ORKHON FALLS

The Orkhon Falls are located in an improbable volcanic landscape that was formed 20,000 years ago. Successive irruptions have covered the valley with black volcanic rocks, which emerge in the middle of a green steppe. It is the Ulaan Tsutgalan river which forms these falls by throwing itself into the Orkhon, digging at this place a green gorge of about twenty meters deep. Large övöo are erected on top of the cliffs and at the foot of the falls, as if to remind us how important these waterfalls are in the Mongolian culture. Because of the drought, the flow of the river is often tiny, but as you go down the river, you will find smaller waterfalls further down. If you visit them on a rainy day, you will see them with all their power. In both cases, the surroundings are beautiful and the site is very pleasant.

Many nomadic families come to live near the falls during the summer to enjoy the constant coolness of the place. Some nomads offer to travelers room and board for a modest contribution of a few thousand tugriks.

To go down in the gorge, at the foot of the waterfalls, you can take the zip line for a thrill at the price of 15 000 T, or walk along a path along the walls formed by the rocks. The walk is pleasant and offers nice views on the gorge and the river course. This one is suitable for swimming but be careful, the water is very cold!