lake. It stretches some 125km from north to south and is 262 meters deep. It is not as deep as Baikal, but is part of the Baikal Rift system, which resulted from the pressures associated with the collision between India and Asia some 55 million years ago. Lake Baikal is 200km away and 1200 meters below inside Russia.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park sits in remote western Mongolia, bordering China and Russia. It's home to the towering, jagged Tavan Bogd mountains, the highest of which is Khuiten Peak. Nearby is the massive Potanin Glacier. In the center, the vast Khoton and Khurgan lakes are connected by a channel and home to many fish and bird species. The ancient rock carvings of Tsagaan Salaa lie on the park’s northeast fringe.
Address: FPC9+J4F, Bayan-Ulgii
Area: 6,362 km²
Established: 1996
Coordinates: 48°33′N 88°37′E / 48.550°N 88.617°E