The Mongolian Gobi Desert is a landscape of great diversity, and rich in natural and human history. The oldest archeological finds date back to 750.000 years. The famed paleontological sites of the Gobi hold many species of dinosaurs. Today studied by Mongolian and international researchers, sites such as "Baynzag", known as "Flaming Cliffs" were made famous by the early expeditions of Roy Chapman Andrews. The wildlife of the Gobi includes Argali (mountain sheep), Ibex (mountain goat) and Snow Leopard, the plains are habitat for Khulan (Asiatic Wild Ass), Mongolian Gazelle and Goitered Gazelle. In the most remote parts, Wild Bactrian Camel and a very small number of Gobi Bears have survived. The salt lakes of the Gobi desert are important stop over places for migratory birds. The grassland resources of the Gobi are managed to this day by nomadic livestock herders. In the desert, the camel replaces the horse and is the main means of transport. The visitor to the Gobi Desert will see not only sand dunes and desert landscapes of red sandstone canyons, but also rugged mountains with ancient rock art, ice filled gorges, and green valleys. Meeting the people of the Gobi and learning about their traditions, culture, daily life and achievements and challenges today is perhaps the most intriguing part of a Gobi desert journey. www.stonehorsemongolia.com

• published: 02 Jan 2015
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