Hammad Ul Hassan
Google
Leaving the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar behind, we embarked on an exciting new chapter of our Mongolian adventure – a road trip across the vast steppes. Our first destination: Karakorum, a place steeped in history and once the center of the mighty Mongol Empire that lies about 360km southwest of Ulaanbaatar. As we drove through the endless expanse of the Mongolian countryside, it was hard to imagine that this remote area once hosted the capital of the largest contiguous land empire in history.
Founded by Chinggis Khan in 1220, Karakorum served as the capital of the Mongol Empire until Kublai Khan moved it to what is now Beijing. In its heyday, Karakorum was a cosmopolitan city, a melting pot of cultures, religions, and trade routes. Envoys, merchants, and travelers from across Eurasia converged here, making it a true crossroads of civilizations. Today, little remains of the ancient capital, its grand buildings lost to time. However, the sense of history is palpable, and the wide-open landscapes give a hint of why the Mongols chose this strategic location.
The highlight of our visit to Karakorum was undoubtedly the Erdene Zuu Monastery. This sprawling complex, surrounded by an impressive wall featuring 108 stupas (symbolizing the 108 beads of a Buddhist rosary), is the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Erdene Zuu was built in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan, a descendant of Chinggis Khan, upon the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the stone used to construct the monastery came from the ruins of Karakorum itself, creating a tangible link between the site's imperial past and its spiritual present.
When we entered through the main gate, we were immediately struck by the serene atmosphere. The monastery complex once contained over 60 temples with more than 1000 monks in residence. Today, only a few temples remain, but they are no less impressive. We explored the three main temples, each dedicated to a different stage of Buddha's life. The intricate artwork, colorful murals, and ornate statues within these temples offered a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of Mongolia. The blend of Mongolian and Tibetan architectural styles was fascinating to observe.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the monastery grounds, we took a final walk along the ancient walls. Standing there, with the vast Mongolian steppe stretching out in all directions, it was easy to feel the weight of history. From the empire of Chinggis Khan to the spiritual legacy of Buddhism, Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery encapsulate so much of what makes Mongolia unique.
