Karakorum Ruins

Karakorum, located in the Orkhon Valley, was the capital of the Mongol Empire during the 13th century and a key destination on the Silk Road. Founded by Genghis Khan around 1220 as a supply base, it reached its zenith under Ogedei Khan, who established it as a permanent city with defensive walls and grand palaces. Karakorum was a remarkable center of cultural and religious diversity, housing Christian churches, mosques, and Buddhist temples, reflecting the Mongol policy of religious pluralism. One of its most legendary features was the Silver Tree fountain, described by Flemish traveler William of Rubruck, which dispensed airag, wine, and honey mead through intricate mechanical silver pipes. Following the relocation of the capital to Khanbaliq (modern Beijing) by Kublai Khan, the city's influence waned until it was largely destroyed by Ming Dynasty forces in 1388. Much of the remaining masonry was later repurposed to build the neighboring Erdene Zuu Monastery. Today, the site is a significant archaeological area and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, where visitors can see stone turtles that once guarded the city gates and explore the museum detailing its history as the heart of a world-shaping empire.

Nearby cities

Arvaikheer

Arvaikheer is located in central Mongolia and serves as the gateway to the historical Orkhon Valley region.

Kharkhorin

Kharkhorin is located near the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.

Khujirt

A famous spa resort in the Orkhon Valley, renowned for its healing thermal springs and mud baths.

Ögii Lake

A scenic freshwater lake in Arkhangai, famous for its abundant fish and as a paradise for birdwatchers in the central Mongolian steppe.

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Khustain Naiman Nuur

An alpine paradise featuring eight volcanic lakes in the Khangai Mountains, ideal for trekking and horse riding.

History & landmarks

Ongi Monastery

Ruins of a large monastery on the banks of the Ongi River, once a significant educational center in the Gobi.

Nature

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Selenge River

A mighty watercourse that drains most of northern Mongolia and is crucial to the ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

Egiin Gol

The only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl is a crystal-clear, torrential river that winds its way through picturesque, wooded valleys.

More places

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu is probably the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Tövkhön Monastery

Tövkhön Monastery is perched spectacularly on a rocky mountain peak surrounded by dense forests.

Otgontenger

The highest mountain in the Khangai Mountains is a revered, sacred peak whose snow-capped summit is visible from afar.

Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments in the Orkhon Valley are vital 8th-century stone inscriptions.

Uran Togoo Volcano

A picturesque extinct volcanic cone whose forested crater shelters a small, circular lake in summer.