heymongolia
Nature & landscapes

Orkhon Waterfall

A 20 m waterfall dropping into a volcanic gorge in the Orkhon Valley.

The waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan) plunges into a basalt canyon in the upper Orkhon Valley, a wide landscape of nomad camps and yaks. You can climb down into the gorge. Water levels are highest after the summer rains.

  • Region: Central Mongolia (Övörkhangai)
  • Best time: July–September
  • Time needed: Half a day
  • Entry: Small fee

Tips

  • The road is rough dirt track; allow time.

Tours that visit Orkhon Waterfall

  • Treasures of Mongolia (12 days · Several regions · Tour Mongolia (Active & Adventure Tours Mongolia) · from $2,480)
    A 12-day minivan loop from Ulaanbaatar through the Gobi and central Mongolia, staying in ger camps and with herding families, with camel and horse riding along the way.
  • Essence of Mongolia – 7 Days (7 days · Several regions · Tour Mongolia (Active & Adventure Tours Mongolia) · from $1,560)
    A 7-day 4WD circuit of central Mongolia from Ulaanbaatar, with hot springs, the Orkhon Valley and Karakorum, nomad family stays, and horse and camel riding.
  • Orkhon Valley & Karakorum (5 days · Central Mongolia · Nomadic Journeys · from $1,350)
    A 5-day jeep or minibus trip from Ulaanbaatar to Hustai, the Orkhon Valley and Karakorum, with a hike to Tuvkhun Monastery and ger camp stays.
  • Central Mongolia & Orkhon Valley (7 days · Central Mongolia · Steppe Riders · from $2,500)
    A 7-day guided off-road motorcycle tour from Ulaanbaatar through central Mongolia and the Orkhon Valley, with a support vehicle and ger camp nights.
  • Orkhon Valley Cycling Adventure (5 days · Central Mongolia · Steppe Riders · from $1,500)
    A 5-day supported mountain bike trip from Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley, with rides to Tuvkhun Monastery and the Orkhon Waterfall.
  • Essence Of Mongolia | Small Group Tour | 14 Days (14 days · Several regions · Eternal Landscapes Mongolia · from $3,360)
    A 14-day small-group road trip by 4x4 van from Ulaanbaatar through the Gobi and central Mongolia, with family-run ger camps, herder homestays and a tree-planting project.
  • Wild Horizons: Central Heartland Mountain Cycling Tour | 10 Days (10 days · Central Mongolia · Eternal Landscapes Mongolia · from $2,460)
    A 10-day supported mountain bike tour from Ulaanbaatar through Khustai, Khogno Khan, the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes, Tsenkher hot springs and the Orkhon Valley to Kharkhorin.
  • Royal Enfield across Mongolia (7 days · Several regions · Horse Trek Mongolia · from $3,499)
    A 7-day guided motorbike camping trip on Royal Enfield Himalayans with car support, visiting the Orkhon Waterfall, Tsenkher hot springs, Kharkhorin and Hustai.

Nearby places