Yoliin Am Guide
Valley of the Eagles: A Gobi Oasis of Ice and Wildlife Guide
Yoliin Am, also known as the Valley of the Eagles or Vulture Gorge, is a stunning canyon located within the Gurvansaikhan Mountains National Park. This narrow gorge is famous for its year-round ice field, a remarkable phenomenon in the heart of the Gobi Desert. The valley is also a haven for wildlife, including the majestic Lammergeier (bearded vulture), ibex, and pika. Yoliin Am's geological history is tied to the formation of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains. Over millions of years, tectonic activity and erosion carved out the deep canyon. The unique microclimate within the gorge, with its limited sunlight and cold temperatures, allows the ice field to persist even during the hot summer months. This makes Yoliin Am a truly unique and fascinating geological feature. Visitors to Yoliin Am can enjoy hiking through the gorge, marveling at the ice field (which may be smaller or absent in late summer), and observing the local wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Lammergeiers soaring overhead. The valley offers excellent opportunities for photography and nature walks. There are no specific culinary traditions directly within Yoliin Am, but nearby ger camps and the town of Dalanzadgad offer traditional Mongolian food.
Transportation
To reach Yoliin Am, you'll typically fly to Dalanzadgad and then hire a 4x4 vehicle with a driver. The drive from Dalanzadgad to the entrance of the Gurvansaikhan Mountains National Park, where Yoliin Am is located, takes about an hour. From the park entrance, it's a short drive to the parking area near the gorge. Many tour operators in Ulaanbaatar offer organized tours that include transportation.