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Karakorum, former capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, is a must-see on any trip to Mongolia. The city offers a glimpse of Mongolia's past history and grandeur. Travelers can visit the Erdene Zuu Buddhist monastery, built in 1585 and partially destroyed during the communist period. Today, the monastery is both an active place of worship and a tourist site open to visitors. Visitors can stroll around the monastery grounds, admire the Tibetan, Chinese and Mongolian stupas and temples, and learn more about Buddhist beliefs. Karakorum itself is a historic city with a wall, gates and statues, although most of the buildings have been destroyed over the centuries. Despite the difficult access roads, Karakorum is a must-see stop for those wishing to discover Mongolian history and culture.