The Khongor dunes, “Khongoriin Els”, form the largest expanse of sand in Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Covering more than 900 km², they rank among the largest sand areas in Mongolia. Rising abruptly from the plains, they are without doubt some of the most spectacular dunes in the country. Wind blows continuously from north to west across the dunes, which can reach dizzying heights of between 100 and 300 metres at their tallest points. They stretch for more than 180 km in length, with a width reaching up to 27 km in places. Locals call their towering dunes the “singing dunes”, after the sound made by the wind shifting the sand. Beyond the dunes, the steppe stretches as far as the eye can see.