Canoeing Orkhon Valley

Upon arrival, we begin our journey with a guided city tour in Ulaanbaatar.

We will visit the city’s main attractions including:

• Sukhbaatar Square – the central square and heart of the capital

• Gandan Monastery – the largest and most important Buddhist monastery in Mongolia

• Zaisan Memorial – offering panoramic views over the entire city

In the evening at 8:00 PM, we board the train from Ulaanbaatar to Erdenet.
Overnight accommodation will be on the train.

At 8:20 AM, the train arrives in Erdenet. After disembarking, we meet our support vehicles.

We will drive into the city center to enjoy breakfast at a local café. This will also be the final opportunity to visit shops and purchase any personal necessities before heading into the wilderness.

Afterwards, we continue our journey by vehicle for approximately six hours until we reach the canoeing starting point. The location is remote and untouched — surrounded by pure Mongolian wilderness.

Upon arrival, we will:

• Receive a short canoe safety and paddling introduction

• Set up our tents

• Prepare personal gear and equipment

• Cook and enjoy dinner together

This marks the beginning of our true adventure in nature.

Today is a big and exciting day — the official start of our canoeing adventure.

After preparing breakfast and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, we make our final preparations for departure. All luggage and equipment are carefully packed into the canoes, and each participant completes their personal gear check.

At 9:00 AM, we launch onto the river and begin our journey.

The first day is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable. We paddle at a gentle pace, allowing everyone to adjust comfortably to the rhythm of the river while fully appreciating the surrounding nature.

Along the way, we stop for about one hour to enjoy lunch and take a short rest by the riverbank.

After 6–7 hours of paddling, around 4:00 PM, we arrive at our campsite for the night.

This place is peaceful and untouched — surrounded by the sounds of birds, flowing water, and rustling leaves. There is no noise of civilization, only nature.

We set up our tents by the river, light a campfire, prepare dinner together, and relax under the open sky.

Today we continue our canoeing journey along the river, paddling deeper into Mongolia’s untouched wilderness.

As we follow the gentle current, the landscape gradually changes, revealing vast open valleys and remote riverbanks rarely visited by outsiders.

In the evening, we arrive near the ruins of a former Soviet-era military base, once active during the time of the Soviet Union. Known locally as Ulaan-Orkhon Military Base, this abandoned settlement now stands as a quiet reminder of Mongolia’s historical past.

We will set up camp near this historic site, surrounded by nature reclaiming what was once a military installation.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today we continue our canoeing journey along the river, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of paddling through Mongolia’s vast natural landscape.

Along the way, we pass through the center of Orkhon soum (district). Here, we make a short stop where participants have the opportunity to visit a small local shop and purchase basic supplies or snacks.

This location also has mobile phone network coverage — a rare convenience during our remote river adventure — allowing guests to briefly reconnect if needed.

After our stop, we continue paddling toward our next riverside campsite.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today we continue our canoeing expedition, paddling steadily along the peaceful river.

Surrounded by vast open landscapes and untouched wilderness, we fully immerse ourselves in the rhythm of nature. The day offers more opportunities to enjoy the scenery, observe wildlife, and experience the tranquility of Mongolia’s remote river valleys.

We will stop along the way for rest and meals before arriving at our next riverside campsite.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today we continue our canoeing journey, following the gentle current of the river.

We paddle through complete tranquility, surrounded only by the quiet sounds of nature — flowing water, soft wind, and distant birdsong. The peaceful rhythm of the river allows us to fully disconnect from the modern world and immerse ourselves in Mongolia’s untouched wilderness.

This is a day to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly experience the silence and beauty of the natural environment.

We continue toward our next riverside campsite.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today marks the eighth day of our adventure.

We continue our canoeing journey, embracing the final stretches of the river and the peaceful wilderness that has accompanied us throughout the expedition.

By now, paddling feels natural and rhythmic. The team moves confidently along the calm waters, enjoying the last moments of this immersive outdoor experience.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today we continue our canoeing expedition, following the steady current through Mongolia’s vast and open landscapes.

During the journey, we make a planned stop to replenish our food supplies and drinking water. This resupply ensures that we remain well-prepared and comfortable for the remaining days of our adventure.

After restocking, we return to the river and continue paddling toward our next campsite.

Overnight camping by the river.

Today is a well-deserved rest day from paddling.

We take time to relax and recover while experiencing one of Mongolia’s most unique cultural traditions — visiting a local nomadic herder family.

During our visit, we learn about the daily life of Mongolian pastoral families, their livestock, seasonal movements, and traditional way of living in a ger (yurt). Guests will have the opportunity to see how dairy products are prepared and gain insight into the simplicity and resilience of nomadic life.

This cultural exchange offers a meaningful connection with Mongolia’s living heritage.

Overnight camping near the nomadic family.

Today the river transforms as it flows through the mountains.

We encounter the first major rapids of our journey — an exciting and adrenaline-filled stretch of water. The powerful sound of rushing currents echoes through the valley as we carefully navigate the waves together. This will be a long and thrilling day, requiring teamwork, focus, and confident paddling.

After the excitement on the river, we arrive at our overnight camp near a local nomadic herder family.

In the evening, we are welcomed to visit the family and enjoy a traditional Mongolian dinner featuring Khorkhog — Mongolia’s famous sheep meat barbecue. This unique dish is prepared using heated stones inside a sealed metal container, creating rich and tender flavors.

Guests will also have the opportunity to observe how this traditional meal is prepared and learn about the cooking techniques passed down through generations.

It is a perfect ending to an adventurous day — combining mountain rapids, cultural exchange, and authentic Mongolian hospitality.

Overnight camping near the herder family.

After the excitement of the previous day, today returns to a peaceful rhythm on the river.

We continue our canoeing journey at a relaxed pace, paddling along the gently flowing current. The calm waters allow us to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape and reflect on the experiences of the past days.

By evening, we arrive at a beautiful campsite near a natural spring. The fresh spring water and quiet atmosphere create a refreshing and serene setting for our overnight stay.

Overnight camping by the spring and river.

After the excitement of the previous day, today returns to a peaceful rhythm on the river.

We continue our canoeing journey at a relaxed pace, paddling along the gently flowing current. The calm waters allow us to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape and reflect on the experiences of the past days.

By evening, we arrive at a beautiful campsite near a natural spring. The fresh spring water and quiet atmosphere create a refreshing and serene setting for our overnight stay.

Overnight camping by the spring and river.

Today marks the final day of our canoeing adventure.

We complete the last stretch of our journey on the river, taking time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past two weeks.

After finishing our paddle, we pack our equipment and head toward the train station area, where we set up an early campsite nearby.

In the evening at 6:26 PM, we board the overnight sleeper train bound for Ulaanbaatar.

As the train moves through the Mongolian countryside, it offers a comfortable and relaxing conclusion to our river expedition.

Overnight on the train.

Early in the morning at 6:15 AM, our train arrives in Ulaanbaatar.

Upon arrival, we board our waiting transfer bus. On the way to the hotel, we stop to enjoy breakfast in the city.

After checking in, the rest of the day is free for relaxation or personal exploration. Guests may choose to rest after the long journey, explore the city independently, visit museums, shop for souvenirs, or simply enjoy a comfortable café in the capital.

This day provides a gentle transition from the wilderness back to urban life.

Overnight at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.