WHITE STUPA (TSAGAAN SUVARGA)

**Location: ** Dundgobi province, southern Mongolia

Seeing Tsagaan Suvarga at sunrise can feel unfamiliar, with the layered cliffs and dry landscape sometimes bringing to mind images of Mars. Many researchers believe that the Mongolian Gobi was once an ancient ocean, and the rock layers at White Stupa clearly reveal this former seabed. Over time, natural exposure and weathering have revealed these sedimentary cliffs, creating a near-vertical scarp about 400 meters long and 60 meters high, with hues ranging from yellow to deep red.

Beyond the scenery, the area is home to one of Mongolia’s longest caves, stretching about 50 meters in length. As visitors move through the cave, the ceiling gradually lowers from standing height to a seated position, which is why it is known as Lie and Stand Cave (Khevtee Bosoo Cave). Nearby, at Del Uul (Mane Mountain), an extensive petroglyph site stretches 1–2 km and contains around 3,000 carvings, dating from the Iron Age to the 20th century.