Karakorum, set in central Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley, is the legendary site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Founded by Genghis Khan’s son in the 13th century, the city once thrived as a crossroads for trade, power, and culture.
Today, visitors can explore the ruins, the impressive Erdene Zuu Monastery—Mongolia’s oldest—and stunning steppe landscapes. Karakorum’s rich history, blend of Mongolian and Buddhist heritage, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see for those curious about Mongolia’s past and present.
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Begin your journey by acclimating to the tranquil steppes, soaking in the ambiance of Karakorum and gaining an introduction to its historical significance as Mongolia’s former capital.
Begin your journey with a gentle orientation walk around central Kharkhorin. Take time to soak in the steppe scenery, observe daily life, and familiarize yourself with the town’s layout. This is ideal for easing into the pace of the region.
Discover Karakorum’s rich history at the Karakorum Museum. Engaging exhibits showcase relics, artifacts, and stories of the Mongol Empire, offering a perfect primer for your visit.
Relax by the scenic Orkhon River at sunset. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance with sweeping views of the steppe—this is a peaceful place for reflection and to begin connecting with Mongolia’s natural landscape.
Mongolian Traditional Music and Dance Performance Ticket
No Mongolia visit is complete without this ticket, which grants access to an unforgettable evening showcasing the very best of Mongolia’s UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. Step into the heart of Mongolia’s cultural heritage with an evening of mesmerizing performances. In a comfortable, welcoming theatre, you’ll witness the country’s finest artists bringing traditional music, dance, and storytelling to life. You'll experience: Traditional Mongolian folk and long songs Morin Khuur (horse-head fiddle) performances Throat singing and praise music Authentic folk dance World-renowned contortion acts Tsam mask dance A full traditional folk orchestra This performance offers a rare, authentic glimpse into Mongolia’s artistic soul—celebrated worldwide for its depth, beauty, and storytelling. It’s not just a show—it's a journey into the living heartbeat of Mongolian tradition.
Location
Övörkhangai Province
Currency
Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)
Religion
Tibetan Buddhism
Population
14,366
Language
Mongolian, Kazakh
Electricity
220V, 50Hz, C/E/F plugs
Time zone
UTCUTC+8 (UTC+8)
Country code
+976
Internet access
Available, moderate speed, affordable
Climate
Cold, semi-arid, harsh winters
Language:
Mongolian
hello
goodbye
yes
no
how much
please
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excuse me
To reach Karakorum, Mongolia, most visitors start by flying into Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital. From Ulaanbaatar, there are no direct trains or planes to Karakorum, so your best options are by road. Travel companies offer comfortable minivans or guided tours, though adventurous travelers can also use public buses that depart from Dragon Bus Station.
The journey is about 370 kilometers and takes 6-8 hours through scenic Mongolian countryside. Roads may become rough or muddy during heavy rains, especially in late spring or summer, which can slow travel. There are no boat routes, so land transport is the only choice. If you visit outside summer, check ahead for weather conditions, as winter roads can be icy and more challenging.
Karakorum experiences a continental climate, with cold, harsh winters and warm summers. Winter, from November to March, brings temperatures well below freezing, snow, and strong winds. Spring and autumn are brief but can be chilly, with unpredictable weather.
Summers, from June to August, are pleasant with mild temperatures around 20°C (68°F) and occasional rain showers. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn, especially in July and August, when conditions are most comfortable. Winter is best avoided unless you’re prepared for extreme cold and limited accessibility.
Karakorum offers hearty Mongolian cuisine, with popular dishes like khorkhog (lamb cooked with hot stones), buuz (steamed dumplings), tsuivan (noodle stir-fry), and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Dairy products and meat, especially mutton and beef, are staples. Try the local tea with milk and salt (“suutei tsai”).
Top places to eat include the Gempund Café, which serves traditional meals and vegetarian options, and the Morin Khuur Restaurant inside the Karakorum Hotel, offering hearty Mongolian fare in a cozy setting. Local ger camps often organize authentic meals and cultural dinners.
Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated (5-10%). Note that vegetarian and vegan options are limited. Menus may change seasonally, especially in winter, and English may not always be spoken, so have a translation app handy.
Buuz
Buuz are traditional Mongolian steamed dumplings filled with minced meat, typically mutton, and flavored with onion and a...
Khuushuur
Khuushuur is a savory Mongolian fried pastry filled with minced meat, often mutton or beef, and seasoned with...
Tsagaan ider
Tsagaan ider, or "white food," is a traditional Mongolian dairy product made from fermented mare's milk. This tangy...
Borts
Borts is a type of Mongolian dried meat, usually made from beef, horse, or mutton. It is a...
Aaruul
Aaruul is a popular Mongolian dried curd snack made from fermented milk. It is enjoyed as a versatile...
Karakorum offers a range of accommodations, from comfortable guesthouses to traditional ger camps. The best hotels, such as Anar Hotel or Ikh Khorum Hotel, provide clean rooms and Mongolian hospitality with easy access to local sights. For the best deals and reviews, use Hotels.com to compare options and secure your booking.
Travelers seeking unique experiences can stay in a ger camp on the outskirts—these offer immersion in nomadic culture with stunning steppe views. Guesthouses in the town center are affordable and close to restaurants and historic attractions. Book early during summer, as Karakorum is popular at that time.
Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs
Begzsuren will pick you up from your hotel and take you home for an authentic Mongolian cultural and culinary experience! Learn to cook and dine on buuz, traditional Mongolian steamed dumplings and homemade noodle soup in addition to other dishes. Begzsuren and his wife, Mungunsoyombo learned how to cook from an early age, from their families. Mungunsoyombo learned how to make traditional food healthier from her experience in nutritional studies. They live with their three children in a traditional Ger house in the suburbs of Ulaanbaatar. A traditional Ger home is a simple, portable, round tent covered with felt and used as a dwelling place in Central Asia. Begzsuren, Mungunsoyombo and his children will welcome you with hot herbal tea made from nettles Begzsuren picked from a herb garden. Join Begzsuren at his home for this cooking and meal experience and get introduced to Mongolian life, culture and cuisine.
From $229 USD
Private tour wth Olivia: Genghis Statue-Turtle Rock-Terelj-Zaisan
I am an experienced driver /+10 years/ as well as fluent in English. I also do UB city tour, and airport transfers as well as a organize a visit to nomadic horse herder family. Itinerary: 8 AM - Depart from UB towards the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. 9 AM - Arrive at the Chinggis Khaan Statue. Spend about an hour for exploring the Statue Complex and museum as well as climbing statue for panoramic view. We take pic with eagle. 11 AM: Enjoy Terelj National Park and visit Turtle Rock. Arrive at the park, where you can enjoy the stunning landscape and see unique rock formations. At Turtle Rock, we ride horse. 1 PM: Zaisan sightseeing Go back to the city and visit Zaisan Memorial that honors allied Mongolian and Soviet soldiers killed in World War II. Located on a hill where you could see all city in panaramic view 2-3 PM - Drop off P.S: Car is Toyota Crown. Include: Fees, gas, water, pic with eagle, horse/camel riding 5-30min
From $109 USD
Real Mongolian Adventure! The best highlights of Mongolia
We are concentrated on Altai Tavan Bogd Tours and Western Mongolia expeditions. Our region is famous for the gorgeous Altai Mountains and is home to nomadic eagle hunters. Please come and enjoy a unique experience with the Discover Altai Team!
From $1850 USD
Private 3-Day Tour of National Parks From Ulaanbaatar
This 3-day tour covers the most popular attractions of Mongolia and provides you with comfort and peace of mind. Book this trip to immerse yourself in Mongolian nomadic culture and explore spectacular landscapes. You will visit Hustai National Park, Wild Horse Park, Bogd Khan Mountain National Park, Terelj National Park, and Genghis Khan's Statue Complex during the tour as well as visiting nomadic families!
From $895 USD
Day Trip to Terelj National Park & Giant Chinggis Khaan Statue
There’s a special magic to Mongolia—and this tour lets you experience it firsthand. Spend the day immersed in stunning landscapes at Terelj National Park, meet a local nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life, and stand before the towering statue of the legendary Mongol horseman, Genghis Khan.
From $105 USD
Ulaanbaatar Signature Tour – Mongolia’s Capital in One Day
Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time, our Ulaanbaatar Highlights Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Mongolia's capital. Discover the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Genghis Khan Museum, Bogd Khan Museum, Zaisan Hill Mountain, Narantuul Market.
From $640 USD
Full Day Private Tour in Terelj National Park with Horse Riding
A day tour to one of the most famous national parks of Mongolia, the Gorkhi Terelj National Park with extraordinary rock formations and magnificent alpine scenery. Enjoy your day visiting the turtle-shaped gigantic rock, meditation temple, and horseback riding. Our professional tour guide and driver make your day tour unforgettable. There is no time to get bored. Every time is exciting. Also, we will have a lunch with nomadic family inside a Mongolian traditional home (Ger or Yurt). Horseback riding with a local guide. Even if you don't how to ride a horse. It is fine. A local guide and English-speaking guides will take care of every step. So just relax and enjoy your trip. Augi D (Tour manager)
From $230 USD
Semi-Gobi and Kharkhorum overnight private trip
Nomadic Hospitality of Mongolia has been offering quality tour services in Mongolia since 2018. We are two University of Nevada Las Vegas graduates who do our tours personally. Which means we will have proficient English speakers with western cultural understandings as your guides. Our main goal is safety and comfort of our customers. Our main philosophy is to be your best friends in Mongolia, we will try our best to give our customers the feeling of visiting their long known friends. This destination is the most traveled destination for tourists and locals alike in Mongolia. Please prepare for long drive in car ( at least 4 hours driving each day ). Travelers can see real natural beauties of Mongolia during this trip. Certainly the Semi-Gobi sand dunes are the main attraction for this tour, plus we will visit old capital Kharkhorum. With this one day trip travelers can experience mountains, grassland, nomadic lifestyle, herds and animals, and desert.
From $312 USD
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