Lammergeier Valley, at the east end of a standard Gobi loop. You walk a narrowing gorge where ice used to last until August; now it is a May–June story some years, gone by July in others. Still worth it for the walls, the birds, and the first sense that the Gobi is not flat. The museum at the gate is small and good. The walk is the point.

When and how long

May–June for ice. September for empty paths and cool air. Midday July is hot and ice-free. · 2–3 hours at a slow walk. Do not skip the last kilometre.

Cost

Park fee about ₹130–₹400. Included in most jeep-tour day rates. Water and a hat are not optional.

Area

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, near Dalanzadgad. First stop on a UB–Dalanzadgad–Bayanzag–Khongoryn circuit.

Crowd and who

High 10–14 in July. Go at 8am. Walkers. The path is rocky but not a scramble until the end.