Kharkhorin is a village in Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia, located at the eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains, where they meet the central Mongolian steppe. Situated at an altitude of 1,540 meters, it lies in the Khangai-Khentii mountainous region and is part of the Orkhon River basin, with water supporting local agriculture. It is famous for its historical significance as the site of ancient Kharkhorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire, and for its proximity to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery.
Location
in Uvurkhangai Province
Population
around 12039
Economic Activities
Main sources of income are tourism and agriculture
UNESCO heritage
The area is part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Kharkhorin is located along the fertile plains of the Orkhon River, surrounded by rolling hills and grasslands. The region combines historical, cultural, and natural significance, making it an ideal base for exploring the Orkhon River Valley, waterfalls, archaeological sites, and Buddhist monasteries.
Erdenezuu Monastery is surrounded by a 420-square-meter wall with 108 stupas, representing sacred Buddhist numerology. It contains three main temples—West Zuu, Middle Zuu, and East Zuu—each representing the Past, Present, and Future Buddha. The monastery features double walls to regulate temperature and a sacred Goroo walking path for ritual circumambulation. It is Mongolia’s oldest Buddhist monastery and an important religious and cultural center.
Kharkhorum, founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan and expanded by his son Ögedei in 1235, was the capital of the Mongol Empire until Khubilai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. It was a major trade hub along the Silk Road, harmonizing religions and cultures, and hosting monasteries, churches, and mosques.
The city was destroyed by Ming troops in 1380, leaving only a few relics, including granite turtles, stone lions, and palace foundations. Knowledge about Kharkhorum comes mainly from traveler accounts like William de Rubruk, Plano Carpini, Rashid al-Din, and Marco Polo. Archaeologists have discovered 230 coins from ten different countries in the ruins.
Historical Significance: Explore the ruins of Kharkhorum, capital of the Mongol Empire.
Spiritual Experience: Visit Mongolia’s oldest monastery and active temples.
Cultural Insight: Learn about Buddhist practices and Mongolian heritage.
Architectural Marvels: Admire temples, stupas, and ancient tombs.
Approximately 495 km (8–9 hours by car) via the main highway.
Yes, 18 temples are active, and monks perform daily rituals.
Visitors can see palace foundations, granite turtles, stone lions, and traces of the ancient irrigation system.
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18 & more
Classic private tours
Experience Signature destinations of Mongolia
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Explore the diverse landscape and must-see attractions of the world-famous Gobi Desert & Orkhon Valley
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12 day tours
