Landscapes of Dauria, World Heritage site in Mongolia and Russia
Landscapes of Dauria is a group of protected areas stretching across Russia and Mongolia recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The site includes open grasslands, scattered forests, shallow lakes such as the Torey Lakes, and several nature reserves including the Daursky State Nature Biosphere Reserve and Mongol Daguur Biosphere Reserve.
The site developed from the Daurian forest steppe ecoregion, a landscape that spans Russia, Mongolia, and northeastern China. It was recognized as UNESCO World Heritage for protecting this distinctive terrain and its wildlife, particularly the Mongolian gazelle and migratory bird populations that depend on the area.
The landscape carries names rooted in local wildlife, with Dzeren being the Russian word for the Mongolian gazelle that grazes across the open plains. Communities here follow traditional practices that preserve the natural environment, and visitors can observe how people move gently through their surroundings while maintaining this heritage for future generations.
This is an open, quiet area without cities or busy streets, so come prepared for wide spaces and bring suitable footwear for walking through grasslands and gentle terrain. The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and wildlife viewing opportunities are greatest.
The Torey Lakes undergo a rare cycle of filling and drying that spans several years, making this site particularly dynamic and unpredictable. This natural fluctuation creates shifting habitats that attract thousands of migratory birds, and each phase of the cycle offers a completely different natural experience.
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