Orkhon river rafting
7 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag Community Travel, Ulziit Road, Saikhan, Orkhon, Amarbayasgalant Khiid, Erdenet, Darkhan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THTB2201
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 10
Age range:
10-80
Special diets catered:
MeatVegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Fishing, Hiking, Horse Riding Excursion, White water rafting
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
It’s not for the faint of heart, but rafting will give you the kind of spine-tingling thrills that only close encounters with nature can produce. Experience the Mongolian river's tenacity while enjoying the landscape and the hidden beauty waiting to be revealed by you. This tour is designed to explore nomadic life and the culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Gurvanbulag - Horse Ride
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Gurvanbulag Community Travel
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Gurvanbulag community ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we will pick you up from your hotel then we will travel to Gurvanbulag Soum (a local administration unit) in Bulgan province which will take 280kms in 4-5 hours. The area has an amazing view. On the way, we will visit Khar Bukhiin Balgas which is the 10th century ruins of fortress. During that time Kitans used it as a defensive position against their rivals. In the afternoon you will mount a horse to explore the nearby places with a guide. In the evening you will attend the lesson of “Shagai”. It’s a game where you use the anklebones of sheep to play many different types of games. No doubt you will have fun playing the Shagai game with local nomad people. Experience Mongolian archery shooting on a target to check your accuracy.
You will be staying overnight in Gurvanbulag community ger camp.
Day 2 : Experiencing Nomad Culture
Location: Gurvanbulag Community Travel
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Gurvanbulag community ger camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we will visit the nomad family enjoy their traditional hospitality and learn about their culture. They offer unconventional homemade special dairy products, such as “Aaruul” or dried curds, Mongolian salty milk tea Suutei Tsai and so on. You can interact with nomad people and get more knowledge from their nature-hugging lifestyle. After visiting the nomad family we will have a short hike to neighbouring dunes for 5-8kms. For dinner, you will taste “Khorkhog” which is the unique Mongolian barbecue grilled with hot stones. In the evening we will watch how Mongolian skilful cowboys catch horses by “Uurga” or traditional wooden lasso and tame an untamed horse that has never been ridden before.
Day 3 : Drive To The Orkhon River - Starting Rafting
Location: Ulziit Road, Saikhan, Gurvanbulag Community Travel
Accommodation Name: Tent stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning we will take a leave and drive to Saikhan soum which will take 280kms. Once we arrive at our rafting starting point, we will prepare the boats and start rafting in about 3-4 hours. We will make a camp near the river bank of the Orkhon River.
Day 4 - 5 : Rafting Days
Location: Saikhan, Orkhon
Accommodation Name: Tent stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a brief break in a camp and rigging the boats in the morning, we will launch down Mongolia’s longest river into its remotest canyon. Isolated by high cliff walls, you can spot unsuspecting wildlife while paddling on the calm side of the river. But when reach the rapids brace yourself for a wave of adrenaline! We make our cosy camp near the riverside located upstream of the gorge and a white water.
Day 6 : Rafting And Travel To Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Location: Amarbayasgalant Khiid, Orkhon, Erdenet
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Amarbayasgalant ger camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, we enter the deepest and narrowest part of the canyon for some quick and closely spaced class III rapids. The action will be immense as we continue downstream, and after 2-3 hours of rafting and scenery, we reunite with the vehicles. After lunch, we will travel to Amarbayasgalant monastery for 200 km. Amarbayasgalant Monastery is one of the three largest Buddhist centres in Mongolia. Continue travel to the monastery via Bulgan town and Erdenet city. Upon arrival at Amarbayasgalant Monastery, you will gain all the necessary information from the guide.
Day 7 : Travel To Ulaanbaatar
Location: Darkhan, Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant Khiid
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will travel back to Ulaanbaatar city for 340kms and drive mostly by paved road. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, we will transfer you to your hotel. End of the service.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
1.5L Mineral bottled water
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Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying in a tent, and in a hostel or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, a stove, a table, and chairs and have electric lighting. Bathrooms and showers are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities being naturally basic.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees to Protected Areas and Museums are included
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Fully Guided
A professionally trained guide will be guiding for the entire time.
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Meals – Full Board
Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking. At ger homestays, meals will be traditional Mongolian home cooking such as Mongolian rice porridge for breakfast and Tsuivan (stir-fry with homemade noodles), or Buuz (steamed dumplings) for lunch and dinner. During your time at ger camps, meals will be a mix of western and Mongolian cuisine, breakfast is a continental buffet style along with cooked options. Dinner is often a three-course set menu of traditional dishes with a western twist. Generally, the water quality in Mongolia is good. But as a precaution, we advise our guests to drink bottled water that can be purchased in shops, food markets and kiosks in the capital and many of the provincial centres as well as in tourist Ger camps in the countryside. Mineral water is usually not included in our trips as we aim to produce as little plastic waste as possible. But we do provide plenty of warm drinks such as tea and coffee during our trips.
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Local Taxes
All road taxes
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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Personal items
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Wi-FI or any internet accesses do not exist in the countryside.
Mode of Transport
On the dust of the desert and mud of the steppe, high mountains, and rocky trails of the river basin the Russian off-road MPV such as UAZ provides safety for your trip. These 4x4 vehicles are specifically tuned for rough off-roading that is inevitable when travelling in the wilds of Mongolia. They provide ample space and are well maintained while offering good luggage space, seat belts and strong.
Accommodation
During your journey, you will be staying at an authentic ger alongside a nomad family and depending on the season in a guest house or in ger camps. Gers are equipped with beds, linen, stoves, tables and chairs and have electric lighting. Showers and bathrooms are only available at ger camps, with homestay facilities natural basis. During the run on the river, you can will be staying in a tent.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Local tour guides speak English.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each person can bring a back sack of 3-5kg and a suitcase of 20kg on that tour.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa entries are not included in the price of the tour. Visa is required for all, except citizens of the following countries. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one-month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US.
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Do you require a visa for this tour?
All travellers must obtain a visa before travelling to Mongolia. Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance.
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How to get relevant entry visas easily?
Some nationalities can obtain visas at the airport or train station, however, it requires an application through us to the Immigration Authority of Mongolia in advance. Please check the following website for your nationalities requirements. www.consul.mn
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport transfers aren't included in this tour. However, private arrival and departure are available on request.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
– EASY: A basic level of fitness is required, the tour is generally easy-paced.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Guests will homestay at ger alongside the Nomad family in the rural areas. There is no available Wi-fi in remote areas.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
A vaccination certificate is required if you are vaccinated with all types of vaccines.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All entrance fees are included in the tour price such as national park and museum.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Mainly, we provide 4WD Russian minivans (UAZ 452 type) and Japanese minivans (Mitsubishi Delica) in our tours travelling in the remote countryside. Only Japanese vehicles are equipped with air-conditioning.
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group with 6 people.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
kids can be part of the family trip or attend other tour groups with their care-taker.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We will arrange your pre-and post-tour accommodations upon on your request.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
You can keep Mongolian Tugrug(MNT) during that your tour. It is necessary to buy something from locals and for souvenirs.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
If you are not fully vaccinated, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before your trip. During your trip you should follow all recommendations and requirements at your destinations including wearing well-fitted mask and staying 6 feet (2 meters) apart from anyone who did not travel with you. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will be sent tour
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Tour Mongolia has been trading their products such as cultural, active and adventure trip since they have established in 2001.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you noticed to your companions in 2 months prior your departure it is available to postponed till your alternative dates or cancel it according to policy.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All accommodations such as hotel, lodge, Ger camp and Ger of local communities are meet with local health and safety regulations.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Tour Mongolia's handpicked and experienced team will be companied with you during on your trip.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Tour Mongolia allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 7 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Tour Mongolia allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform tour mongolia, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Tour Mongolia requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tour mongolia charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.