Day 4 - Karakorum to Orkhon Falls

First thing next day was a visit to the Karakorum Museum, a well laid out and comprehensive view of Mongolian history.

This is a hard day across rough, rocky terrain, about 6 hours worth. Two unnamed occupants of the minivan throw up, and no one seems to feel very good. Pass through the town of Bat-Ötlzi, where we sit for awhile in a dusty restaurant trying to eat. By late afternoon arrive at Orkhon Falls, way up a valley lined with lava flows. The falls itself cuts through the flow sequence.

In late afternoon take an hour ride on horses. I wasn’t so interested in doing this, but there is no guided tour in Mongolia that does not include it. SOME RULES FOR RIDING HORSES (list, much longer than what follows, was provided before mounting):

• Don’t wear clothing that makes ‘scratchy noises’ (like rain jackets)
• Don’t use cameras that make a ‘clicking’ sound when they snap photos
• Don’t wear any perfume or other liquids that smells strongly
• Don’t talk or make any sound for that matter
• Don’t try to deviate the horse from the track the lead horse is taking

Why all of this? We are told that Mongolian horse are accustomed to people who have ridden all their lives in a very set routine, and they are not so ‘tame’ to begin with. Any unusual rider might be taken as a threat, or not seen as worthy of remaining on its back.

Stay in another ger, very cold here at night (higher elevation).