Karakorum
East Asia · Mongolia
Did you know?
- Erdene Zuu was built in the 1500s using stones from the ancient capital.
- Town sites are walkable, but Orkhon Waterfall and Tövkhön Monastery need arranged transport.
- Ogodei held court here, and Marco Polo visited in the 13th century.
See also
Overview
Karakorum brings Mongol Empire history, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and immersive ger camps together on the steppe. The UNESCO-listed ruins and Erdene Zuu Monastery make it a focused base for historic sites and countryside excursions.
Languages: Mongolian
Why go?
Karakorum (Harhorin) is the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, where Genghis Khan's grandson Ogodei held court and Marco Polo visited in the 13th century. Today it offers a rare blend of steppe history, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and immersive ger camp experiences. The UNESCO-listed ruins and Erdene Zuu Monastery make it Central Mongolia's most significant historical destination.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
Karakorum is about 300 km west of Ulaanbaatar as the crow flies. Shared cars, jeeps, and minivans depart from the east side of the Container marketplace in the middle of town to Ulaanbaatar, Hujirt, and Tsetserleg. Kharkhorin Airport is 4 km north of town, with occasional flights from Ulaanbaatar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The town is small enough to explore on foot. Distances between sites like Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kharkhorum Museum are walkable. For outlying attractions like Orkhon Waterfall and Tövkhön Monastery, you'll need to arrange transport or join a tour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The best time to visit is May through September when roads are passable and weather is mild. Summer brings 15-25°C temperatures ideal for sightseeing. Winter temperatures drop well below freezing, and some facilities close. Spring and autumn offer fewer tourists but some sites may be harder to access.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options include several guesthouses offering yurt (ger) stays on the north and south edges of town. The Ikh Khorum Hotel provides modern amenities with free breakfast and hot tub. Budget guesthouses like Family Guesthouse offer stays from 66 ₮. Ger camps like Orkhon Ger Motel and Anar Tourist Camp provide authentic steppe experiences with shower facilities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food Drink
During summer, several restaurants operate in the shopping area. Small cafes near the container shopping area 1.5 km west of Erdene Zuu Monastery serve meals during the day. Morin Jim guesthouse and cafe offers grilled chicken and Mongolian food from 7am-10pm at US$3-5. King Restaurant on Khushuu Tsaidam Road serves Mongolian cuisine, while Titem Boru offers Asian dishes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in the 1500s using stones from the ancient Karakorum capital, is free to enter but temple tours cost 3000 ₮ (5000 more for photos). The Kharkhorum Museum displays artifacts from Mongolian history. For adventure, Horsetrails offers horse trips through the countryside departing from Erdene Zuu. The Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan) lies southwest on the west side of the Orhon River.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
When driving in Kharkhorin, always be alert for crossing horses or cows. When walking along sidewalks, watch for animal feces, mainly from horses and cows. The area is generally safe for travelers, but standard urban precautions apply.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From the Container marketplace, shared transport runs to Ulaanbaatar, Hujirt, and Tsetserleg. Day trips can be made to Khar Balgas (ancient Uighur capital northwest of the city) and the Orkhon inscriptions containing the earliest recorded Turkic writing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
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Anar Tourist Camp
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Asa Land Resort
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Destiny Hotel
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Family Guesthouse
Establishment with yurt accommodation, fire pit, and some food. On north edge of town.
Recorded price: 66 ₮
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Gaya's Guest House
More yurt life. Open, neat common area (dining room, bar). Friendly host. Wifi and shower.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Ikh Khorum Hotel
Modern hotel out on the steppe with restaurant/bar, free breakfast, hot tub.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Khan Taij Resort
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Kharkhorin Hostel and Restaurant
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
WiFi is available at some guesthouses like Gaya's Guest House. Mobile coverage exists but may be limited.
Culture
Respect monastery rules: remove shoes, cover shoulders, no photography inside temples unless paying extra (5000 MNT).
Health
Tap water is unsafe; drink bottled or boiled water. Altitude not an issue (approx 1500m).
Language
Mongolian is the local language. Russian was historically common but English is limited, especially outside main tourist sites.
Local transport
Shared jeeps and minivans are the main intercity transport; within town, walking is easiest.
Money
Mongolia uses the Mongolian tugrik (₮). Some prices are quoted in USD. ATMs may be limited; carry cash from Ulaanbaatar.
Safety
Watch for crossing horses and cows on roads; watch your step for animal feces on sidewalks.
Transport
Shared jeeps and minivans depart from the Container marketplace for Ulaanbaatar and surrounding towns. No public transit within town.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Weather
Summers (May-September) are mild at 15-25°C. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures well below freezing.