Khongoryn Els

Khongoryn Els is the largest dune field in Mongolia, a crescent of active sand dunes stretching roughly 180 kilometres in length and rising to about 300 metres at their highest point, set against the dark rock walls of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. The dunes are known locally as the Singing Sands for the rumbling sound they produce in wind. A small river and narrow strip of riparian vegetation run along the northern base of the dunes, providing a photographic contrast of water and sand.