Kharakorim (3-4 days)

Kharakorim, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire

Kharakorim and we returned to the ancient Mongol empire, at the time of Genghis Khan. Not much remains of Karakorum today, as it was destroyed by infighting between clans and the materials were used to build the Erdene Zuu monastery. In an empire of nomads, very few permanent structures were erected, because the settlement of cities and monuments did not matter to these steppe warriors. Kharkhorin, is located on one of the main trade routes of the ancient Silk Road.

Genghis Khan gathered his troops there but he was not a builder preferring nomadic life. At the site of the present city, there was then only a large encampment. The construction of the city of Kharakorim was not undertaken until the 1220s by his son, Ögödei. In 1380 and 1466 was burnt. 16-17 centuries built Erdenezuu monastery using breaks from ruin of old city. Today you can visit various religious buildings, the walls, stone turtles and a new and interesting museum.

Kharkhorin, better known as Karakorum, was famed throughout Asia as the capital of the Mongol Empire. Within the walls of this spectacular city, kings were chosen, laws made, and the fate of the next city to be conquered was determined

Best months for Kharakorim: April - October

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