Ruins of Karakorum
Хар Хорум
The Mongol Empire's capital founded by Ögedei in 1235; few ruins remain above ground, but it witnessed the centre of Eurasia
Kharakhorum was officially founded by Ögedei Khan in 1235 and served as the capital of the Mongol Empire for about 30 years. Marco Polo and the missionary William of Rubruck both described its Wanan Palace and its silver tree fountain. The city was burned by Ming forces in 1388, and its stone was later largely used to build Erdene Zuu Monastery. Most of the site lies beneath the grassland north of the monastery. German-Mongolian archaeological teams have excavated it for many years, and foundations and earthen ridges are visible on the surface, so it is best understood together with the museum. Admission is free, and a local guide is recommended.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Turtle Rock
- Kharkhorum Museum
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Mongol Empire Monument
- Phallic Rock
- Orkhon River Valley
- Shankh Monastery
- Kharbalgas (Ordu-Baliq)