Kharkhorin is an ancient capital city of the Great Mongol Empire established by Genghis Khan in 1220. He made his headquarters here and used it as a base for his invasion of China. Kharkhorin is strategically located on the most important east-west route across Mongolia, not far from the Orkhon River. Once served as the capital of Mongolian Empire and an essential station of the Silk Road, Kharkhorin city has much more to share than its current physical appearance. It was a welcoming city not only because of convenience of trade but also because all the religions were welcomed in the Mongol Empire. Therefore, many monasteries, churches and mosques were established. Mongolian largest and the historically most significant religious and cultural center – Erdene Zuu monastery – is operating as a museum here. It is also known as the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Different stone relics and other ancient artefacts are standing around the city to reveal the history and stories dated back to hundreds of years ago.

Located in the sum of Khutag-Öndör in the aimag of Bulgan, Uran Uul is an extinct volcano whose crater reaches 1686 metres (1,05 mile) above the ground, has 500 metres (0,31 mile) in diameter and 50 metres (164,04 feet) in depth.

It’s the most beautiful and the most famous volcano of Mongolia. It was active 20 to 25 millions of years ago.
We can find an exceptional and plenteous fauna and flora. In effect, the lava that flowed there many thousands of years ago gave way to a very fertile environment. A hike along a footpath through the Siberian larches will lead you to the crater. You will see a surprising variety of plants, but also many birds and insects, like the Apollo butterfly.
Then you will go in the bottom of the crater, where you will find in its centre a surprising small lake and beautiful dense vegetation.
The Mongolian government had first limited the protected area of Uran Togoo to the North of Uran Uul (1965), then extended it to the South of Uran Uul in 1995.

The National Park is composed of two other extinct volcanos : Tulga Uul and Javalch Uul.

Amarbayasgalant Khiid was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The design references Manchu style, down to the inscriptions, symmetrical layout, imperial colour scheme and roof guardians on every roof corner. Despite extensive restoration by Unesco, there's a sense of genteel decay and a gradual takeover by nature that adds to the allure of the place. From the faded wooden beams thickly coated in bird droppings, and riotous greenery blocking some entrances, to the scurrying marmots and cawing jackdaws that seem to rule the place, the exterior of the complex radiates a lost-in-time sense of magic. The interior of the main temple is far more vigorous; enormous banners painted in riotous colours descend from the high, airy ceiling, while similarly vibrant pillars climb up to it. All throughout, hundreds of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and guardian deities keep watch over visitors and the resident lamas.