Plan Your Visit to Khongoryn Els: Mongolia’s Singing Sand Dunes

If you’re chasing the kind of destinations that knock the wind out of you, destinations without crowds and overpriced tickets, but with sheer, otherworldly beauty,  the kind of places where time slows down, your phone signal disappears, and your inner adventurer wakes up hungry for more. Welcome to Khongoryn Els, Mongolia’s “Singing Dunes,” tucked deep inside the Gobi Desert. 

Trust me, you’re going to want to rent a 4×4 from AVIS and make this a core part of your Mongolia itinerary.

This is not your average stop on the tourist trail. Khongoryn Els is raw, wild, and a little difficult to reach,  but that’s exactly what makes it so magical. 

Here’s everything you need to know before setting off on your own Mongolian desert adventure to Khongoryn Els deep in the Gobi Desert.

What Exactly Are the Khongoryn Els?

Khongoryn Els (pronounced Khongor-in Els) are some of the largest and most dramatic sand dunes in Mongolia, stretching over 180 kilometers long and rising up to 300 meters high. These aren’t just piles of sand. They’re sculpted waves of golden dunes that shift with the wind and light, and yes, they actually sing.

When the wind moves over the ridges, it creates a low, deep hum that sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. Locals say it’s the desert talking, and standing there with the sound vibrating through the sand beneath your feet, it really does feel like the Earth is whispering ancient secrets.

They are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Gobi Desert with good reason. It’s the only place you’ll see true sand dunes in the flat sun-baked landscape.

Where Are They?

The dunes are located in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, in the southern part of Mongolia. They’re about 200 kilometers west of Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of Ömnögovi. You’ll find them nestled between dry steppe and rugged mountain ranges, a place where camels outnumber people and the sky swallows you whole.

This is one of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Mongolia, and it’s a key reason why you need your own wheels to get here. While tours do run from Ulaanbaatar, you’ll miss out on all the incredible sights along the way, like the White Stupa and Yolyn Am, if you don’t drive yourself. 

Getting There: Why a 4×4 Rental Is Essential

Let me be brutally honest: public transportation in the Gobi is pretty much non-existent. You might find the occasional shared van heading vaguely in the right direction, but don’t count on schedules, comfort, or actually getting where you want to go.

The best way to explore Khongoryn Els and the wonders of the Gobi is by renting a 4×4 from AVIS Mongolia. You’ll want something with serious clearance and off-road capability, because you’ll be driving through loose sand, gravel, riverbeds, and trails that are barely more than tire tracks. Think Land Cruiser, not Corolla. A hard shell roof top tent is highly recommended as nights are usually windy and soft shell roof top tents as well as ground tents will get fairly noisy.

AVIS offers vehicles that are well-maintained, and if you choose a self-drive tour they come with GPS navigation, which you will need. (There are zero road signs, zero cell service in many parts, and Google Maps isn’t always reliable out here.)

We at Explorer.Company offer a stunning but slightly wilder and more adventurous self drive tour to the Gobi passing Khongoryn Els, following the tracks of videographer Emad.

With a 4×4, you’re in control of your itinerary. You can stop to camp in the middle of nowhere, visit remote herder families, and take detours to canyons and flaming cliffs. More importantly, you’ll have the freedom to truly experience the vastness and solitude of the Gobi, on your own terms.

When to Visit Khongoryn Els

• Best time to visit: Late May through September. During this window, the weather is temperate and you’ll have no problem finding gers that are open for the season. 

The Gobi is harsh and unforgiving, but it is most definitely not as swelteringly hot as other deserts. Summer (July–August) is peak season, but don’t worry — even then, the Gobi doesn’t get “crowded” by any global standard. Aside from a handful of tour groups, which you can easily avoid, you’ll still be alone with the steep sands. 

Avoid winter unless you’re on a masochistic mission. Temperatures drop below -30°C, and most gers (nomadic tents) shut down for the season.

You’ll most definitely want to time your visit for the late afternoon and early morning to see the sand in the best lighting. Easy to arrange if you are camping nearby. When it comes to climbing to the summit of the dunes, sunset is the best time.

What to Do at Khongoryn Els

It’s not about ticking off a list here. It’s about being in the place. That said, here are some experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss. 

1. Climb the Dunes

Yes, they’re steep. No, there’s no path. But climbing to the top of a 300-meter dune and looking out across an endless sea of sand is one of the most humbling and awe-inspiring things you’ll ever do.

Tip: Go barefoot. The sand is soft. Also, aim for sunset, the shadows and golden hues are unreal, and the heat is manageable. If you climb in the middle of the day, you might burn your feet. 

2. Listen to the Singing Dunes

It doesn’t happen every day, but if the wind picks up just right, you’ll hear the dunes sing. It’s a low, rumbling vibration that seems to come from inside the earth. This is where the attraction gets its name, after all. 

3. Ride a Camel

Locals offer camel rides in this region, and while it’s a bit touristy, it’s also part of the culture here. Bactrian camels (the ones with two humps) are the real deal in Mongolia, and it’s kind of surreal to ride one through this vast, empty desert.

4. Camp Under the Stars

There are a handful of ger camps nearby if you prefer something semi-structured, but if you have your own 4×4 and camping gear, I highly recommend wild camping. The Milky Way here is bright beyond words, as there is very little light pollution. 

Bonus tip: If you’re renting with AVIS, you can make sure you are equipped with camping gear.

Where to Stay in Khongoryn Els

You’ve got two main options for where to stay near Khongoryn Els. 

1. Ger Camps

These are traditional Mongolian yurts converted into rustic tourist accommodations scattered all over the desert. Most include meals and basic facilities (some even have solar-powered showers). The good news is there are easy to pick out in the vast flat desert landscape. 

Expect basic beds, shared bathrooms, and hearty local food like lamb stew, tsuivan noodles, and endless milk tea.

2. Wild Camping

If you’re equipped and confident, wild camping is legal and safe in Mongolia. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for sudden weather changes.

There’s something deeply soul-stirring about camping at the base of the dunes with no one else in sight, just you, your tent, and the stars. The only downside to this option is that the hard-packed ground can be a little firm if you are tent-camping. 

What to Pack

Mongolia is a land of extremes. Be prepared for hot days, cold nights, and sudden sandstorms that get whipped up with the wind. As there is very little in the way of provisions once you arrive in the Gobi, you’ll need to come fully prepared and self-sufficient. Here are a few things to make sure you bring. 

• Warm layers (nights can drop below freezing even in summer)
• Headlamp (no lights at wild campsites)
• Offline maps + GPS
• Snacks & water (you won’t find shops for hours)
• Camera or drone – Khongoryn Els is made for epic shots
• Extra Fuel & Spare Tire. You should be prepared for desert emergencies. 

Insider Tips

Here are a few general tips to make sure that you are fully prepared for your visit to Khongoryn Els during your time in Mongolia. 

• Cost: There is an entrance fee to visit Khongoryn Els. 
• Fuel Up Early: Gas stations are few and far between. Fill up in Dalanzadgad and always top off whenever you see a station, even if you’re half full.
• Cash Is King: Bring enough MNT for the whole trip. There are no ATMs once you leave town.
• Learn a Few Mongolian Phrases: Even a simple “Sain bain uu” (hello) goes a long way with locals.
• Download Maps.me: It often works better offline in Mongolia than Google Maps.
• Respect the Land: Don’t drive off-track on protected dunes. Follow established routes and be mindful of the delicate ecosystem.
• Drones: You can fly your drones in this region of Mongolia. 

Khongoryn Els Is Worth the Journey!

Getting to Khongoryn Els isn’t easy. It takes planning, patience, and a willingness to venture independently into the Gobi Desert. But if you’re craving true wilderness, raw landscapes, and a deep connection with nature, this place will absolutely deliver.

In a world of over-tourism and Instagram crowds, Khongoryn Els feels like one of the last frontiers, and it rewards those who make the effort to reach it.

Rent that 4×4 from AVIS. (Or join one of the self-drive Mongolia tours for easy navigation) Stock up on snacks. Download your maps. And head south into the heart of the Gobi, where the sands sing, the stars burn bright, and silence speaks louder than words.