Karakorum Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Karakorum with this comprehensive travel guide, from cultural attractions to natural wonders, hiking routes, local cuisine, and getting around.


Karakorum, situated in Central Mongolia, is a timeless destination that has managed to preserve its ancient, cultural essence. Being the ancient capital of the Mongol empire and a key hub of the ancient Silk Road, Karakorum features spectacular historical monuments, museums, and rich natural attractions that appeal to people from all around the world.

In this travel guide, we’ll help you explore the best of Karakorum, plan your itinerary, and discover the hidden gems of this fascinating tourist destination.

Introduction to Karakorum

Karakorum is located in central Mongolia and is considered one of the must-visit destinations for travel enthusiasts. The region is known for its vast plains, lush forests, and rolling hills. Visitors are transported to a bygone era, to when the city was considered the epicenter of Mongolian culture and the capital of the Mongol empire.

List of Places to Visit in Karakorum

Karakorum is full of fascinating cultural and natural attractions that will keep visitors occupied throughout their trip. There’s so much to see and do in Karakorum that you’ll need a roadmap before setting out. Here’s a list of the top places to visit while exploring Karakorum:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Erdene Zuu Monastery
  2. Karakorum Museum
  3. Orkhon inscriptions
  4. Tovkhon Monastery

Natural Attractions of Karakorum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Orkhon Waterfall
  2. Khangai Nuruu National Park
  3. Tuvkhun Monastery
  4. Tsenkher hot springs

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karakorum

Hiking and biking routes are abundant in Karakorum. With its varying landscapes and scenic views, Karakorum offers many hiking and biking trails that reward visitors with beautiful views and unforgettable experiences. Here some of the best hiking and biking routes you can follow while in Karakorum:

  1. Khangai Nuruu National Park Trail
  2. Orkhon Valley Trail
  3. Tovkhon Monastery Trail
  4. Tsenkher hot springs Trail

Best Things to Do in Karakorum: Activities and Tours

Besides the cultural and natural attractions, Karakorum offers visitors a range of activities and tours to indulge in. From locally-inspired experiences to adventurous tours, there’s something for every type of traveler in Karakorum. Here are some of the best things to do in Karakorum:

  1. Experience Nomadic Life
  2. Horseback Riding in Karakorum
  3. Orkhon Waterfall Tour
  4. Camel Riding in the Gobi Desert

Week-Long Itinerary for Karakorum

A week in Karakorum is the perfect amount of time to explore the region and enjoy all the top attractions. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Karakorum Day 2: Explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, and Orkhon inscriptions Day 3: Orkhon Waterfall Tour Day 4: Tovkhon Monastery and Khangai Nuruu National Park Trail Day 5: Camel Riding in the Gobi Desert Day 6: Tuvkhun Monastery and Tsenkher hot springs Trail Day 7: Departure from Karakorum

Food and Drink Scene of Karakorum

Karakorum offers a unique and exciting culinary experience to visitors through its locally inspired dishes, traditional techniques, and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Karakorum:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khuushuur
  2. Buuz
  3. Bantan
  4. Aaruul

Local Beverages

  1. Airag
  2. Chinggis Khaan vodka
  3. Suutei tsai

Where to Stay in Karakorum: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Karakorum has a range of accommodation options that cater to all travelers. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, you will surely find a place that fits your needs. Here are some of the best places to stay in Karakorum:

  1. Karakorum Lodge
  2. Tumen Ekh Guesthouse
  3. Khuvsgul Lake Hostel

What to Buy in Karakorum: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Karakorum has plenty of unique souvenirs to take home that make for excellent gifts or travel keepsakes. From traditional clothing to handcrafted goods, here are some of the best local products to bring home from Karakorum:

  1. Camel hair coats
  2. Horsehair jewelry
  3. Mongolian traditional hats
  4. Bone and horn crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Karakorum

Mongolian culture is one of the oldest in the world and is deeply embedded in Karakorum. Visitors can discover many aspects of traditional Mongolian life by visiting the local monasteries, nomadic camps, and museums. Learning about and respecting the traditions and customs of the locals is an essential aspect of traveling to Karakorum.

Best Time to Visit Karakorum

Karakorum experiences a continental climate; therefore, it can be visited all year round. However, the best time to visit Karakorum is in the summer months, between June and early September, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is lush and green.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karakorum

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture.
  2. Try the traditional Mongolian dishes and drinks.
  3. Engage and interact with the locals.
  4. Visit the local museums and monasteries.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect the local culture.
  2. Litter or harm the environment in any way.
  3. Use or consume illegal drugs.
  4. Be loud or disruptive, especially in public places.

Safety and Health

Visitors must remain cautious while traveling to Karakorum. Here are some tips to ensure that you remain safe and healthy:

Safety in Karakorum

  1. Avoid walking alone in the dark.
  2. Keep your valuables with you at all times.
  3. Respect the laws and customs of the local culture.

Health in Karakorum

  1. Ensure you have up-to-date vaccinations before traveling.
  2. Always drink bottled or boiled water.
  3. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing in sunny weather.

Getting to Karakorum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Karakorum is a relatively remote location, but it’s still accessible by road, air, and train. Here are the transportation options for reaching Karakorum:

Airports Near Karakorum

  1. Chinggis Khaan International Airport
  2. Khovd Airport
  3. Baganuur Airport

Bus Stations Near Karakorum

  1. Ulaanbaatar Bus Station

How to Get Around in Karakorum

The best way to get around Karakorum is by hiring a guide or using a taxi service. In addition, several hiking trails are available for visitors who enjoy walking and experiencing nature up-close.

Where to Go Next from Karakorum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Karakorum is the perfect starting point for travelers who want to explore Mongolian culture further. From Karakorum, visitors can embark on excursions to nearby destinations. Here are some of the places to visit:

  1. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur
  2. Bayan-Ulgii
  3. Khuvsgul Lake

Conclusion

Karakorum is a timeless destination that offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. We hope that this travel guide helps you to plan a memorable trip to Karakorum, explore its hidden gems, and deepen your understanding of Mongolian culture.

Temple of the Dalai Lama in Karakorum Temple of the Dalai Lama in Karakorum model of the ancient city model of the ancient city Khakhorin temple Khakhorin temple The Stone Tortoise The Stone Tortoise