Central Mongolia is a must-visit destination, renowned for its captivating landscapes, national parks, ancient ruins, burial monuments, monasteries, and sacred sites. Located along the famed “Golden Triangle” route, Central Mongolia is the perfect stop for those traveling between the South Gobi, Orkhon Valley, and Lake Khuvsgul, and serves as a hub for exploring the country’s most iconic regions. Here, visitors can explore Kharkhorin and the famed Erdenezuu Monastery, both essential highlights for those venturing through northern and southern Mongolia.
With its lush Khangai Mountains, thick forests, and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, Central Mongolia offers a blend of adventure and tranquility far from the everyday hustle. The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is particularly remarkable, recognized by UNESCO in 2004 as a site of global cultural significance. Spanning the vast pastures along the Orkhon River, this landscape is dotted with archaeological sites dating back to the 6th century, making it a profound destination for history and nature lovers alike. Central Mongolia is truly a dream for travelers seeking both excitement and a deeper connection with Mongolia’s rich heritage.
Erdene Zuu Monastery was established in 1586 by Avtai Sain Khan on the site of ancient Kharkhorin, making it the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in the country. Located in Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai Province, the monastery is enclosed by a massive fortress wall stretching 420 meters on each side, adorned with 108 stupas. By 1792, it had grown to house 62 temples, with many Mongolian nobles vying for the honor of building a named temple within its walls—a symbol of high prestige.
In 1658, a grand ger, the largest ever constructed with 35 walls, 1,700 poles, and space for 200 people, was erected in the monastery’s central grounds. During the Communist era, much of Erdene Zuu was nearly destroyed, but it was preserved as a museum from 1947 onward, with only Ulaanbaatar’s Gandantegchinlen Monastery remaining active. However, in 1990, with the fall of communism, Erdene Zuu was restored as a place of worship and once again opened its doors to monks and the faithful.
Today, Erdene Zuu includes three main temples—West Zuu, Middle Zuu, and East Zuu—each dedicated to different aspects of Buddha’s life, from his childhood to old age, along with revered statues of his enlightened pupils. These temples are constructed with double walls for temperature regulation and are encircled by a prayer path, or “goroo,” where visitors and devotees alike can pay their respects. The stunning “Golden Stupa,” Mongolia’s largest, and two memorial tombs dedicated to Avtai Sain Khan and his son, Tusheet Khan Gombodorj, further enhance the monastery’s cultural and historical significance.
A visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery offers a unique glimpse into Mongolia’s religious heritage and cultural traditions, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the country’s rich spiritual legacy.
The ancient capital of Kharkhorin, founded by Chinggis Khan in 1206, stands as a symbol of Mongolia’s grand history and empire. Located in the heart of the Orkhon Valley, Kharkhorin is seen as Mongolia’s geographic and cultural center—a place where ancient Mongolian tribes would unite to draw strength and solidarity. The city was once encircled by impressive walls and housed the magnificent Tumen Amgalant Palace, where green-tiled floors and an intricately sculpted silver tree adorned the courtyard. This grand tree, made from precious metals, rose dramatically from the center of the palace, its branches draped with silver fruits, entwined by four golden serpents, and crowned by a trumpeting angel, creating a scene of unmatched opulence for the emperor’s pleasure.
In each of Kharkhorin’s four corners, trading markets thrived, and grand monuments were guarded by sculptures of turtles. A bustling center of commerce and culture, the city featured districts dedicated to artisans and traders, and 12 Buddhist temples that existed alongside Christian, Islamic, and other religious structures. This multicultural hub attracted renowned travelers, including Roman Pontifical Plano Carpini in 1246, William of Rubruck in 1253, and Marco Polo in 1271, all of whom helped spread Kharkhorin’s fame across the globe.
Though invasions in 1380 and 1466 by the Ming Dynasty led to Kharkhorin’s decline, the city’s historic significance and name live on. In 1996, Mongolian and Japanese researchers conducted detailed topographic studies of the site, concluding that at least another century of research remains to uncover all its secrets.
Stepping into Kharkhorin offers a remarkable experience of walking through the echoes of the Mongolian Empire’s golden age and marveling at the preserved relics that continue to tell its story.
Orkhon Waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder on the Orkhon River, Mongolia’s longest river, stretching over 1,124 kilometers from the Khangai Mountain Range to the Selenge River, eventually merging into Lake Baikal. This stunning 25-meter cascade is surrounded by lush pine trees and a rugged, volcanic landscape, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Formed around 20,000 years ago by an earthquake and volcanic activity, Orkhon Waterfall flows seasonally, coming to life with the first substantial summer rains. Late July and August offer the best chances to witness its impressive flow. The waterfall lies 495 km from Ulaanbaatar, 135 km from Kharkhorin, and 30 km from Bat-Ulziit in Uvurkhangai province, with an off-the-beaten-path road that adds a sense of adventure.
The Orkhon River is home to diverse fish species like pike, Siberian sturgeon, taimen, Asian common asp, Siberian grayling, and roach, making it a hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. The Orkhon Valley, steeped in historical significance from the Great Mongolian Empire, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been protected as a National Park since 2006, preserving its cultural and natural treasures for future generations.
Tuvkhun monastery
Perched atop Shiveet-Ulaan Mountain, Tuvkhun Monastery is a hidden gem nestled within wild forests and rugged cliffs. Visitors reach this sacred site by hiking a 5-kilometer trail, an ascent that rewards them with breathtaking views and the tranquility of Mongolia’s mountainous landscape.
Established in 1648 by Bogd Gegeen Zanabazar, the revered founder of Mongolian Buddhism, the monastery served as a sanctuary for his meditation, spiritual practice, and artistic creations. Mongolian craftsmen built the original structures with meticulous carpentry, using flawless mortises to construct the temples, which now carry deep historical and cultural significance.
Behind the monastery lies the “Womb Cave,” a small cavern that symbolizes spiritual rebirth. Visitors enter and exit this cave in a symbolic act of purification, adding a unique, transformative experience to their journey. Nearby, two mysterious wells—one with fresh water and the other with slightly brackish water—puzzle geologists and locals alike, as their presence defies typical mountain summit conditions.
Once home to 14 small temples, Tuvkhun Monastery suffered heavy damage in the late 1930s but saw a significant revival in 1997 with the consecration of a new Mahakala statue. Today, Tuvkhun Monastery stands as a beacon of Mongolia’s rich spiritual heritage, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty, history, and mystical encounters.
Tsenkher Hot Spring, Mongolia’s second hottest thermal spring after Shargaljuut, offers a rejuvenating experience in the scenic Khangai Mountains, 30 km south of Tsetserleg in Arkhangai province. With water temperatures reaching 86°C, this naturally heated, alkaline spring is rich in hydrosulfuric acid and silica, providing therapeutic benefits for a range of ailments, including rheumatism, neuralgia, muscular pain, and digestive issues. The mineral-rich waters also aid in immune recovery and revitalization.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Tsenkher’s soothing outdoor pools or relax in indoor baths, surrounded by the serene beauty of forested hills. The spa remains open year-round, making it an ideal retreat in any season. For a more secluded experience, nearby springs like Bort Tal, Gyalgar, and Tsagaan Sum offer additional options in the peaceful Mongolian landscape.
The Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park in Arkhangai province is one of Mongolia’s most breathtaking natural wonders, featuring the pristine Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and the ancient, quiet Khorgo Volcano. Encompassing 77,267 hectares of lush, wildlife-rich terrain, this protected area was designated as a national park to preserve its remarkable landscapes and endangered species.
Rising 2,210 meters, the Khorgo Volcano, now extinct for roughly 8,000 years, captivates visitors with a crater measuring 200 meters in diameter and plunging 70-80 meters deep. Its northern slope is blanketed with larch forests, while its summit offers panoramic views of the surroundings, including Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and a distant Tariat village.
Formed when lava flows from nearby volcanoes blocked the Terkh River’s outflow, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake spans 16 kilometers in length and 6-10 kilometers in width, with crystal-clear waters home to diverse fish and bird species. Nestled at an altitude of 2,060 meters, the lake’s serene beauty is complemented by eco-friendly ger camps on its northern and eastern shores, where visitors can experience authentic nomadic life and witness herds of grazing yaks in the open landscapes.
This stunning national park offers an array of activities: from swimming, trekking, and mountain climbing to fishing, birdwatching, and motor boating. Horse trekking and visits with local nomadic families add an unforgettable cultural dimension to this scenic adventure.
