Orkhon River

Orkhon River

The Orkhon River was called the Arulun River during the Yuan Dynasty. It originates from the Khangai Mountains in Övörkhangai Province of Mongolia, flows northward for 1,124 kilometers (698 miles), and joins the Selenge River at the Mongolian-Russian border. The Orkhon River is the longest river in Mongolia—longer even than the Selenge—and its main tributaries are the Tuul and Tamir rivers. In 2004, UNESCO listed the Orkhon Valley as a World Heritage Site.

The Orkhon River is home to a rich variety of fish, including pike, carp, taimen, and catfish. It’s said that some catfish here grow over one meter in length, making it a great spot for fishing. In addition, there are two significant historical sites along the river: the first capital of the Uyghur Khaganate, Ordu-Baliq, and the Mongol Empire’s capital, Karakorum—both invaluable treasures of human history. Russian explorer Pyotr Kuzmich Kozlov also discovered the tomb of a Xiongnu chanyu in the Orkhon Valley, adding an air of mystery to the area. Of course, what the river is most famous for among tourists is its stunning waterfall, which stands 20 meters high and spans 10 meters wide—a truly iconic local attraction.

Orkhon River

Reason to visit: The longest river in Mongolia

Continent: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region: Mongolia[Mongolia]

Province/State: Arkhangai Province and Bulgan Province [Arkhangai Province and Bulgan Province]