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THE ORKHON VALLEY - 8 DAYS - 1200 KMS
FOR THOSE WHO DON'T HAVE TOO MUCH TIME BUT WHO WANT TO HAVE A FIRST APPROACH TO STEPPE MONGOLIA
Discover the very heart of Mongolia, where vast landscapes meet rich traditions. Experience the majestic beauty of the steppe, the warmth of the nomadic culture, and the vibrant history that shapes this remarkable land. Join us on an unforgettable journey that unveils the true essence of Mongolia. Adventure awaits!
HIGHLIGHTS
Relax in a hot spa after a day of driving in the steppe
Drive into the endless steppe
The spectacular Orkhon waterfall
Visit the ancient capital Kharkhorin
Sunset over the dunes of Little Gobi
Experience the nomadic hospitality
Ogii lake
Climb to the ancient Tuvkhun monastery
DAY 1: 130KM OFF ROAD
We head toward the Gobi Desert for a 130 km stage to Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred granite formation rising 1,686 m in Töv Province. Located about 180 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar, its ash-colored cliffs stand above green valleys fed by nearby streams, home to wildlife such as argali sheep and red deer. Ancient Mongolian soldier graves found in the area add a unique historical atmosphere to this remarkable site.
DAY 2: LITTLE GOBI 210KM MAINLY OFF ROAD
We enter the heart of the journey with a long stage leading us to Khögnö Khan National Park. Located 250 km from Ulaanbaatar on the road to Kharkhorin, this 47,000-hectare protected area features historical monuments, dense birch and poplar forests, freshwater springs, and the striking granite formations of Khögnö Khan. Its ecosystem is unique, lying at the crossroads of the steppe and the taiga, and home to wildlife and landscapes characteristic of both.
Established as a nature reserve in 1997 and designated a national park in 2003, Khögnö Khan holds deep cultural significance. The sacred Khögnö Khan Mountain, situated at the borders of Övörkhangai, Bulgan, and Töv provinces, has been revered since prehistoric times. Visitors traditionally make small offerings and express wishes to the Mountain Spirit—one does not climb a sacred mountain without a meaningful purpose.
Established as a nature reserve in 1997 and designated a national park in 2003, Khögnö Khan holds deep cultural significance. The sacred Khögnö Khan Mountain, situated at the borders of Övörkhangai, Bulgan, and Töv provinces, has been revered since prehistoric times. Visitors traditionally make small offerings and express wishes to the Mountain Spirit—one does not climb a sacred mountain without a meaningful purpose.
DAY 3: KHARKHORIN 90KM
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.
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 4: ORKHON WATERFALL 100KM OFF ROAD
The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 360 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar on the foothills of the Khangai Mountains. Spanning vast grasslands along the Orkhon River, it is considered the cradle of nomadic steppe culture.
For thousands of years—from prehistoric tribes to the Huns, Turks, Uighurs, Khitans, and Mongols—the valley has been a major crossroads of civilizations. Today, riders can explore legendary sites such as the Uighur capital Khar Balgas, the ruins of Karakorum, and ancient Turkic monuments. The area is also home to iconic monasteries like Erdene Zuu and Tövkhön.
Surrounded by mountains, wild nature, and nomadic herder families, the Orkhon Valley offers an authentic glimpse of Mongolia’s heartland—perfect for riding, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the vast open steppe.
For thousands of years—from prehistoric tribes to the Huns, Turks, Uighurs, Khitans, and Mongols—the valley has been a major crossroads of civilizations. Today, riders can explore legendary sites such as the Uighur capital Khar Balgas, the ruins of Karakorum, and ancient Turkic monuments. The area is also home to iconic monasteries like Erdene Zuu and Tövkhön.
Surrounded by mountains, wild nature, and nomadic herder families, the Orkhon Valley offers an authentic glimpse of Mongolia’s heartland—perfect for riding, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the vast open steppe.
DAY 5: TSAAGAN SUM HOT SPRINGS 90KM OFF ROAD
Arkhangai is a volcanic region, which explains the presence of the Tsaagan sum hot springs, flowing year-round at 85.5°C at 1,860 meters of altitude. Set in a green, forested valley, the springs feed several ger camps equipped with comfortable hot-water baths, popular with both travelers and city residents.
The waters of Tsaagan Sum are known for their healing properties, especially for joint pain and nervous system conditions. They contain sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorine, and hydrogen sulfide.
The waters of Tsaagan Sum are known for their healing properties, especially for joint pain and nervous system conditions. They contain sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorine, and hydrogen sulfide.
DAY 6: 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.
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 7: SANDERBURY 230KM MAINLY ASPHALT
We begin our journey back toward Ulaanbaatar, following one of Mongolia’s main cross-country routes. As the scenery gradually shifts from wide-open steppe to more rural landscapes, we reach a traditional agricultural farm where we will spend the night. This stop offers a unique opportunity to experience everyday countryside life, meet local farmers, and discover how Mongolian families cultivate the land and raise livestock. It’s a peaceful and authentic way to end the day before returning to the capital.
DAY 8: UB 180KM 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.
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