Tourist Places to Visit in Kharkhorin, Mongolia, Asia
Kharkhorin is one of the towns and the district of Ovorkhangai Province of Mongolia, about 156 kms away from the province capital Arvaikheer. The town covers an area of 20.5 sq. km.
History of Kharkhorin:
In earlier times, Kharkhorin served as the capital of Mongol Empire for few years. Today several ruins of Mongol Empire era are found in this region.
Landmarks in Kharkhorin:
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Phallic Rock
Economy of Kharkhorin:
Tourism and agriculture are the major revenue sources of Kharkhorin. Also some natives are engaged in own business and governmental sector.
Geography of Kharkhorin:
Kharkhorin is placed between latitude 47°11′50″ in the north and longitude 102°49′26″ in the east.
Connectivity to Kharkhorin:
Kharkhorin is served by Kharkhorin Airport with daily flights from and to Ulan Bator, placed 126 kms from the city centre. Other nearest airports to Kharkhorin include Khujirt Airport (140 kms) and Arvaikheer Airport (155 kms). Buses play a major role in local transportation and tourists can board buses at Kharkhorin City Bus Stand and few local bus terminals. To reach airport, Taxis and Mini Buses are best options.
Cuisine, Culture and Shopping in Kharkhorin:
The population of Kharkhorin comprises of different religions like Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Buddhists are higher in majority, followed by other religions. Mongolian is the generally spoken language and also the natives speak Russian and Chinese along with local dialect. Kharkhorin is known for its horse festival and wrestling competition.
The locals are the great lovers of horse and beef meat dish and Khuushuur, Manti, Bansh and Khorkhog are the most common food items among the regions of Kharkhorin. The city houses numerous foreign country restaurants, due to visit of foreign tourists in great number.
Tourist Attractions in Kharkhorin:
Erdene Zuu Monastery:
Erdene Zuu Monastery is a famous monastery located about 2 km away from Kharkhorin City. It was once damaged during Dzungars and Khalkh Mongols War in 1688 and was redeveloped during18th century. The Chinese style roofs are the major attractions of the monastery.
Kharkhorin Rock:
Kharkhorin Rock also called as Phallic Rock is a huge statue located in the vicinity of Erdene Zuu Monastery out of Kharkhorin City.
Shankh Monastery;-
Shankh Monastery is a historical monastery situated in Ovorkhangai Province was constructed by the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu ‘Zanabazar’ in the year 1647. The monastery is famous for its 7 Kalachakra Mandalas and is placed near another famous monastery Tuvhun Monastery.
The Aimag Museum:
The Aimag Museum presents information on Mongol Empire is situated in Arvaikheer, about 156 kms from Kharkhorin.
Gandan Muntsaglan Khiid:
Gandan Muntsaglan Khiid is a monastery located about 150 kms from Kharkhorin City. It was damaged in the year 1937 by Khorloogiin Choibalsan and was reconstructed in 1991. This monastery houses 60 monks at present.
The list of other tourist attractions near Kharkhorin is as follows:
- Flower Park
- Tovkhon Monastery
- Tuvhun Monastery
Best time to visit Kharkhorin:
Between May and October is the ideal time to reach Kharkhorin to visit parks and monasteries.
Accommodation Options in Kharkhorin:
All the prime hotels of Kharkhorin serve tourists with their variety of delicious Chinese and European food. Other top facilities available in the hotels include mini bar, cable TV, karaoke, shower, laundry and pub, fitness center and buffets. The best hotels in and around Kharkhorin are:
- Bayanbulag Hotel
- Kharaa Hotel
- Hobby Hotel
- Zalaa Hotel
- Ulzii Hotel
- Bayanshire Hotel
- Munkhsunder Hotel
- Tansag Hotel
- Time Hotel
- Zalaa Hotel
- Zamchin Hotel
- Rich Land Hotel