The Erdene Zuu Monastery is probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Located in Övörkhangai Province, approximately 2 km north-east from the center of Kharkhorin and adjacent to the ancient city of Karakorum. Erdene Zuu was founded in 1586 on the remnants of Karakhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. In 1792, the monastery housed 62 temples, with Mongolian lords vying to establish their own named temples within its walls, symbolizing high status and reputation.
