Orkhon Waterfall

About the Site

In the Quaternary period a volcano erupted at the source of the Tsagaan Azarga river. Its lava ran down the Orkhon valley and laid down layers of volcanic rock several kilometres long.

Over time the Orkhon cut a gorge through this rock. At the head of the gorge the river now falls 24 metres over a lip 10 metres wide, making it the widest waterfall in Mongolia. The falls lie in the upper Orkhon valley, part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

What to See

• The falls themselves, 24 metres high and 10 metres wide
• The basalt gorge below, which can be walked down with care
• In winter, the Karakorum Ice Festival held in the area, with ice archery, knucklebone shooting and speed skating

Visiting

• In Bat-Ölzii soum, usually reached on a trip up the valley from Kharkhorin; tracks are rough, so a sturdy vehicle and a local driver help.
• The flow depends on rain and snowmelt; the falls are fullest in summer.

Distances and travel times are approximate. Check local conditions, opening hours and permits before you travel.