In the south of Mongolia, the landscape changes completely. The green steppe gives way to wide, dry plains, rocky valleys and the famous sand dunes of the Gobi Desert.

But the Gobi is much more than just sand. It is a huge and surprisingly varied region, with mountains, grasslands, canyons and hidden oases. It is also home to some of Mongolia’s rarest wildlife and to nomadic families who have learned to live with the harsh conditions of the desert for generations.

Life here is simple and closely tied to nature. Families move with their animals, searching for water and pasture, just as generations before them have done. Along the way, you’ll also find places that tell stories of Mongolia’s ancient past: from old monasteries to fossil sites and the remains of long-forgotten settlements.

The Gobi can feel empty at first, but spend a little time here and you begin to notice how much life there really is.