Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve, Kharkhorin, Mongolia
If you’ve come to Mongolia to experience its vast mountainous steppe, then travelling through the Orkhon Valley region 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.
It’s a route that’s popular with tourists making their way from Kharkhorin, invariably stopping at Orkhon Falls. From here you can embark on a horse trek to Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve, or continue east to the scenic Khangai Mountains, where you’ll find one of central Mongolia’s most atmospheric monasteries.
Epic Mongolia Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound