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THE ORKHON VALLEY - 10 DAYS - 1300 KMS
Discover the heart of Mongolia, where endless landscapes meet centuries of rich tradition. Immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the steppe, experience the warmth of nomadic life, and explore the vibrant history that shapes this extraordinary land. Join us on an unforgettable journey that reveals the true spirit of Mongolia—where adventure, culture, and nature come together.
HIGHLIGHTS
Relax in a hot spa after a day of driving in the 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
Ikh Tamir
Khairkhan Zorgol mountain
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. 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.
You can stay with local nomadic families
You can stay with local nomadic families
DAY 2: BAYAN UNDUR 170km OFFROAD
A small village located in the middle of the steppe, where visitors can stay in basic rooms provided and managed by the local municipality.
DAY 3: KHUJIRT 125km OFF ROAD
Khujirt, located in the northeastern part of Uvurkhangai Province, is a destination where natural beauty, healing waters, and nomadic life come together. Established in the 1930s, this rural district has grown into a lively community of over 6,700 residents and is surrounded by vast open landscapes grazed by thousands of livestock.
Small hotel
Small hotel
DAY 4: TSGAGAAN SUM VIA THE ORKHON WATERFALL 130KM OFF ROAD
The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 360 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar.
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 6: IKH TAMIR 120km MIXED ASPHALT - OFFROAD
The Ikh Tamir Valley in Mongolia is a true open-air museum. In this lush green valley stand mysterious monolithic stones carved with graceful deer motifs. These are ancient funerary steles, and their engravings depict rituals of passage into the afterlife. But the valley holds even more historical treasures.
It is here that a part of Mongolia’s earliest history was written. On the remarkable prehistoric site of Tsatsiin Ereg, you can explore hundreds of petroglyphs, 26 beautifully preserved deer stones, and the burial sites of some of the very first nomads. These ancient graves date all the way back to the Neolithic period.
It is here that a part of Mongolia’s earliest history was written. On the remarkable prehistoric site of Tsatsiin Ereg, you can explore hundreds of petroglyphs, 26 beautifully preserved deer stones, and the burial sites of some of the very first nomads. These ancient graves date all the way back to the Neolithic period.
DAY 12: OGII LAKE 150KM 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.
You can stay with local nomadic families
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.
You can stay with local nomadic families
DAY 7: KHARKHORIN 80KM
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.
Guesthouses
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.
Guesthouses
DAY 8: LITTLE GOBI 90KM MAINLY OFF ROAD
Another short 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.
You can stay with local nomadic families
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.
You can stay with local nomadic families
DAY 9: ONDORSHIREET 120KM MIXED
We continue our journey toward the capital, following one of Mongolia’s main cross-country roads. This long ribbon of smooth asphalt cuts across wide open steppe, allowing us to travel quickly while still soaking in the changing landscapes. As we drive, the horizon stretches endlessly, dotted with herds of grazing livestock, scattered gers, and distant mountain ridges shimmering in the light.
Gradually, the scenery shifts from vast grasslands to gently rolling hills, offering a final glimpse of rural Mongolia. We make our way toward Sanderbury Farm, a welcoming stop where we can rest, enjoy the calm of the countryside, and experience one last moment of nomadic serenity before reaching the capital.
Small hotel and You can stay with local nomadic families
Gradually, the scenery shifts from vast grasslands to gently rolling hills, offering a final glimpse of rural Mongolia. We make our way toward Sanderbury Farm, a welcoming stop where we can rest, enjoy the calm of the countryside, and experience one last moment of nomadic serenity before reaching the capital.
Small hotel and You can stay with local nomadic families
DAY 10: UB 170KM 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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