Anar Camp is located in Karakorum, 5.5 km south of Erdene Zuu monastery, on the banks of the Orkhon River. Its position makes it a logical base for exploring the former capital of the Mongol Empire and traveling up the Orkhon Valley.

Why stay at Anar Camp

Anar Camp has long been the go-to accommodation in Karakorum, thanks to its size and immediate proximity to the region's major sites. With its 50 furnished gers and capacity for up to 150 guests, it remains a suitable solution for larger groups seeking traditional Mongolian accommodation without sacrificing comfort.

Nomadays' honest assessment: this is an aging camp that has lost some of its appeal over the years. For smaller groups of travelers, we tend to recommend more intimate, family-run properties with greater warmth. That said, Anar Camp retains its logistical value for larger groups and itineraries combining Karakorum and the Orkhon Valley.

Atmosphere and setting

The camp sprawls across a vast meadow on the riverbank, in the open landscape typical of central steppe country. White gers are arranged in an arc, set back from the road, and the atmosphere remains that of a classic Mongolian camp: wood-fired stoves in the gers, sunrise over the Orkhon, horses passing nearby. In the evenings, the camp regularly hosts traditional Mongolian song and dance performances, which deepen the cultural immersion begun in Karakorum.

Services and facilities

• 50 furnished gers, capacity for up to 150 people
• Restaurant with seating for 108, serving Mongolian and simple international cuisine
• Bar with outdoor terrace overlooking the Orkhon River
• Shared sanitary block with showers and toilets
• Traditional Mongolian song and dance performances

The camp's size allows it to handle group arrivals without overwhelming the restaurant, though it also explains a more standardized operation than in smaller family-run camps.

Location

The camp is located approximately 5.5 km south of Erdene Zuu monastery, on the banks of the Orkhon River. Karakorum is situated roughly 360 km west of Ulaanbaatar; plan on a full day's drive to reach the camp from the capital, depending on your chosen route and stops. The riverside location provides easy access to water and surrounding pastures, ideal for short excursions.

What to see and do nearby

• Erdene Zuu monastery: Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, just a few kilometers north of the camp.
• Karakorum: the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan, and its archaeological museum.
• Orkhon Valley: UNESCO-listed landscapes, Orkhon Falls, nomadic camps, and remote monasteries.
• Horseback trekking across the steppe and visits to herding families.

To compare other options in Mongolia, you might explore Anja Ger Camp or Alag Tsar Ger Camp, both more intimate in scale.

Incorporating Anar Camp into your journey

Anar Camp fits naturally into a central Mongolia itinerary combining Karakorum, the Orkhon Valley, and central Mongolian landscapes. To plan your route and select accommodations suited to your travel style, explore our Mongolia trip suggestions.