CYCLING THE ORKHON VALLEY

THE ORKHON VALLEY

HIGHLIGHTS

KHARKHORIN

Kharkhorin - In 1220 Chinggis Khaan established the capital of Mongolian empire on the fertile plains along the Orkhon River. This is called Kharkhorin, 373 km from Ulaanbaatar city. Kharkhorin is located at the lower end of the upper valley of the Orkhon River, which is part if the World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. The location marks the eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains. Kharkhorin town population is 8,977 (2003), city area is 20.5 km2.

THE ORKHON WATERFALL

The Orkhon Waterfall water flows for remarkable 1120 km to the North and lies in the historically significant Orkhon Valley, UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Central Mongolia. The height of the waterfall is about 20m. It was formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes about 20,000 years ago. The fall is naturally impressive after a heavy rain.

CAMPING IN THE WILD

The Mongolian steppe is like a huge campsite where private property only appeared a few years ago. You can pitch your tent wherever you want in this country where nomadism is still in force

THE ORKHON VALLEY

If you've come to Mongolia to experience its vast mountainous steppe, then travelling through the Orkhon Valley should be on your itinerary. Here you can drive all day and hardly see another vehicle, passing through flocks of goat and sheep that scurry out of the way, while herds of semi-wild horses graze in the distance. Crossing this vast nothingness of undulating hills you'll encounter the occasional ger camp of nomadic herders, who'll wave you on in the direction you're heading.

SLEEP IN A YURT

Ideally suited to Mongolia's harsh terrain and lifestyle, the ger is called yurt by many foreigners. But, Mongolians don't particularly like this Russian labeling of their national dwelling ...so call it a ger. A round felt tent covered in durable, waterproof, white canvas seems to be the most simple description of this portable home

THE LITTLE GOBI

the Mongol Els Sand Dunes, also known as the “Little Gobi”. This is a 100km long, 5km wide strip of land that has a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests and Gobi-esque landscapes in one location.

Tuvkhun monastery is another spectacular visit. It is located in the high mountains marking the north side of Orkhon Valley at 2600m above sea level. One of Mongolia’s most remarkable and versatile figures, Zanabazar built this monastery in 1653. He lived, worked and meditated here for 30 years. Here he invented the Soyombo script in 1686 and madke his foamous creations as well. Likewise other monasteries in the country, it was almost totally destroyed by the Communists. Today, there are special formation of rocks which are called womb and cradle, symbolizing rebirth, besides 4 temples and 2 stupas.

NOMAD HOSPITALITY

Hospitality is so important and so real in the countryside of the nomad family that has evolved from experience over centuries. Mongolians are very warm and friendly and soon make you feel one of the family.

Traditionally, complete strangers could enter a ger without knocking. It’s in the culture to know how to receive guests. Because of 4 seasons of Mongolia, and because of pasturing the herd, herders move one place to another. Herdsmen shared their food and drink freely and usually provided travellers with a small bundle of provisions for the onward journey.

TSENHER HOT SPRINGS

There are in Arkhangai many old volcanos, which explains the presence of this hot water source - 85,5°C (185,9°F).
In a pleasant verdant wooded area, some yurts camps with equipment and baths with a less hot temperature have been set up for the travellers, but also for the nomads and the inhabitants of Ulan Bator who are very keen on these baths. Tsenkher hot springs have healing properties notably on articular diseases and nervous system’s diseases. Composition: sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorite, hydrogen sulfide.

Perfect after a long day on a bicycle