The Gobi
We flew to the Gobi on MIAT, Mongolia's national airline, from U.B. to Dalanzadgad for our 3- day stay. I was very excited about this portion, having a chance to see the "Flaming Cliffs." The landing strip was right by our Ger camp, filled with Japanese tourists, and just us two Americans.
This Camp was quite large and functioned as the primary Gobi spot for tourists to stay in. View image
inside of our Ger
I was awakened early in the morning the next day by "whooshing" sounds. Peeked outside to find Balloonists! The Japanese tourists had brought all their equipment and were going for a balloon ride. Such an incredible sight to see the balloons rising against a crystal-clear blue sky.
The next day, we drove to Gobi Yol Valley National Park in the foothills of the Altai mountains and spent time there - walking through the valley watching the yaks View image, Argal Mountain sheep and flowers. I love the Yak tails. Some were white and fluffy...others were black and fluffy...and they sell the tails back in Ulan Bator if you really hanker for one. I was tempted to buy for grandchildren but resisted...could just hear them: "Grandma, they killed an animal for the tail?"
The Park had canyons, rivers and wildlife including two-humped Bactrian camels. View image
After dinner, we heard traditional "Hoomi Throat Singers." Hoomi is the Mongolian name for a style of singing where two distinct pitch lines are sounded throughout. One is a is nasal-sounding drone, and the other pitch consists of piercing tones. Rather like the sound of the jew's harp. It is difficult to describe, and unusual to listen to and sounds much better than the description. It was so enjoyable, I bought a cassette of the group's singing. Unfortunately, the first time I slid it into my auto's dashboard, the cassette jammed. Ended up throwing it away, after finally extricating it! Not happy!
Tomorrow we drive to the "Flaming Cliffs"...
