population: 0.08 million

extension: 15.16 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Kharkhorin and want to visit museums, I would suggest visiting the Erdene Zuu Monastery Museum, which is located in the Erdene Zuu Monastery complex. It's one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Mongolia and has a museum showcasing ancient artifacts and Buddhist artwork. Another museum you might be interested in is the Kharakhorum Museum, which has exhibits on the history and culture of the area.

If you're interested in visiting similar types of museums nearby, you could consider visiting the National Museum of Mongolian History in Ulaanbaatar or the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, which features Buddhist art and artifacts.

Food

One of the most recommended and popular dishes in Kharkhorin and throughout Mongolia is buuz, which are steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. Another staple dish is khushuur, which are deep-fried meat pies that are similar to empanadas.

Some other typical dishes you might want to try while in Kharkhorin include:

- Boodog: This is a unique cooking method where hot stones are placed inside a whole goat or sheep carcass along with vegetables and seasonings, and then roasted over an open fire.
- Khuushuur soup: This is a hearty soup made with chopped up khuushuur pieces and served with noodles and vegetables.
- Aaruul: This is a type of dried curd made from cow, goat or yak milk that is often eaten as a snack.

Note that Mongolian cuisine can be quite meat-heavy, but there are also vegetarian options available such as tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with vegetables) or salads made with locally grown ingredients like cucumber, tomato, and carrot.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people like in Kharkhorin include:

1. Visiting the Erdene Zuu Monastery complex and exploring its many temples, stupas, and museums.

2. Hiking or horseback riding in the nearby Khangai Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Attending traditional Mongolian festivals, such as Naadam, which takes place every July and features wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions.

4. Visiting the Orkhon Waterfall, one of Mongolia's most famous natural attractions, located about an hour's drive from Kharkhorin.

5. Learning to make and taste traditional Mongolian foods, such as buuz (steamed meat dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk).

6. Shopping for souvenirs and handmade crafts at the local market or from local artisans, including traditional Mongolian clothing, carpets, and pottery.

7. Exploring the ruins of the ancient city of Karakorum, which was once the capital of the Mongol Empire and is located near Kharkhorin.