Övörkhangai Province – Karakorum, capital of the Mongol Empire
Övörkhangai, "South Khangai", is home to one of the most important historic places in Mongolia: Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the thirteenth century, where envoys and merchants from across Asia and Europe once gathered. Beside the site of the old capital stands Erdene Zuu, one of Mongolia's earliest Buddhist monasteries, built in the sixteenth century partly with stones from Karakorum's ruins.
The province also treasures the Shankh and Tövkhön monasteries, both closely linked to Mongolia's spiritual history. Today its capital is Arvaikheer, and the Orkhon valley draws visitors from around the world. Do you have stories or photos from Övörkhangai? Share them with our community!