The River Tuul runs for 704 kilometres through central and northern Mongolia, making it country’s third longest river.  The Tuul is sacred to the Mongol people due to their deep respect for nature and water in particular.  As a nation which depends upon the land for their existence, they have good reason to be environmentally conscious.  The valley in which it sits is dotted with Yurt’s in summer, and it’s not difficult to see why.  With its undulating hills and abundant greenery, as well as the obvious water source, the river valley has both an aesthetic quality and a lifestyle practical use.
 
Nomads of the River Tuul are said to be among the friendliest in the country, offering tourists Horse, Camel and Yak rides and teaching them how they live, what they eat and what it’s like to live in mobile homes.  The valley is teeming with berries and wildflowers in summer and the native appreciate them as much as the tourists.  Visitors can amuse themselves by rock climbing or going on water based adventures such as rafting, kayaking, or even being drawn down the river by oxen in the shallower water.
 
There is a serene, untouched quality about the river, with its clear water and stunning granite mountains.  Visitors often remark how they feel like they are stepping back in time when they see how well preserved the area is.  Very little has changed about the valley in the past thousand years, partly because the Mongolians feel a strong affinity with their ancestors and want to experience the land in the same way they did.  There are national Gers placed on the banks of the river in summer in order to teach tourists about Mongolian history and give a bit of context to the site.
 
As well as the majesty of the river there are several tourist attractions within walking -or riding- distance of the river valley.  Terelj National Park for example is one of the most popular parks in Mongolia with endless grassy meadows and opportunity for hiking.  A 40 metre statue of Genghis Khan sits astride a horseon nearby Tsonjin Boldog Hill.  An 8th century historical memorial is located just a few miles further on.
 
While in the river valley make sure to try a real stone roast lamb barbeque, known as Khorkhog.  It is also one of the best places to learn about the history of the country and the nomadic people in general, so consider this an essential trip for anyone wishing to understand the national character of Mongolia.

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