Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The local bus stand, or sum bus stand, has minivans that ply set routes to other
sums
within the aimag, including Kharkhorin (T10,000 per person). Prices here tend to be
cheaper than those at the jeep stand by the market.
HITCHING
The Ulaanbaatar-Arvaikheer route is pretty busy so hitching a ride should be fairly easy.
Going further west along the main road to Bayankhongor won't be as easy, but it is pos-
sible (although it's less scenic than the route through Arkhangai).
TAXIS, JEEPS & MINIVANS
Minivans, jeeps and taxis run along the paved road between Arvaikheer and Ulaanbaatar
daily (T22,000 per person, seven hours). Look for them on the west side of the market.
Shared vehicles travel to Khujirt (T7000, two hours), Kharkhorin (T10,000, three hours)
and Bayankhongor (T15,000).
MOTORBIKE TAXIS
Motorbike taxis charge T1000 per person to take you between the town centre and the
bus station.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Kharkhorin (Karakorum)
01322, 7032 / POP 8977 / ELEV 1913M
In the mid-13th century, Karakorum was a happening place. Chinggis Khaan established
a supply base here and his son Ögedei ordered the construction of a proper capital, a de-
cree that attracted traders, dignitaries and skilled workers from across Asia and even
Europe.
The good times lasted around 40 years until Kublai moved the capital to Khanbalik
(later called Bĕijīng), a decision that still incites resentment among some Mongolians.
Following the move to Bĕijīng and the subsequent collapse of the Mongol empire,
Karakorum was abandoned and then destroyed by vengeful Manchurian soldiers in 1388.
Whatever was left of Karakorum was used to help build, in the 16th century, the
enormous monastery, Erdene Zuu Khiid, which itself was badly damaged during the Sta-
linist purges.
The rather nondescript Soviet-built town of Kharkhorin was built a couple of kilo-
metres away from Erdene Zuu Khiid, and there is little of interest in the town itself (don't
come expecting the glories of the Middle Ages!). But the remains of the monastery and a
