Orkhon Province
CAPITAL
Erdenet
AREA
844 km²
ESTABLISHED
1994
KEY FEATURE
Copper Mine
Overview
Orkhon Province was created to support the massive Erdenet Mining Corporation, a joint Mongolian-Russian venture. Unlike most Mongolian provinces that rely on nomadic herding, Orkhon’s economy is almost entirely industrial. The capital, Erdenet, was built from scratch in the 1970s with Soviet planning, resulting in a city that is highly organized, lush with trees, and boasts the highest standard of living in the country. The name Erdenet itself means “precious” or “treasured”, reflecting the immense value of the copper deposit that gave birth to the city. Today, Erdenet is often called the “Copper City”, as its mine remains one of the largest in the world and contributes a significant share of Mongolia’s GDP.
Top Attractions
Erdenet Copper Mine
One of the ten largest copper mines on Earth. Visitors can view the staggering scale of the open-pit operation from a designated lookout point, witnessing massive trucks that look like toys in the distance.
The Friendship Monument (Nairamdal)
A Soviet-style monument celebrating the cooperation between Mongolia and the USSR. It sits on a hill providing a panoramic view of the entire city and the mining complex.
The Great Buddha Statue
A towering golden Buddha located on the "God of the Mountain" (Bayan-Undur). It is a major spiritual site and a popular spot for locals to watch the sunset over the valley.
Erdenet Mining Museum
Located in the city center, this museum offers a deep dive into the geological discovery of the region, displaying rare minerals and the history of the industrial miracle that built the city.
Travel Essentials
The Night Train
One of the best ways to arrive is the overnight train from Ulaanbaatar. It is clean, punctual, and much more comfortable than a long bus ride.
Mine Tour Logistics
While you can see the mine from viewpoints, entering the facility itself requires prior permission or a tour arranged through a local agency.
Dining Scene
Erdenet has surprisingly diverse food options, including high-quality Russian and Korean cuisine, reflecting its history of international technical advisors.
Modern Connectivity
You will find the best 4G/LTE signals and Wi-Fi outside the capital here. It is an ideal place to "recharge" your digital life during a long expedition.
No. While they share a name, Orkhon Province is a small industrial region in the north. The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape (the UNESCO World Heritage Site with the ancient capital Kharkhorin) is located further south in Övörkhangai and Arkhangai provinces.
Generally, no. While it is the wealthiest province per capita, the cost of food, transport, and lodging is often slightly lower than in Ulaanbaatar, though quality remains high.
Because of the mining industry and international schools, you will find more English speakers in Erdenet than in most other provinces. You will also find many older residents who speak fluent Russian.
