In the 13th century, Karakorum was the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and in the 14th and 15th century also included the Mongolian Qaghanate. The remains of the capital can be seen in the northwestern end of the Övörkhangai Province of Mongolia, close to the new town of Kharkhorin and the Erdene Zuu Monastery with its fascinating 108 Stupas, all of which form a part of the World Heritage Site Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.
Although Genghis Khan moved in his troops into Karakorum in 1218-1219, the actual city was established only in 1220. The city lies at the crossroad of the famous silk route. Karakorum remained a small and simple town till 1235, after which Genghis Khan’s son Ögedei Khan had walls erected and a palace built in the town. Also during his reign the famous Stupa was completed and Karakorum thrived as a major political centre.
However, the city remained the capital of the old province only for forty years because when Kublai Khan took over, he shifted the capital to what is today known as Beijing. After the fall of the Mongolian Empire, Karakorum began to deteriorate, as it was plundered and looted by Yuan troops. After the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the town was taken over by Biligtü Khan and later in the 16th century, Karakorum was again made the capital by Batu-Möngke Dayan Khan.
The Erdene Zuu Monastery was built in 1586 and originally consisted of 62 temples, most of which were destroyed during Stalinist attacks in the 1930’s. It became an active monastery after the democratic movement in 1990. Three temples depicting three stages of Buddha’s life that of a child, adolescent and adult can be seen here today, however, the main temple, the Zuu of Buddha consists of statues of his childhood. The symbolic walls and the giant turtle rocks outside the temple boundary are some other remarkable pieces of architecture in Karakorum.
Apart from the historical ruins, the immense beauty of the natural surrounding is well-worth exploring. Mountainous terrains, picturesque lakes, beautiful waterfalls and golden deserts all mark the country that is still untouched in many regions.
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