Cheketours: 9 days motorcycle trip in the Orkhon valley

THE ORKHON VALLEY - 8 DAYS - 1150 KMS

8 Days of Adventure Through Mongolia’s Historic Heartland

This 8-day motorcycle route takes you deep into the legendary Orkhon Valley via the sacred Zorgol Khairkhan mountain. 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 very little asphalt and plenty of 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

Relax in a hot spa after a day of driving in the steppe

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 220KM

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: KHARKHORIN 140KM

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 4: THE ORKHON VALLEY 100KM

Orkhon Valley — Ride Through Mongolia’s Nomadic Heartland

Welcome to the cradle of Mongolia’s nomadic culture. The UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley is a land of sweeping green steppes and rugged mountain horizons — a perfect playground for motorcycle adventurers.

Ride along the Orkhon River on scenic tracks that cut through vast pastures where horses, yaks, and sheep roam freely. The highlights here are unforgettable:
• The Orkhon Waterfalls — a breathtaking cascade set in a volcanic canyon, ideal for exploring off the bike.

DAY 5: TSAGAAN SUM VIA THE TOVKHON MONASTERY 60KM

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.
Tövkhön Monastery — perched high in the forested mountains, this spiritual retreat founded in the 17th century rewards riders with incredible views after a fun uphill ride

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.

DAY 7: SANDERBURY 230KM MAINLY ASPHALT

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.

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.