Kharkhorin is thought to be the birthplace of Mongolia. It was the center of population and the capital under Ogedei Khan, one of Chingis Khaan’s sons.

1. KHARKHORIN 2011 Хархорин Kharkhorin is located at the lower end of the upper valley of the Orkhon River. The location marks the eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains, where they meet the rolling steppe of central Mongolia. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient town of Karakorum, which for a short time served as the capital of the Mongol Empire under Ogedei Khan. Another landmark is the ErdeneAuu monastery.

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