Cheketours: 9 days motorcycle trip in the Orkhon valley

THE ORKHON VALLEY - 8 DAYS - 1050 KMS

7 Days of Adventure Through Mongolia’s Historic Heartland

This 7-days motorcycle route takes you deep into the legendary Orkhon Valley. Along the way, you’ll hike to the summit of Tövkhön Monastery, perched high on a rocky ridge, unwind in the soothing natural hot springs of Tsagaan Sum, and explore Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. You’ll also enjoy a peaceful night on the shores of Ögii Lake, a haven for birds and breathtaking sunsets.

With a mix of asphalt and off-road tracks, this adventure puts you at the heart of the Mongolian wilderness. You’ll ride across sweeping steppe landscapes, meet nomadic herders, and experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

designed for riders who crave the pure freedom

HIGHLIGHTS

Drive into the endless steppe

DAY 1: MOLSTOG TOURIST CAMP 90KM MAINLY ASPHALT

A small step today that helps us get familiar with the motorcycles and riding on off-road trails.

DAY 2: LITTLE GOBI 220KM, MAINLY ASPHALT

Where the Steppe Meets the desert
Khögnö Khan National Park, lies just 250 km west of Ulaanbaatar on the road to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin. Spanning over 47,000 hectares, this protected area offers a stunning blend of rugged granite mountains, dense birch and poplar forests, natural springs, and historic cultural sites.

What makes Khögnö Khan truly unique is its location at the crossroads of two major ecosystems: the vast grassland steppe and the Siberian taiga. This rare transition zone creates exceptional biodiversity and spectacular scenery — from rocky outcrops perfect for hiking to wide open plains ideal for horseback exploration.

At the heart of the park rises Khögnö Khan, a sacred mountain revered since prehistoric times. Even today, Mongolians come to honor the spirit of the mountain with offerings and prayers, believing it brings protection and good fortune. Visitors are encouraged to respect this tradition — one does not climb a sacred mountain without a meaningful purpose.

Designated a nature reserve in 1997 and upgraded to national park status in 2003, Khögnö Khan continues to preserve Mongolia’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual legacy.

DAY 3: OGII LAKE 120KM OFF ROAD

Ögii Lake sits at 1,337 meters in eastern Arkhangai. It stretches 7.9 km long and 5.3 km wide, covering 25 km², with shallow waters—over half the lake is less than 3 meters deep.

Rich in fish (pike, perch, carp, burbot, loach, etc.) and a major stopover for migratory birds, the lake is also considered a sacred site by local communities.

Several ger camps line the shore, offering canoe rentals and excellent fishing opportunities for visitors.

DAY 5: KHARKHORIN 160KM VIA THE ORKHON WATERFALL

A short stage brings us to the legendary city of Genghis Khan, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley along the Silk Road. In 1235, his son Ögedei built the city and surrounded it with a fortified wall and four gates. From here, the Mongol Empire was governed until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing.

Kharkhorin (Karakorum) became a major political, economic, administrative, and religious center—one of the great crossroads of world civilizations. The city was enclosed within a 400-meter-wide square wall and guarded by four granite stone turtles, still visible today.

Since the 8th century, Mongols have revered the turtle as a symbol of longevity, unity, independence, and the spirit of water. The four turtles of Karakorum were placed to protect the city from floods and ensure its eternal life.

The city was destroyed by Ming troops in 1380, leaving only a few remains: two granite turtles, palace foundations, stone lions, columns, and traces of irrigation channels. Protected since 1961, the site has yielded over 230 coins from around ten different countries—evidence of its vibrant, international past.

DAY 7: UB 220KM MAINLY OFF ROAD

We make our way back to Ulaanbaatar, following the course of the Tuul River as it winds through wide open valleys and rolling steppe. This scenic route offers beautiful views of the river, lush riverbanks, and grazing herds that reflect the timeless rhythm of nomadic life. As we approach the capital, the landscapes gradually shift from peaceful countryside to the lively outskirts of the city, providing a gentle transition back to urban life.