SOUTHERN ALTAI GOBI STRICTLY PROTECTED AREA

The majority of this 4,4 million hectare national park, also known as "Gobi A", lies in the south-east corner of Gov-Altai. Established over 20 years ago, the area has been nominated as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations.

The park is remote and very difficult to reach, which is bad news for visitors but excellent news for the fragile flora and fauna. Almost completely uninhabited by humans, the park helps to protect about 50 Gobi bears and some wild camels, as well as the desert environment and scarce water sources for the animals.

There are a few mountains over 1200m, and several springs and oases, which only an experienced guide will find.