Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, and of the Northern Yuan during the 14 and 15th centuries. It is located on the right bank of the Orkhon River and on the north eastern slopes of the Khangai Mountains. The city existed for 140 years but was the capital for just 32. During the reign of Ogodei, son and successor of Genghis Khan, Karakorum became a diplomatic and commercial centre. The city had a very nomadic appearance. For example, the Ogodei palace was built only for hosting official receptions, the court did not live there, but set up the camps in the surrounding areas.
Eventually, the city was destroyed after the fall of the empire by Manchurian soldiers in 1388. Today, almost nothing remains of this once great city, but its grandeur and importance can still be felt.
Eventually, the city was destroyed after the fall of the empire by Manchurian soldiers in 1388. Today, almost nothing remains of this once great city, but its grandeur and importance can still be felt.
Mongolia Travel Map
Travel Destinations
13th Century National Park
13th Century National Park
The 13th century national park is located 100 kilometres (63 miles) to the east of Ulan Bator. The complex covers an area of 15 by 15 kilometres and consists of six unique camps an... Read more
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a picturesque mountain in the middle of the Gobi desert elevating up to 1,751 metres. The area is studded with rounded rock formations, perched beside dramat... Read more
Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs
Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs
Bayazang or the Flaming Cliffs site is a region of the Gobi Desert in the Omnogovi Province of Mongolia, in which important fossil finds have been made, including the most famous -... Read more
Dadal Soum - Chinggis Khan’s Birthplace
Dadal Soum - Chinggis Khan’s Birthplace
Dadal Soum is a region in Khentii province, which is considered to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Temuujin was born here in 1162 near Deluun Boldog Mountain. A large statue of ... Read more
Dalanzadgad - Gateway to the Gobi
Dalanzadgad - Gateway to the Gobi
Dalanzadgad is the capital of the province of Omnogovi Aimag, located 540 kilometres (340 miles) south of Ulan Bator in the South Gobi. The town is rapidly developing due to mining... Read more
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. It is located adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorum and it is part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape World Her... Read more
Hongor Els Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes)
Hongor Els Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes)
The evocatively named Singing Sands stretch for 180 km and are up to 800 metres high, making them some of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. The sound produced from the masses of ... Read more
Hustai Nuruu National Park - Przewalski Horses Area
Hustai Nuruu National Park - Przewalski Horses Area
The Przewalski horse – ‘Takhi’ in Mongolian - is the last wild horse in the world. The Przewalski horse is considered the only remaining truly wild horse in the w... Read more
Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, and of the Northern Yuan during the 14 and 15th centuries. It is located on the right bank of the Orkhon River a... Read more
Khovsgol National Park and Lake
Khovsgol National Park and Lake
Khovsgol National Park is another must-visit outdoors attraction in Mongolia. It was created in 1992 to primarily protect the lake in the park as its fragile ecology has been jeopa... Read more
Khuduu Aral & the “Secret History of the Mongols”
Khuduu Aral & the “Secret History of the Mongols”
Khuduu Aral is the place where the Secret History of the Mongols (the Mongolian account of Genghis Khan) was written at the beginning of the 13th century. Khuduu Aral is a vast ste... Read more
Lake Khukh Nuur - Enthrone of Chinggis Khan
Lake Khukh Nuur - Enthrone of Chinggis Khan
Lake Khukh Nuur is located about 215 kilometres (134 miles) to the east from Ulan Bator. Khukh Nuur consists of two lakes - linked underground - and the surrounding area is conside... Read more
Ongi Monastery
Ongi Monastery
Located on Ongi river, Ongiin Khiid used to be one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. It was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temple complexes on the North and South of th... Read more
Terelj National Park
Terelj National Park
Gorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the Mongolia’s finest and best-known national parks established in 1994 and located just an hour’s drive away from the capital. It... Read more
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Tsagan Suvarga is the name given by local people to an impressively eroded cliff. Over millions of years various changes in the environment have produced its famous coloured layers... Read more
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Tsenkher Hot Springs
Tsenkher is a natural hot spring that flows from the ground, through the seasons, at a temperature of 85 Celsius. The spring is located in central Mongolia in a mountainous region,... Read more
Ugii Lake (Ogii Lake)
Ugii Lake (Ogii Lake)
Lake Ugii is a freshwater lake in eastern Arkhangai, in central Mongolia known for its fish and birdlife. This is the nearest lake to the capital and it forms an excellent tranquil... Read more
Ulan Bator
Ulan Bator
Capital of Mongolia was formerly called Urga. It was renamed Ulan Bator after a declaration of republic and the abolition of monarchy in 1924. Ulan Bator literally means Red Hero a... Read more
World Energy Centre in the Gobi (Khamriin Khiid Monastery)
World Energy Centre in the Gobi (Khamriin Khiid Monastery)
The World Energy Centre is vitally important to Mongolian culture, as it is where Mongolian Buddhists believe that all the energy of the world converges. Located in Dorngobi provin... Read more
Yol Valley - The Valley of the Eagles
Yol Valley - The Valley of the Eagles
The Yol Valley, a protected site since 1965, lies 62 km north-west of Dalanzadgad and spans an area of 70 sq. km. The valley is located within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park ... Read more
13th Century National ParkThe 13th century national park is located 100 kilometres (63 miles) to the east of Ulan Bator. The complex covers an area of 15 by 15 kilometres and consists of six unique camps an... Read more
Baga Gazriin ChuluuBaga Gazriin Chuluu is a picturesque mountain in the middle of the Gobi desert elevating up to 1,751 metres. The area is studded with rounded rock formations, perched beside dramat... Read more
Bayanzag - Flaming CliffsBayazang or the Flaming Cliffs site is a region of the Gobi Desert in the Omnogovi Province of Mongolia, in which important fossil finds have been made, including the most famous -... Read more
Dadal Soum - Chinggis Khan’s BirthplaceDadal Soum is a region in Khentii province, which is considered to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Temuujin was born here in 1162 near Deluun Boldog Mountain. A large statue of ... Read more
Dalanzadgad - Gateway to the GobiDalanzadgad is the capital of the province of Omnogovi Aimag, located 540 kilometres (340 miles) south of Ulan Bator in the South Gobi. The town is rapidly developing due to mining... Read more
Erdene Zuu MonasteryErdene Zuu was the first and largest monastery in Mongolia. It is located adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorum and it is part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape World Her... Read more
Hongor Els Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes)The evocatively named Singing Sands stretch for 180 km and are up to 800 metres high, making them some of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. The sound produced from the masses of ... Read more
Hustai Nuruu National Park - Przewalski Horses AreaThe Przewalski horse – ‘Takhi’ in Mongolian - is the last wild horse in the world. The Przewalski horse is considered the only remaining truly wild horse in the w... Read more
Karakorum (Kharkhorin)Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, and of the Northern Yuan during the 14 and 15th centuries. It is located on the right bank of the Orkhon River a... Read more
Khovsgol National Park and LakeKhovsgol National Park is another must-visit outdoors attraction in Mongolia. It was created in 1992 to primarily protect the lake in the park as its fragile ecology has been jeopa... Read more
Khuduu Aral & the “Secret History of the Mongols”Khuduu Aral is the place where the Secret History of the Mongols (the Mongolian account of Genghis Khan) was written at the beginning of the 13th century. Khuduu Aral is a vast ste... Read more
Lake Khukh Nuur - Enthrone of Chinggis KhanLake Khukh Nuur is located about 215 kilometres (134 miles) to the east from Ulan Bator. Khukh Nuur consists of two lakes - linked underground - and the surrounding area is conside... Read more
Ongi MonasteryLocated on Ongi river, Ongiin Khiid used to be one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia. It was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temple complexes on the North and South of th... Read more
Terelj National ParkGorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the Mongolia’s finest and best-known national parks established in 1994 and located just an hour’s drive away from the capital. It... Read more
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)Tsagan Suvarga is the name given by local people to an impressively eroded cliff. Over millions of years various changes in the environment have produced its famous coloured layers... Read more
Tsenkher Hot SpringsTsenkher is a natural hot spring that flows from the ground, through the seasons, at a temperature of 85 Celsius. The spring is located in central Mongolia in a mountainous region,... Read more
Ugii Lake (Ogii Lake)Lake Ugii is a freshwater lake in eastern Arkhangai, in central Mongolia known for its fish and birdlife. This is the nearest lake to the capital and it forms an excellent tranquil... Read more
Ulan BatorCapital of Mongolia was formerly called Urga. It was renamed Ulan Bator after a declaration of republic and the abolition of monarchy in 1924. Ulan Bator literally means Red Hero a... Read more
World Energy Centre in the Gobi (Khamriin Khiid Monastery)The World Energy Centre is vitally important to Mongolian culture, as it is where Mongolian Buddhists believe that all the energy of the world converges. Located in Dorngobi provin... Read more
Yol Valley - The Valley of the EaglesThe Yol Valley, a protected site since 1965, lies 62 km north-west of Dalanzadgad and spans an area of 70 sq. km. The valley is located within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park ... Read more
Relevant tours
The Ultimate Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan Bator - Terelj - Gobi Desert - Karakorum - Hustai (MN-01)
This exciting 15-day tour brings together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia via its customs, folklores, history and nature. As well as enjoying the main sights, we will also explore the fascinating national parks & the Gobi desert. Join us on this exciting Mongolia exploration tour.
15 days, from £2,695
This exciting 15-day tour brings together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia via its customs, folklores, history and nature. As well as enjoying the main sights, we will also explore the fascinating national parks & the Gobi desert. Join us on this exciting Mongolia exploration tour. 15 days, from £2,695
Best of Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi Desert and Naadam Festival (MN-02)
This is a magical and in-depth 15-day tour of Mongolia which will introduce travellers to the very best that this beguiling country has to offer. Combining modern and historical traditions we will explore the country’s customs, folklore, history and nature.
15 days, from £3,095
This is a magical and in-depth 15-day tour of Mongolia which will introduce travellers to the very best that this beguiling country has to offer. Combining modern and historical traditions we will explore the country’s customs, folklore, history and nature. 15 days, from £3,095
Highlights of Mongolia Jeep Tour: Ulan-Bator - Gobi - Karakorum - Hustai (MN-03)
Mighty Mongolia is huge and this exciting 10-day tour explores the best of it in a short period of time. Bringing together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia travellers will experience a wealth of different activities and sights.
10 days, from £1,995
Mighty Mongolia is huge and this exciting 10-day tour explores the best of it in a short period of time. Bringing together the very best of modern and historical Mongolia travellers will experience a wealth of different activities and sights. 10 days, from £1,995
In Genghis Khan's Footsteps & Secret History of the Mongol Empire (MN-04)
The 13th century founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire is one of the most famous men in the history of the world. This tour looks at his legacy, modern Mongolia and the secret history of this fascinating country. Take a trip through time and explore the legends of the khan's rein.
10 days, from £2,195
The 13th century founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire is one of the most famous men in the history of the world. This tour looks at his legacy, modern Mongolia and the secret history of this fascinating country. Take a trip through time and explore the legends of the khan's rein. 10 days, from £2,195
A Mongolian Rail Adventure - World Energy Centre and Eastern Gobi Exploration by Train (MN-05)
The main attraction of the Eastern Gobi is Khamriin Khiid Monastery founded by the famous monk and poet of the 19th century Danzan Ravjaa. It is believed that the energy of the whole world converges at this place. We invite you to board the famous Trans-Mongolian train and explore the area.
4 days, from £595
The main attraction of the Eastern Gobi is Khamriin Khiid Monastery founded by the famous monk and poet of the 19th century Danzan Ravjaa. It is believed that the energy of the whole world converges at this place. We invite you to board the famous Trans-Mongolian train and explore the area. 4 days, from £595
A Classic Four-Wheeled Adventure to the Heart of the Gobi Desert (MN-06)
Hit the road with this remarkable journey deep into the forbidding Gobi Desert. We will lead you on an unforgettable journey where no two days are alike and where you will learn the complex nature of this famous desert. This is a road trip like no other!
9 days, from £1,795
Hit the road with this remarkable journey deep into the forbidding Gobi Desert. We will lead you on an unforgettable journey where no two days are alike and where you will learn the complex nature of this famous desert. This is a road trip like no other! 9 days, from £1,795
Best of the Gobi by Air - Exploration Tour with Luxury Accommodation (MN-07)
This short adventure packs a lot into a few days. By the end travellers will understand this fabled part of the earth as well as appreciating Mongolian culture. This tour is most suitable for travellers who highly value comfort during their holidays and prefer less driving.
7 days, from £3,645
This short adventure packs a lot into a few days. By the end travellers will understand this fabled part of the earth as well as appreciating Mongolian culture. This tour is most suitable for travellers who highly value comfort during their holidays and prefer less driving. 7 days, from £3,645
A Taste of the Gobi by Air - a Short Acquaintance with the Desert (MN-08)
The Gobi Desert is a legendary place. Feared as uninhabitable yet attracting travellers with its myths and folklore. It is as fascinating as it is forbidding. This tour is suitable for any one wishing to explore the main highlights of the Gobi desert during a short period of time.
3 days, from £1,195
The Gobi Desert is a legendary place. Feared as uninhabitable yet attracting travellers with its myths and folklore. It is as fascinating as it is forbidding. This tour is suitable for any one wishing to explore the main highlights of the Gobi desert during a short period of time. 3 days, from £1,195
Mongolia in Winter - Land of Ice, Snow and Winter Festivals (MN-09)
This exciting 11-day tour brings together the very best of winter activities and major cultural events of Mongolia taking place every year in March – ice and camel festivals. If you are brave enough and are not afraid of cold, do not miss a unique chance to experience these traditional winter events!
11 days, from £1,995
This exciting 11-day tour brings together the very best of winter activities and major cultural events of Mongolia taking place every year in March – ice and camel festivals. If you are brave enough and are not afraid of cold, do not miss a unique chance to experience these traditional winter events! 11 days, from £1,995
Best of Trans-Mongolian: Moscow - Yekaterinburg - Irkutsk - Baikal - Mongolia - Beijing (TS-11)
On our “Best of Trans-Mongolian” tour, you will visit the important cities of the longest railway in the world from west to east. You will visit the three countries of Russia, Mongolia and China, observing the differences in culture and landscape between each.
17 days
On our “Best of Trans-Mongolian” tour, you will visit the important cities of the longest railway in the world from west to east. You will visit the three countries of Russia, Mongolia and China, observing the differences in culture and landscape between each. 17 days
Highlights of Trans-Mongolian Railway Journey: Irkutsk - Baikal - Mongolia - Beijing (TS-14)
The journey of a lifetime, the Trans-Mongolian railway stretches across 3 countries, passing through Russia, Mongolia and China. We offer you a chance to complete this journey of a lifetime in 12 fantastic days starting from Siberia and finishing in Beijing.
12 days
The journey of a lifetime, the Trans-Mongolian railway stretches across 3 countries, passing through Russia, Mongolia and China. We offer you a chance to complete this journey of a lifetime in 12 fantastic days starting from Siberia and finishing in Beijing. 12 days
Trans-Mongolian East-West: Beijing - Mongolia - Baikal - Yekaterinburg - Moscow - St. Petes (TS-17)
Start your epic Trans-Mongolian discovery from Asia and travel from mysterious China, through endless Mongolian steppes into Siberia and then European part of Russia all the way to St. Petersburg - one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its majestic palaces.
20 days
Start your epic Trans-Mongolian discovery from Asia and travel from mysterious China, through endless Mongolian steppes into Siberia and then European part of Russia all the way to St. Petersburg - one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its majestic palaces. 20 days