Kharkhorin..... ancient capital of Mongolia under Genghis Khan

Kharkhorin is a 5-7 hour drive from Ulaanbatar... but worth the effort! It is on the main east/west road leading to Kazakstan... only one lane in either direction! Slow traffic and animal blocks! All roaming loose!

We visited the Erdene Zuu Monastery.... or what is now left... within the wall of 108 stupas.

The Ancient city of Kharakorin does not have any original buildings left, having been mostly destroyed by the Manchurians and then totally by the Russians. This fountain  from 1253, designed by a Frenchman captured by the Mongols and brought there to embellish the city, remains with its angel on top! It was in an inner courtyard of the KhanPalace when designed!

My first experience of sleeping in a ger.... the Mongolian yurt!

Roadside views were great!

We didn't stop for lunch at these ger restaurants!