We called this tour the magic tour because it shows all the different sides of this most famous of Mongolian rivers. There are some rapids, not too easy as to be boring but also not so dangerous that you have to get out of the canoe. This is your chance to see Mongolia in a truly original way.

There are wide valleys, full of animals, herders and gers but also steep canyon walls where the river rushes through. You will in fact experience every one of the major landscapes of central Mongolia and if you are a bird lover – well this trip is unsurpassed. There are eagles, vultures, ducks, geese, sparrows and rare birds only a specialist would know.
 
This is an outdoors tip meaning that there is no car following the river and we are taking all or supplies with us in the canoe. Those who want to may fish in the morning or the evening. Success should be high as most of the river has never been a fished. No canoing experience is needed and no special fitness. Moderate fitness and the ability to swim suffice. All tours are your own personalised tours but we have listed below one of the more popular trips to give you an example.

CANOEING - ORKHON RIVER

Day 1-2.  After driving for 2 days through the most magical scenery we arrive in Orkhon Sum a small town by the Orkhon river.

Day 3. We settle in and relax into the breathtaking mountainous landscape.

Day 4. Mountainous scenery in a wide valley with rapids.

Day 5. Rapidly changing landscape with stunning rock faces and wide valleys with huge herds of animals.  This is eagle and vulture territory.

Day 6. Beginning with mountains then several hours in a wide valley and in the evening more mountains soaring over the horizon.

Day 7. We leave the mountains and get into a wide valley at the end of which our minivan will be waiting for us.

Day 8. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar.


Further options:

• Add one day fishing with Gena, a Russian fisherman in Orkhon Sum

• Add one more day canoing (pick up will be further down the river)

• Add one day on the way back to visit Amarbayarsgalant Khiid the most beautiful and least visited of Mongolia's big  monasteries