Darkhan.
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Overview

Darkhan is the capital of Darkhan-Uul, a city of Mongolia.

Understand

Darkhan is the third largest city in Mongolia with a population of 74,000. The city, which name means "Blacksmith" in Mongolian, was built as a manufacturing base by the Soviets in 1961 on the Trans-Mongolian Railroad. Much of the industrial base collapsed in the early 1990s, and most of its once large Russian population left. Today it is home to a large steel mill, textile industry, and many universities. It has an expansive layout with open steppe and roaming cattle right into the center of the city. The city is divided into a 'new' and 'old' sections separated by some small hills and ger districts spreading out beyond the developed areas. The railroad station, main Buddhist temple, and the black market are in the Old Darkhan, while most of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, along with the universities and cultural centers are in New Darkhan.

Get in

There are two stations on the Trans-Mongolian line of the Trans-Siberian Railway with regular service to Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, and Erdenet. Several passenger trains a day pass through Darkhan, including 3 domestic trains that arrive running between UB and either Erdenet or Suhbaatar on the Russian border. You want to buy tickets for Darkhan-1. Darkhan-2 is near an industrial plant several miles south of the city.

To Darkhan Ulaanbaatar to Darkhan- The trains leave Ulaanbaatar at 10:30, 20:20, and 21:10, and arrive at 17:38, 02:00 (next day), and 03:10 (next day) respectively for a travel time of 4 to 7 hours depending on number of stops. Erdenet to Darkhan- Train leaves Erdenet at 19:40 and arrives in Darkhan at 00:35 the next day. Suhbaatar to Darkhan- Train leaves Suhbaatar at 06:35 and 21:05 and arrives 2 hours later at 08:37 and 23:12 respectively.

From Darkhan Darkhan to Ulaanbaatar- Trains leave Darkhan at 01:45, 08:52, and 23:40 and arrive in UB at 07:40, 16:20, and 06:10 (next day) respectively. Travel time ranges from 6 to 8 hours depending on number of stops. Darkhan to Erdenet- The train leave Darkhan at 02:52 and arrives in Erdenet at 07:45 for a travel time of 5 hours. Darkhan to Suhbaatar-Trains leave at 03:25 and 17:55 and arrive in Suhbaatar at 05:30 and 20:00 respectively for a travel time of 2 hours.

By bus Buses are usually much faster and more convenient than the train that tends to leave or arrive in the middle of the night. There are buses leaving hourly from the Dragon Center in Ulaanbaatar and the Russian border at Suhbaatar. The first bus leaves UB at 09:00, and the last bus leaves around 19:30. Travel time is usually a little less than 4 hours. There are also microbuses and vans leaving from the Dragon Center throughout the day. Buses from Erdenet and Sühbaatar are also available.

Get around

Darkhan is divided into New and Old Darkhan, separated by about 2 km. Most of the city is stretched along a couple of parallel roads, with buses, taxis and vans racing back and forth. You can either hail your own taxi or jump in one and go to the other side of town.

See

American Corner Darkhan. Library and cultural center of the United States.

Buddha's Statue of Northern. Giant sitting Buddha statue on top of a hill overlooking Darkhan City.

Darkhan 50 Complex. The main park in town where everyone enjoys hanging out around the fountains at dusk.

Darkhan-Uul Cultural Center and Mosque. Established in 2020, it is a mosque and cultural center, donated by the Government of Turkey.

Morin Khuur Complex. Three hectares of park, featuring a horseman status of Khukhuu Namji

Museum of Darkhan-Uul Province. collection of archaeological findings, traditional clothing, religious artifacts, and taxidermy.

My Mongolia Park. The park features open green space and Darkhan City Theme Park (Дархан хот Хүүхдийн парк).

Kharagiin Monastery. Located in a log cabin built in the early 1990s in the Old Darkhan.

Youth Theater. The building also consists of Darkhan Central Library.

Darkhan United Arena. Indoor sport stadium and swimming pool.

My Mongolia Park Stadium. This football stadium is located within the My Mongolia Park area.

Do

New York Hill. Hiking to this small hill from an observation deck overlooking the whole city of Darkhan

Learn

Yello Art. Art school for children and school students.

Buy

Darkhan Market. A huge confusing market that can take several hours to explore. Everything from live goats to clothes to car parts are sold either in one of the may buildings or outdoor kiosks.

Nomin Supermarket. Large selection of domestic and foreign products. Expect to spend more than anywhere else.

Urgoo Plaza. Shopping mall featuring the only cinema in Darkhan. It also consists of arcade game center.

Eat

Avoid Korean and Chinese restaurants, because these types of restaurants prepare their foods out of very low and bad quality raw food materials. Instead, going to other local restaurants and local canteens called Tsainii gazar (Цайны газар) are a safer choice.

Science Café Darkhan. Science-themed café featuring a science shop.

Drink

Queens Night Club. Locals bust out their moves at the Queens Night Club in the center of the New Darkhan.

Sleep

Comfort Hotel. One of the most comfortable and cleanest hotels in town. There is a bar and restaurant in the hotel. Karaoke and laundry service also offered.

Grand Yak Hotel and Convention Center.

Kharaa Hotel. All rooms have bathrooms, TV, and WiFi internet. Breakfast included.