River Journeys by Canoe & Kayak
Mongolia offers fantastic opportunities for exploration by Open Canoe and Kayak
Many of our rivers have only had a couple of descents (if any at all) mostly by an enterprising group of Russian paddlers in the late 80's. With many thousands of Km of river and whitewater and both salt and fresh water lakes, Mongolia is a true hidden gem for wilderness trippers and paddlers.
The 18 week Canoeing season is from the middle of May until the end of September. Occasionally this extends to the middle of October - but it can be very cold by then.
Go Wilderness Mongolia offer different types of trips:-
1. Self sufficient - you just hire the canoe equipment from us. All other arrangements are left for you to do.
2. Self sufficient with in country support - you hire the equipment from us and we supply the Mongolian logistics, transport, permits, food and cooking kit etc.
3. Guided - As 2 above but you are guided by Chris Cartwright, BCU Coach Level 5.
4. Fully supported and catered - As 3 above and GWM will provide a fully catered, guided, logistically supported Wilderness Canoe Expedition.
Fleet. We have 14 excellent inflatable expedition rated open canoes, with all the safety equipment and buoyancy aids needed. These boats are really good for all standards of paddler. We have chosen inflatable canoes because they can be transported easily to remote paddling spots, by foot, horse, camel or 4x4.
Numbers. We can accommodate up to 28 paddlers in two groups of twelve plus leaders on the water at a time in 2 seperate groups or rivers.
The Rivers of Mongolia
We offer paddling trips on the following Rivers in Mongolia:- click on the river to get more info.
30+ river trips with over 7000 Km of class I - V water on offer here!
There are many more rivers to paddle than those listed here - they are just
awaiting first descents. As an example just the Selenge River system
has at least 12 tributaries ready for exploration.
If you are interested in some exploring and first descents, please contact us here.
Western Mongolia
South Western Mongolia
Central and Northern Monglia
Eastern Mongolia
For the best selection of Wilderness and Adventure paddling we at GWM recommend
you head for the Five Rivers area of North Central Mongolia. Here, centred around
the confluence of the Delger Moron, Selenge, Chuluut, Ider and Bugsei Rivers
are a variety of paddling trips from 1 to 6+ days in duration and of different grades.
Fancy a canoeing trip with GWM? contact us here for further details.
Summary PDF of The Rivers of Mongolia - here
Rivers of Mongolia PDF Map (above) - here
GPS references in Mongolia - here
 Class II moving water on the Tuul Gol close to Ulaan Baatar |  Open Canoe loaded with 5 days equipment and supplies |
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 The Orkhon River in Central Mongolia |  Top Coaching and Safety with International River Guide Chris Cartwright |
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 Camping or bivvy - your choice |  It is possible to bring your own kayak, GWM can supply all your logistical support for an expedition |
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Rivers and Lakes, an introduction
Large rivers originate in the country’s mountainous northern and western areas, while very few surface streams are found in the south. The rivers of Mongolia generally flow in three directions: north toward the Arctic Ocean, east toward the Pacific Ocean, or south into the Gobi desert. In the north, the Selenge River and its main tributary, the Orhon River, form the country’s major river system. These rivers join near the country’s northern border with Russia, where they empty into Lake Baikal, the world’s largest freshwater lake in water volume.
Another important river is the Kerlen (Hereleng), which flows across northeastern Mongolia and into China, where it empties into Hulun Lake. The few streams of southern and southwestern Mongolia run into salt lakes or disappear in the arid, rocky soils of the Gobi. Water runs underground in the Gobi and can be obtained from wells.
In the northwest, a great basin east of the Altay Mountains contains more than 300 lakes. Here lies the saltwater Lake Uvs, which ranks as the country’s largest lake in surface area (about 3,300 sq km/1,300 sq mi). It is a strictly protected conservation area, with many rare animal and plant species.
Hövsgöl Lake, a deep alpine lake nestled in the northern mountains, is the country’s largest in terms of water volume. It ranks as the second largest freshwater lake in Asia, after Lake Baikal, and contains 2 percent of the world’s fresh water. Its surface area is about 2,760 sq km (about 1,070 sq mi). Dozens of rivers feed the lake, but only one flows from it, the Egiyn Gol, a tributary of the Selenge. Through these rivers, Hövsgöl Lake is connected to Lake Baikal.
Detailed hydrographic information of the Rivers of Mongolia - here
We plan all our Canoe and Kayak Expeditions from a blank sheet of paper. All we need is some basic information from you and we'll develop a bespoke programme.
To see the questions we ask please click here. To email us direct please click here.
Site Last Updated - 25/01/2011 01:46:19
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