Home › Destinations › Karakorum
Karakorum, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Karakorum

Karakorum

Karakorum, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, stands as one of Mongolia's most historically significant destinations. Founded by Genghis Khan in 1220 and later expanded by his son Ögedei Khan, this legendary city once served as the political and cultural center of the largest contiguous empire in human history. Today, the modern town of Kharkhorin sits near the ruins of this great medieval metropolis, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Mongolia's imperial past. The area is dominated by the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, built in 1585 using stones from the ruins of ancient Karakorum. Surrounded by the vast Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the region combines archaeological wonders with impressive natural landscapes of rolling steppes and the meandering Orkhon River. Visitors can explore museum exhibits showcasing artifacts from the Mongol Empire, walk among ancient ruins, and experience traditional nomadic culture that has persisted for centuries in this historically rich landscape.

Top Karakorum

Erdene Zuu Monastery Complex

Visit Mongolia's oldest and most important Buddhist monastery, enclosed by 108 stupas and featuring beautiful temples with intricate artwork. The monastery houses precious Buddhist artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and offers insight into Mongolia's spiritual heritage. Walk through the peaceful courtyards and observe monks going about their daily practices.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 5,000-8,000 MNT ($2-3 USD). Best visited in early morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting and fewer crowds. Look for local guides who can explain the historical significance and Buddhist symbolism.

Ancient Karakorum Archaeological Site

Explore the excavated remains of the great Mongol capital through the Karakorum Museum and outdoor archaeological sites. See foundations of Ögedei Khan's palace, ancient streets, and artifacts that tell the story of this once-mighty city. The museum features excellent displays explaining the city's role in connecting East and West along the Silk Road.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is 5,000 MNT ($2 USD). Guided tours cost 15,000-25,000 MNT and are highly recommended to understand the historical context. Visit during weekdays to avoid school groups.

Orkhon Valley Nomadic Culture

Stay with local nomadic families in traditional gers (yurts) and participate in daily activities like herding livestock, milking animals, and preparing traditional dairy products. Learn about horseback riding, traditional crafts, and enjoy authentic Mongolian hospitality. This UNESCO World Heritage valley has been home to nomads for over two millennia.

Booking Tip: Ger stays cost $30-60 per person per night including meals. Book through reputable tour operators who work directly with families. Summer months offer the best experience with green pastures and active herding.

Horseback Riding in the Steppes

Experience Mongolia's legendary horse culture by riding across the endless steppes surrounding Karakorum. Follow ancient paths used by Mongol warriors and explore the vast grasslands that stretch to the horizon. Many tours include visits to horse herder families and lessons in traditional Mongolian horsemanship.

Booking Tip: Half-day rides cost $25-40, full-day expeditions $60-100. Choose operators with well-trained horses and safety equipment. Best from June to September when weather is favorable and grasslands are lush.

Shankh Monastery and Tövkhön Hermitage

Journey to these important Buddhist sites in the surrounding mountains, including the 17th-century Shankh Monastery and the remote Tövkhön Hermitage where Mongolia's first Buddhist leader meditated. The hermitage offers spectacular views and a peaceful retreat atmosphere. Both sites provide insight into Mongolia's Buddhist heritage and offer excellent hiking opportunities.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $40-80 including transport and guide. Tövkhön requires a 1-hour uphill hike, so bring proper footwear. Best visited May through September when mountain roads are accessible.

Getting There

Karakorum is located about 370 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, accessible by road in approximately 4-5 hours. Most visitors arrange transport through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles, as public transportation is limited. The journey passes through scenic countryside and small towns, with the road being paved for most of the route but requiring careful driving due to livestock and weather conditions. Some tour operators offer helicopter transfers for a premium experience, while budget travelers can take a combination of buses to Kharkhorin town, though this requires multiple transfers and takes considerably longer.

Getting Around

Getting around Karakorum and the surrounding area requires 4WD vehicles or horses, as many sites are accessed via dirt tracks across the steppes. Most visitors rely on organized tours or hire local drivers with vehicles suitable for off-road conditions. Within Kharkhorin town, sites are walkable, but reaching nomadic families, remote monasteries, and archaeological sites requires proper transportation. Bicycles can be rented for exploring the immediate area, while horseback riding is both a cultural experience and practical means of transport for reaching traditional herder camps in the valley.

Where to Stay

Kharkhorin town center
Ger camps near Erdene Zuu
Orkhon Valley nomadic gers
Luxury ger resorts
Guesthouse accommodations
Camping sites by the river

Food & Dining

Dining in Karakorum centers around traditional Mongolian cuisine, with local restaurants in Kharkhorin serving mutton dishes, dairy products, and hearty soups perfect for the continental climate. The most authentic culinary experiences come from staying with nomadic families, where you'll enjoy fresh mare's milk (airag), dried meat, and traditional milk tea. Several ger camps offer buffet-style meals featuring both Mongolian and international dishes. Local markets provide basic supplies, while some guesthouses can arrange packed lunches for day trips. Don't miss trying aaruul (dried cheese curds) and traditional Mongolian barbecue prepared in the countryside.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mongolia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Millie's Espresso

4.5 /5
(472 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Café Park Buffet Restaurant

4.6 /5
(406 reviews)

Yuna Korean Restaurant (3,4 horoolol)

4.8 /5
(294 reviews)

Cafe Camino

4.6 /5
(212 reviews) 2
cafe store

Zhang Liang Malatang Mongolia 2

4.9 /5
(192 reviews)

UBean Coffee House & Roasterie

4.6 /5
(152 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Karakorum is from June through August when temperatures are warmest (15-25°C/59-77°F), grasslands are green, and nomadic families are most active with their herds. May and September offer fewer crowds and pleasant weather, though nights can be cold. Winter visits (November-March) are extremely harsh with temperatures dropping to -30°C/-22°F, though this offers a unique experience of traditional winter nomadic life. Spring (April-May) can be unpredictable with sudden weather changes, while autumn (September-October) provides clear skies and beautiful colors but requires warm clothing for temperature drops.

Insider Tips

Bring layers and warm clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop dramatically at night and weather changes quickly on the steppes.
Learn basic Mongolian greetings and customs before staying with nomadic families - showing respect for traditions greatly enhances the cultural exchange experience.
Stock up on supplies in Kharkhorin town before heading to remote areas, as amenities become very limited once you leave the main settlement area.

Activities in Karakorum