Karakorum Road Trip - the old capital of Genghis Khan
3 to 14 days trip
This road trip will take you to the historical 13th century capital of Mongol Empire - Kharkhorin established by Chinggis Khaan. The drive to Kharkhorin is picturesque with beautiful empty steppes and untouched nature.
Not far from Kharkhorin you will visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries ErdeneZuu. Throughout the drive you will see all varied landscapes from golden sand dunes to endless steppes making stops at beautiful crystal lakes, waterfalls and historical monasteries.
One of the highlights of the trip is visiting endangered subspecies of the wild horse Takhi (Przewalski) in their own nature. This will be one of the unforgettable adventurous experiences. The itinerary can be adjusted to a shorter or longer trip (3 to 14 days upon request).
Navigation sets and accommodation bookings can be provided upon request. Please contact us for any inquiry.
On the way to Kharkhorin
Elsen Tasarhai
In this area you will see beautiful sand dunes lasting approximately 80 km across Burd, Bulgan and Gurvanbulag soums of Uvurkhangai province. This area has an unique landscape where the desert is cut through the grassland. Local people call this sand dunes Duut mankhan (Singing sand).
Activities: horse and camel riding on the sand dunes, hiking on the sand dunes, walking tour, visit to a local nomadic family.
Kharkhorin
Kharkhorin is an ancient capital city of the Great Mongol Empire established by Chinggis Khaan in 1220. From here Chinggis Khaan conquered China making Kharkhorin his base and headquarters. His son and successor Ogodei Khaan continued to build the capital making it an attractive location for traders and scholars from Asia and Europe.
In the 13th century Kharkhorin was a happening city on the main Silk Road route where people from all over the world gathered to trade and to live. Many nationals such as Chinese, Tibetan, Uighur, Persians, Indians, French, German, Hungarian and Russians lived in the city. It was a welcoming city not only because of convenience of trade but also because all the religions were welcomed in the Mongol Empire. Therefore, many monasteries, churches and mosques were established.
In 1260 after taking throne of the Mongol Empire Khublai Khaan moved the capital to Khanbalikg (modern Beijing) deserting Kharkhorin.
In 1388 Kharkhorin was destroyed by Manchurians leaving only ruins of the old capital. Today one can experience ruins of Erdene Zuu monastery located close to Kharkhorim. Erdene Zuu is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
Kharkhorin is an ancient capital city of the Great Mongol Empire established by Chinggis Khaan in 1220. From here Chinggis Khaan conquered China making Kharkhorim his base and headquarters. His son and successor Ogodei Khaan continued to build the capital making it an attractive location for traders and scholars from Asia and Europe.
In the 13th century Kharkhorin was a happening city on the main Silk Road route where people from all over the world gathered to trade and to live. Many nationals such as Chinese, Tibetan, Uighur, Persians, Indians, French, German, Hungarian and Russians lived in the city. It was a welcoming city not only because of convenience of trade but also because all the religions were welcomed in the Mongol Empire. Therefore, many monasteries, churches and mosques were established.
In 1260 after taking throne of the Mongol Empire Khublai Khaan moved the capital to Khanbalikg (modern Beijing) deserting Kharkhorin.
In 1388 Kharkhorin was destroyed by Manchurians leaving only ruins of the old capital. Today one can experience ruins of Erdene Zuu monastery located close to Kharkhorin. Erdene Zuu is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
Erdenezuu Monastery
The Erdenezuu monastery is the oldest and biggest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It has surrounding wall with 108 stupas. This monastery has overcome many historical challenges which left the monastery with 20 temples from initial 60. In 1930 during the repression all the monasteries were destroyed in Mongolia including Erdene Zuu. West of the Erdene Zuu monastery Bat-Erdenezuu monastery was established and is a working monastery to this day.
Activities: Tour through the Erdenezuu museum and monastery, Kharkhorum museum and city`s ruins, monument of other historical events and people such as Ikh Khaadiin Khushuu /The Great King`s Statue/, turtle rock, Tureg`s museum in Khushuu Tsaidam /46 km from Kharkhorin in the east/, a stone like a human called Khun Chuluu, the ancient gravestones and antiquities in the Gumb
Shank’s Monastery
After visiting Erdenezuu, we can go to Shankh`s monastery which was built in 1650. In there, you can learn about ancient history of the place from the monks.
Ulaantsutgalan waterfalls
Ulaantsutaglan is considered to be longest waterfall in Mongolia and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places. Approximately 20.000 years ago, the waterfall was formed due to earthquake and merged from volcanic eruptions.
Activities: hiking, boat trip, visit local family, horse riding, walking tour, and beautiful landscape views
Tuvkhun Monastery
The monastery is located in rocky mountains. In 1640 the Mongolian famous politician and Buddhist leader Zanabazar lived here and it is believed that here he created one of his materspecies: the symbol “Soyombo” which is the national symbol of Mongolia. He was not only a religious leader and a politician but also a sculptor, architect, scholar, linguist and a painter. One of his most known work is the White Tara, sculpted in 1680s.
Ugii Lake
Ugii lake is one of the biggest fresh water lakes in Mongolia. Located in central Mongolian province Arkhangai. Different types of fish and birds reside here. Historically this area belonged to Chinggis Khaans fourth son Tolui.
Activities: fishing, boat trips, swimming, hiking
Khushuu Tsaidam
Khushuu tsaidam you can find monuments and a museum about the King Bilge who ruled his “Tureg” empire for 19 years and his brother Kulitegyn, the Great General. Among the monuments are 10 of the 40 stelae you can find in Mongolia, that are covered with scripts. They are 3.3 m high, 1.3 m wide. The place is widely known as the “Orkhon’s scripts”.
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Khustain Nuruu is a beautiful National Park in Tuv province where one can see the endangered subspecies of the wild horse Takhi (Przewalski).
Activities: watching Takhi horses in the wilderness, hiking tour through beautiful landscapes, watching a documentary about the project of re-locating the Takhi (named Przewalski`s horse), bicycling trip, horse riding and other activities upon request.
Ulaanbaatar
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace, Ulaanbaatar is the first international five-star property in Mongolia. Located just 2 Km away from the Chinggis Khan Square in Ulaanbaatar city center. The hotel has three restaurants, a Spa and a Fitness center.
Special rates are available for SIXT customers upon request
Kharkhorin
Dream Land Resort
The camp was established in 2005 and its located in Kharkhorin, Uvurkhangai province 340 km from Ulaanbaatar city. It is one of the most popular camps in this region both for locals and tourists. Their facilities include authentic Japanese style sauna, shower, Jacuzzi and massage, restaurant and bar.
Munkh Tenger Ger Camp
The camp is located south-east from Erdenezuu monastery of Kharkhorin. It is one of the most popular camps for tourists. One of the entertainments of the camp is the archery show. The interior of the restaurant is traditional Mongolian and they serve Asian, Mongolian and European cuisines.
Ulaantsutgalan waterfalls
Orkhon Camp and Tour
Orkhon Camp is located at the heart of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape site which is an UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and believed to have one of the most incredible natures. The camp has got traditional Mongolian gers.
Ugii Lake
Khatan Ugii Ger Camp
The Khatan Ugii ger camp is located on the shores of the Ugii Lake. The camp provides accommodation in Gers and serves Mongolian, Asian and European food. The camp offers several activities like fishing, bird watching and boat tours.
Khustai
Khustai Mountain Camp
The camp is located 95 km to the west from the Ulaanbaatar city. The camps main attraction is watching endangered wild horses in they’re own nature . they also show documentary films about Mongolian wildlife, Hustai National Park, takhi reintroduction wild camels, marmots, red deer and Gobi bears.
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