Onon River facts for kids

The Onon River (called Onon gol in Mongolian and Onon in Russian) is an important river that flows through two countries: Mongolia and Russia. It's quite long, stretching for 818 kilometers. The area of land that collects water for the Onon River, called its watershed, covers a huge space of 94,010 square kilometers.

The Onon River begins high up in the Khentii Mountains, on their eastern slopes. About 298 kilometers of the river's journey happens within Mongolia before it crosses into Russia. The Onon River is famous because it's believed that the great leader Genghis Khan was born and grew up near its upper parts.

The Onon River's Journey

The Onon River starts its long trip in the beautiful Khentii Mountains, which are located in northeastern Mongolia. These mountains are known for their stunning nature and historical importance. As the river flows, it gathers water from a very large area, its watershed, which is bigger than many countries!

Where the Onon River Flows

After leaving the Khentii Mountains, the Onon River travels through different landscapes. A significant part of its journey, nearly 300 kilometers, takes place in Mongolia. It then crosses the border into Russia, where it continues its path.

Joining Other Rivers

The Onon River doesn't end on its own. It has a special meeting point, called a confluence, where it joins with another river called the Ingoda River. When these two rivers meet, they form an even bigger river known as the Shilka River.

Part of a Giant River System

The Onon River is actually the beginning of one of the world's longest river systems! When the Onon (818 km) joins the Shilka River (560 km), and then the Shilka joins the Amur River (2,874 km), they create a massive waterway. This combined system, the Onon—Shilka—Amur, is one of the ten longest rivers on Earth. Imagine how much water flows through such a long system!

Historical Importance

The Onon River holds a special place in history, especially for the Mongolian people. It is strongly linked to the early life of Genghis Khan, one of the most famous and powerful leaders in history.

Genghis Khan's Early Life

Many historians and legends suggest that Genghis Khan, who founded the vast Mongol Empire, was born near the upper parts of the Onon River. He spent his childhood and early years growing up in this region. The river and its surroundings would have been the landscape of his youth, where he learned skills and developed the leadership qualities that would later change the world.