Join an unforgettable journey with nomad river vacations as you explore the scenic Orkhon River Valley in one of the most unique Mongolia tours available. Over seven days you will paddle through peaceful stretches of river surrounded by vast steppe dramatic cliffs and untouched wilderness. Along the way you will visit ancient rock carvings meet local nomads and camp under the stars in complete tranquility. This tour offers the perfect blend of adventure culture and connection to nature.
General Information
Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
Tour Route: Gurvanbulag sum, Khar Bukhiin Balgas, Shagai game, Suutei tsai, Orkhon river, rafting, Amarbayasgalant monastery, Uran Mountain, Bulgan and Erdenet
Intended Travel Date: Optional (Available all time)
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ulaanbaatar
Tour Style: Natural and Landscape, History and Culture
Guides: Local Guide (English Speaking Guide, Other Languages upon Request)
Transportation: Private First-class Air-conditioned Vehicles
Tour Hightlights
- Interact with local nomad families, experience their traditional hospitality, and learn about their culture and way of life
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Bulgan province, including sand dunes and natural landscapes
- Experience an adrenaline-pumping rafting trip on the Orkhon River, encountering rapids and remote canyons
- Visit the renowned Amarbayasgalant monastery, a significant Buddhist institution in Mongolia
- Explore historical ruins at Khar Bukhiin Balgas and discover the natural beauty of Uran Mountain's volcanic crater
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Get to know the Nomad Community
Day 2: Discovering Nomad Culture
Day 3: Drive to Orkhon River & Prepare for Rafting
Day 4-5: Start rafting
Day 6: Rafting & Travel to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Day 7: Depart
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Get to know the Nomad Community
We will pick you up from your accommodation in the morning and drive you 280 kilometers (4-5 hours) to Gurvanbulag sum (a local administration unit) in Bulgan province. The scenery is breathtaking. On the way, we will stop at Khar Bukhiin Balgas, which are stronghold ruins from the 10th century. Kitans established it as a defensive position against their opponents at the time.
In the afternoon, you will mount a horse and ride throughout the area with a guide. You will attend the "Shagai" lesson in the evening, I t's a game in which you use sheep anklebones to play a wide variety of games. You will definitely enjoy playing the Shagai game with the local nomads. Shoot on a target to test your accuracy with Mongolian archery.
You will spend the night in the Gurvanbulag community ger camp.
Day 2: Discovering Nomad Culture
We will visit the nomad family in the morning and enjoy their traditional hospitality while learning about their culture. They sell unusual home-made special dairy goods including "aaruul" or dried curds, Mongolian salty milk tea or Suutei tsai, and so on. You may interact with nomads and learn more about their nature-loving lifestyle.
After seeing the nomad family, we will take a 5-8km hike to nearby sand dunes. Dinner will feature "Khorkhog," a unique Mongolian BBQ roasted on hot stones. In the evening, we'll see Mongolian experienced cowboys catch horses with "uurga," or traditional wooden lassos, and tame an untamed horse that has never been ridden before.
Stay in an authentic guest ger camp next to a local family for the night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all provided.
Day 3: Drive to Orkhon River & Prepare for Rafting
We will start early in the morning and drive 280 kilometers to Saikhan Sum. We will prepare the boats and begin rafting for approximately 3-4 hours after arriving at our rafting starting spot. We'll set up camp near the Orkhon River's bank.
We will spend the night in a tent. Dinner, lunch, and breakfast are all provided.
Day 4-5: Start Rafting
After a quick rest in a camp and boat rigging in the morning, we will set out down Mongolia's longest river, Orkhon River, into its most remote canyon. While paddling on a quiet side of the river, you can spot an unsuspecting wildlife isolated by towering cliff walls. But when you get to the rapids, brace yourself for an adrenaline rush! We set up tent near the riverbank, upstream of the gorge and whitewater. We will spend the night in a tent.
Day 6: Rafting & Travel to Amarbayasgalant Monastery
After a warm local breakfast, we head toward the canyon’s most dramatic section where fast flowing class III rapids await. This part of the adventure offers the most thrilling rafting of the trip. Over the next two to three hours, you will experience a mix of excitement and scenic beauty before returning to the vehicles. After a hearty lunch, the nomad river vacations journey continues with a 200 kilometer drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist centers.
Along the way, we stop at Uran Mountain, an extinct volcano featuring a massive crater 600 meters wide and 50 meters deep. You will have time to explore its natural surroundings before we pass through the towns of Bulgan and Erdenet. Upon arriving at the monastery, your guide will share its history, cultural significance, and unique architectural beauty.
You will spend the night in a ger camp.
Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar - End of Nomad River Vacations
We will travel 340 kilometers back to Ulaanbaatar, primarily on paved roads. When you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, we will take you to your accommodation. End of the trip. Thank you for making your Mongolia trip with Go Mongolia Tours!
Anna Reynolds (USA) –
This was one of the most memorable adventures I’ve ever had. The landscapes along the Orkhon River Mongolia were absolutely stunning, and the rafting was the perfect mix of relaxation and adrenaline. I joined through Nomad River Vacations, and their team was incredibly professional and friendly.
Lars Nielsen (Denmark) –
I had no idea Orkhon Province tours could offer such variety. From historic sites to volcanic craters and thrilling river rapids, every day was different. Floating along the Orkhon River surrounded by wide open steppe felt like a dream.
Jessica Kim (South Korea) –
I loved the cultural experiences along the way, especially visiting local nomadic families. The Orkhon River Mongolia scenery was peaceful yet wild. A perfect tour for those who enjoy nature and adventure. Nomad River Vacations made everything so easy.
Samuel Bennett (Australia) –
I joined this tour looking for a break from city life, and it delivered far beyond my expectations. Rafting the Orkhon River was a highlight, and the volcano hike added something really special. A must-do among Orkhon Province tours.
Isabelle Fournier (France) –
We had an amazing guide who taught us so much about the local culture and history. Rafting along the Orkhon River Mongolia was incredibly scenic. This was my first trip with Nomad River Vacations and I’ll definitely book again.
Jason Lee (Singapore) –
Camping next to the Orkhon River and waking up to the sounds of nature was unforgettable. The group was fun, and the guides from Nomad River Vacations took great care of us. Perfect for those seeking a mix of comfort and adventure.
Clara Müller (Germany) –
The beauty of the Mongolian countryside is something you have to see in person. The Orkhon River stretches through dramatic canyons and peaceful valleys. I loved every part of this experience, especially the cultural stops.
Michael Turner (USA) –
This tour was the highlight of my Mongolia trip. Rafting through the Orkhon River Mongolia felt remote and untouched. The visit to Amarbayasgalant Monastery was deeply moving. Thanks to Nomad River Vacations for a flawless itinerary.
Laura Park (South Korea) –
I’ve done a lot of outdoor travel, but this was one of the most authentic. Orkhon Province tours are not overly commercial, and that’s what made it special. The river, the volcano, and the local families made this an unforgettable journey.
Tom Mitchell (UK) –
The team at Nomad River Vacations really knows how to create a meaningful adventure. The rafting was exciting but accessible, and the natural beauty along the Orkhon River was jaw-dropping.
Emily Davis (USA) –
What stood out most to me was the balance of nature, culture, and activity. The rafting section of the Orkhon River Mongolia was scenic, not too rough, and very enjoyable. Definitely one of the best Orkhon Province tours available.
Sandra Lim (Singapore) –
This was my first time in Mongolia and I could not have asked for a better introduction. Floating down the Orkhon River with views of volcanic mountains and herds of horses was just magical.
Markus Hoffmann (Germany) –
This tour showed me a different side of Mongolia. The rafting along the Orkhon River Mongolia was peaceful and beautiful. I especially enjoyed the visit to Uran Volcano and the monastery at the end.
Olivia Brown (Australia) –
If you want a real connection with the land and people, this is the tour. We met herders, rafted through wild landscapes, and saw the stars like never before. Big thanks to Nomad River Vacations for an unforgettable trip.
Jun-seo Choi (South Korea) –
The Orkhon Valley is breathtaking. Rafting the Orkhon River was both relaxing and adventurous. I also appreciated the rich history shared during the tour. I recommend this for nature lovers and explorers.
Sophie Clarke (UK) –
I was blown away by the diversity in the landscape. One minute we were rafting, the next we were climbing the rim of an extinct volcano. The Orkhon River Mongolia views were spectacular.
Henry Carter (USA) –
This trip checked all the boxes: nature, adventure, culture, and peace. I had some of the best nights of sleep by the river, thanks to the calm sounds of the water and the fresh air. Nomad River Vacations did a great job organizing everything.
Lucie Moreau (France) –
The Orkhon Province tours offered a perfect escape from busy city life. I loved the feeling of isolation while floating along the Orkhon River, yet felt completely safe and cared for by the guides.
Aiden Thomas (Australia) –
This tour gives you the full Mongolian experience. Traditional food, friendly locals, stunning nature, and the thrill of rafting. I learned so much and felt completely immersed in the culture.
Sarah Kim (Singapore) –
I especially loved the night camping spots right beside the Orkhon River Mongolia. The stars were unbelievable. The group felt like a small family by the end of the trip.
David Wilson (Canada) –
An ideal tour for adventurers who don’t want the typical tourist experience. The Orkhon River offered peaceful stretches with some fun rapids and amazing views the whole way.
Helena Novak (Czech Republic) –
Every part of this journey felt special. Rafting down the Orkhon River, visiting sacred sites, and learning about the nomadic lifestyle made this a very soulful experience.
Nathan Moore (USA) –
I’ve done rafting before but nothing like this. The Mongolian setting adds something truly wild and spiritual. Big thanks to Nomad River Vacations for the memories.
Rachel Nguyen –
This was more than just a tour. It was a journey into a slower, simpler way of life. The quiet of the Orkhon River Mongolia, the warmth of the local families, and the natural wonders were everything I hoped for.
Sebastian Weber (Germany) –
This is not your average rafting trip. It’s part cultural immersion, part nature retreat, and part adventure. One of the best Orkhon Province tours I’ve ever done, hands down.