Horseback riding

Anyone who's interested in steppe history and/or the history of the Turkic peoples should visit Khar Balgas, the ancient capital of the Uighur Khaganate. Across the river a short distance are the Orkhon inscriptions, which contain the earliest recorded Turkic writing.

The capital is located on the north side of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Go to the northwest corner of the Monastery, enter the fenced compound, used to be a sign here stating that the UN had paid for the fence. About 100 m north you will come to some small fenced areas and a stone turtle, one of two inside the city fence. Between the turtle and the stupa is the remains of Ogodei Xaan's palace. A German and Mongolian team has been excavating here. The other stone turtle is in the SE corner. A third is in the hills south of Erdene Zuu.

This monastery was built in the 1500s, but has been destroyed several times. It is free to enter the grounds, but a tour inside the old temples costs 3000 ₮, 5000 more to take pictures inside. In the NW corner is an active temple serving the local population, this temple is in Tibetan style.

Go southwest from Harhorin on the west bank of the Orhon River to N46 56.000 E102 22.322 turn right (west) There is a park entrance with US$3 fee per person. Continue up the valley until you see the many blue cloths turn up the hill on the SW side. The upper part of the road is in poor condition. Alternately, from the Orhon Waterfall, go NE along the river until you come to the bridge at N46 48.503 E102 1.668 follow the river on the west side to the turn mentioned above. Great view from the top.

Southwest on the west side of the river to the bridge at N46 48.503 E102 1.668. Cross to the south side and continue west to the falls.