The Orkhon Valley is Mongolia's most historically significant landscape, a broad river corridor in the central steppe that served as the political and cultural core of successive empires. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley preserves an exceptional concentration of archaeological remains alongside dramatic natural features that include basalt formations, open grasslands and the thundering Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall.
The UNESCO Cultural Landscape
The valley's World Heritage status reflects both its natural and human heritage. The Orkhon River has sustained nomadic civilisations for more than two thousand years, and the remains of Kharkhorin — the capital of the Mongol Empire at its height — lie within the valley. The nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in part from the stones of the old capital, is Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia and remains an active place of worship. Seasonal herding families still move their gers across the valley floor, maintaining a way of life that has changed little over centuries and can still be experienced on selected Mongolia group tours through the region.
Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall and Volcanic Plateau
The valley's geology adds a striking counterpoint to its historical remains. The Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall drops over a basalt ledge formed by ancient volcanic activity, creating one of the most photographed natural features in central Mongolia. The surrounding volcanic plateau is scattered with geological formations that reflect the region's turbulent past, and the contrast between the dark basalt and the open grasslands gives the valley its distinctive visual character.
Visiting with Undiscovered Destinations
We include the Orkhon Valley on our Mongolia Eagle Festival tour, a 15-day escorted small group tour with a maximum of 12 travellers, departing in September 2026 and 2027 from £4,695. On days four and five of the itinerary, travellers visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and the ancient ruins of Kharkhorin before arriving at a ger lodge in the valley with private bathroom facilities. The following day is spent exploring the Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve, with visits to the Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall and the volcanic formations, along with gentle walks and a relaxed picnic lunch.
