Kharkhorin, Former Capital of Mongol Empire!
Experience the heart of Mongolia in Kharkhorin! Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, this ancient city is a treasure trove of history and culture. Explore the ruins of Kharkhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire, immerse yourself in nomadic traditions, and savor authentic Mongolian cuisine! Kharkhorin is your gateway to a timeless adventure in Mongolia!
In 1220, the construction of Kharakhorum city, the capital of the Mongolian Empire was founded on the orders of Chinggis Khaan and completely done during the period of Uguidei Khaan. The Kharakhorum city was not only the administrative, trade, and cultural center of the Mongolian Empire but also served as a link between East and West.
During the 13th century, Kharakhorin city (Harhorin or Kharakhorum, as per other names) was one of the biggest cities in the world, including the district of royal, ministers, noblemen, military leaders, craftsmen, traders, priests, and the inns for foreign missionaries and visitors. Kharakhorum was surrounded by solid walls with a gate on each side. It consisted of the royal palace, monasteries, trading markets, administrative and military buildings, and residential areas.
How to get to Kharkhorin?
You’ll most likely reach Kharakhorin from Ulaanbaatar. So in Ulaanbaatar, go to the Dragon Bus Terminal (Драгон худалдаа үйлчилгээний төв) which is located on the same main road, the Peace ave. Catch that only direct bus a day. Departure time is 11:00. The ticket costs 17 000 Mongolian Tugrik, around 4.6 euros. Later buses pass through Kharkhorin as well, but the drop-off point won’t be Kharkhorin’s bus station. The way there is long, it will take around 6 hours. This will be your traveling day. Unfortunately, they have chosen these – day’s useful hours for driving.
By the way, there’s only one daily bus to return to Ulaanbaatar. It leaves at 10:00, costs the same as the bus to here. The bus leaves from the Kharkhorin bus station. But the station opens only when the bus arrives. Therefore, we recommend you to buy the bus tickets in advance, most likely your hotel will help you to arrange everything through a phone call.
TOP 5 Must–see in Kharkhorin
1.Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu is the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, founded in 1586 by Altai Khaan. In 1872, the monastery had 62 temples, over 500 facilities and it housed up to 1500 lamas. Monks of the Erdene Zuu monastery had undergone political repression in the 1930s, so did other temples in the country. However, since the 1940s, the Erdene Zuu monastery has been involved in fortification, and some of the temples and divinities have been reconstructed. In 1965, this place was called the Historical Museum of Religion.
While visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery, pay attention to the craftsmen and artists – their work is mesmerizing. Intricate free hand writings and drawings are too good to be left on the shelves of the artist!
Entrance fee: 5,000 Mongolian Tugrik which is around 1.4 euros.
2. The Great Mongolia Monument (Maps.me)/ Monument for Mongol States (Google maps)
The monument to the ancient Great Mongolian Empires was built in 2003-2004 by the Denzen’s design. On the outer surface of the three separate arched walls of the monument, the territory of the Hunnu Empire, the Turkic Empire, and the Mongolian Great Empire are shown on a world map depicted by colored glass. It also shows historical and cultural monuments such as stone statues of Mongolian and Turkic people, and heroes on horseback carrying bows and arrows. From this monument, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Kharkhorin as well.
Entrance fee: Free
3. Orkhon Valley view
If you decide to visit the Great Mongolia Monument (Maps.me)/ Monument for Mongol States (Google maps), you can go downhill from the monument towards the Orkhon River. It is a marvel to see – winding river bed, grazing horses and cattle, eagles flying in search of prey. The pure beauty of Mongolian nature. This is the very beginning of Orkhon Valley which is not that easily reachable without a guide and an expensive tour.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has inscribed the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape on the World Heritage List of the Convention, concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. And this valley is just there! Enjoy your hike, it will definitely be incredible!
Entrance fee: Free
4. Turtle Rock and Phallic Rock
These two stone monuments are not that easy to find as they are in the prairie, nothing surrounds them. But – trust us – it will be a wonderful walk and a crazy-good area for stunning photos! We’re adding the map which should help you to orientate yourself. The monuments are not too far from Erdene Zuu Monastery. You’ll walk the street of Khushuu Tsaidam till it’ll reach the main road (leading away from Kharkhorin). You’ll see gas stations on the roadside. A little walk there, and you’ll see signs leading you to Phallic Rock on the right side of the road. After the visit to Phallic Rock, you’ll need to climb higher to reach the Turtle Rock.
Phallic Rock or Kharkhorin Rock is a statue of a penis as a reminder to the monks to remain celibate, as well as a symbol of fertility. Turtle Stone, on the other hand, is a protector of the city. Turtles always played an important role in Mongolian culture. They’re generally symbols of longevity and wisdom.
Entrance fee: Free
5. Traditional music concerts
Music is an integral part of Mongolian culture. It is rich and colourful, and each ethnic group of the country has its own specialty. One of the most famous musical aspects of Mongolia is throat singing during which the singer is producing two sounds at the same time. It’s incredible! Mongolian dances, on the other hand, usually show Mongol everyday life – housework, working in the field, festive occasions, etc. And the most awesome thing is that during the high season in the summer, in Kharakhorin guesthouses are organizing such small concerts where singers, musicians and dancers perform in one of the yurts. They’ll charge you some money for this hour-long performance. It is definitely “a must” if you’re in Mongolia!
Entrance fee: Depending on the guesthouse (around 20,000 Mongolian Tugrik which is around 5 euros)
A special advice:
- SIM – if you want the best coverage all around the country, Mobicom SIM should be your choice. In Ulaanbaatar, go to TEDY (mobile phone shopping center) with your passport and they will cater the SIM to your needs.
- Download the app called Maps.me – it has more detailed maps and roads shown than Google. Great help, especially in finding any kind of footpath.
