A joint expedition team, consisting of four Mongolian researchers from the Institute of Paleontology at the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and three Japanese researchers from Okayama University of Science, has made a groundbreaking discovery in Erdenesant Soum, Tuv Province. The team uncovered fossilized footprints of both carnivorous and herbivorous dinosaurs, estimated to be approximately 120 million years old.

Bridging the "Geographic Gap"

For decades, Mongolia’s dinosaur fame was largely rooted in the Gobi Desert. This discovery in the central part of the country is a game-changer, filling a significant "geographic gap" in paleontological history. It proves that giant prehistoric creatures inhabited the lush environments of Central Mongolia during the Early Cretaceous period.

What was discovered?

The site, located at Saijrakh Mountain, revealed a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life:

• The Giants (Sauropods): Two trackways consisting of 19 footprints from long-necked herbivores measuring up to 15 meters in length.
• The Predators (Theropods): Five trackways containing 12 footprints from carnivorous dinosaurs approximately 8 meters long.
• A Prehistoric Intersection: Evidence suggests that 5 to 6 different species of dinosaurs were moving across a small 5x7 meter area simultaneously.

The history of this find is as intriguing as the fossils themselves. In the 1950s, a Mongolian geographer noted seeing giant footprints at Saijrakh Mountain in a research article. However, due to vague location details and skepticism at the time, the site remained unstudied for 70 years. It wasn't until 2024, when a Mongolian researcher pinpointed the exact location, that the modern joint-expedition could begin.

Why It Matters

Previously, most significant finds in Mongolia belonged to the Late Cretaceous (around 90 million years ago), such as the 18,000 footprints found at Shar Tsav in the Gobi. By dating these new tracks to 120 million years ago, scientists are essentially "pushing back the clock," providing undeniable evidence of a thriving ecosystem much earlier than previously documented in this region.

"These findings fill a geographic void in the study of large dinosaurs. Looking at the geological formation near these tracks, there is a high possibility that fossilized bones remain. We hope to discover skeletal remains during our next expedition this summer," — Shinobu Ishigaki, Honorary Director of the Dinosaur Research Museum in Japan, told the Asahi Shimbun.

The results of this extensive study, led by researcher B. Mainbayar, were published in the March issue of the international scientific journal Ichnos. Source: Time.mn

At Premium Travel Mongolia, we specialize in crafting bespoke, private journeys that showcase the stunning diversity of the Mongolian landscape.

Whether you are drawn to the mystical silence of the Gobi Desert or the rich cultural heritage of Central Mongolia, our signature tours are designed to cover the very best of our country. The highlights of these destinations are: 

The Gobi Desert: A Land of Prehistoric Wonders

• The Singing Dunes (Khongor Sand Dunes): Climb the massive golden dunes and listen to the sand "sing" in the wind—a truly haunting and beautiful natural phenomenon.

• Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): Walk among the glowing red sandstone cliffs where the world’s first dinosaur eggs were discovered a century ago.

• Yol Valley: Trek through a dramatic, narrow gorge where ice remains even in the height of summer, hidden deep within the desert mountains.

Central Mongolia: The Heart of Life and History

Central Mongolia is where the soul of our nation resides, offering a lush contrast of volcanic landscapes and ancient empires.

• Karakorum & Erdene Zuu: Step back in time at the site of the 13th-century capital of the Great Mongol Empire and visit the stunning Erdene Zuu, Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery.

• Orkhon Valley: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the majestic Orkhon Waterfall and the endless rolling hills that have supported nomadic families for millennia.

• Fun Fact: Now, this groundbreaking find proves that these prehistoric giants roamed the heart of Mongolia long before the Gobi became a desert!

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With over a decade of expertise, we understand that a great journey is about more than just the destination—it’s about the experience. We pride ourselves on providing private, high-end logistics and local insights. From securing domestic flights to the Gobi to save you days of driving, to curated cultural encounters in the heart of the steppes, we handle every detail so you can simply enjoy the adventure. You can reach us here.