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Darkhan

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At a glance

Country
Mongolia
Region
Darkhan-Uul Province
Population
around 90,000
Best time to go
June to September
Main airport
None — nearest is Chinggis Khaan International (UBN)
Coordinates
49.49°N, 105.92°E

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Overview

Darkhan was founded in the 1960s as an industrial centre on the Trans-Mongolian Railway, between Ulaanbaatar and the Russian border. It is split into an older district by the railway and a newer, planned town of apartment blocks.

Few travellers stay long, but it is a relaxed stopover with decent hotels and markets, and a gateway to the green farming country of the north, including the road to Amarbayasgalant Monastery.

Things to see

  • Kharagiin Monastery
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Kharagiin Monastery

    A small, active monastery in the old town, where you can watch monks at prayer in a quiet wooden temple.

  • Darkhan Museum
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Darkhan Museum

    A modest regional museum covering local history, nomadic culture, wildlife and the town's industrial past; a useful introduction to the north.

  • Amarbayasgalant Monastery
    Photo: Bogomolov.PL, Public domain

    Amarbayasgalant Monastery

    One of Mongolia's most beautiful monasteries, set in a remote valley a long half-day's drive west.

Things to do

  • Browse the market
    Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Browse the market

    The town's main market sells everything from felt boots and saddles to dried curd and fresh produce.

  • Ride the Trans-Mongolian
    Photo: John Pannell, CC BY 2.0

    Ride the Trans-Mongolian

    Darkhan is a stop on the railway between Ulaanbaatar and Russia, a scenic journey through rolling grassland.

  • Visit the countryside
    Photo: Bogomolov.PL, Public domain

    Visit the countryside

    Hire a driver to explore the farmland, river valleys and herding camps of Selenge Province.

Where to stay

  • New Darkhan

    The planned centre has most of the hotels, restaurants and services.

    Hotels in New Darkhan

  • Old Darkhan

    Near the railway station and monastery; handy if you are arriving or leaving by train.

    Hotels in Old Darkhan

Getting around

Taxis are cheap and plentiful, and minibuses link the old and new parts of town. For anything further afield, arrange a car and driver through your hotel.

Darkhan is about three to four hours by road from Ulaanbaatar, with frequent buses; trains are slower but scenic.

When to go

June to September is the most pleasant time, with warm days and green hills. Winters are long and bitterly cold.

Plan your trip to Darkhan

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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