Karakorum / also known as Kharkhorin is approximately 370 kilometers (230 miles) southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. This distance can be covered by car or bus in about 5-7 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, is located in the central part of Mongolia, within the Övörkhangai Province. Situated in the Orkhon Valley, the area is characterized by its rolling steppe terrain, flanked by mountains and traversed by the Orkhon River. This river, a vital water source, has historically supported the region’s agriculture and settlements.
Visiting Karakorum offers a variety of fascinating activities. You can start by exploring the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built in 1585 on the ruins of the ancient city. Next, head to the Karakorum Museum, where you can delve into the city’s rich history through exhibits of archaeological finds and artifacts from the Mongol period. Don’t miss Turtle Rock, one of the four stone turtles that once marked the city’s boundaries, giving a glimpse into the ancient city’s layout.
Walking through the ancient city ruins, you can imagine the once-thriving capital of the Mongol Empire, with its remnants of buildings and stone foundations. The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, surrounds Karakorum and offers stunning natural landscapes along with other historical sites. Nearby, Tövkhön Monastery, located on a mountain, provides breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere.
Karakorum was established in 1220 by Genghis Khan as the capital of the Mongol Empire, serving as a political, cultural, and economic center. This city became the heart of one of the largest contiguous empires in history. Its strategic location in the Orkhon Valley made it a vital crossroads for trade and communication across the vast territories conquered by the Mongols.
Under the reign of Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan’s son, Karakorum flourished and expanded significantly. Ogedei constructed several important buildings, including the famed Silver Tree fountain, a symbol of the city’s prosperity and the empire’s wealth. The Silver Tree, designed by a French artisan captured during Mongol conquests, served as an impressive central feature of the city, highlighting the Mongols’ appreciation for art and culture from diverse sources.
Karakorum was a cosmopolitan city where various cultures and religions coexisted. It hosted Chinese, Persian, and European craftsmen, merchants, and diplomats, making it a hub of cultural exchange. The city featured a variety of religious buildings, including mosques, Christian churches, and Buddhist temples, reflecting the Mongol Empire’s policy of religious tolerance and its openness to foreign influences and ideas.
One of the most significant historical sites in Karakorum is the Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1585 on the ruins of the ancient city. The monastery is the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and remains an important cultural and religious site.
