The cliffs (called the White Stupa - Tsagaan Suvarga) were pretty, lined with various colours from reds to mauves to whites, and the drive up to the escarpment was hair-raising but fun (these UAZ’s really are pretty good). I understand that they have a 40 degree safe lean angle on them, I think we came pretty close once or twice!

The most surprising thing today, was the drive from the cliffs to Yolyn Am (Lammergier Gorge), which is still part of the Gobi Desert, but is a lush green canyon with a stream flowing through it. Once again there were many wild flowers and wild Rhubarb as well as Pika (which we haven’t seen on this trip so far) and obviously Lammergier Vultures (they are massive sheep stealing vultures). These were only very high up and we could see about 5 soaring way overhead.

It was a lovely walk crossing back and forth across the stream, and I am very pleased to advise that I neither fell in, nor dropped the camera, therefore a very successful walk! (Unfortunately, I have form in this respect).

On the walk back to the car, I even learned a new Mongolian phrase, which was explained to me as something akin to “oh no!” (sounds like “oh nuf shore”) however I believe that there is a subtlety to it that has not fully been explained as the drivers all found it hilarious when we said it, and when you add a name in front of it, it becomes an insult. We have had great fun with it over the last couple of days.

We are spending the next few days in the Gobi, one night in a "luxury camp" (we got an ensuite) and a further few nights further south-west to see the Flaming Cliffs and ride camels.