Erdenet is the second largest city in Mongolia and sits in the north of the country, in Orkhon Province. It is best known as a major copper mining centre, and its identity is shaped by that industry. The city is also written in Mongolian Cyrillic as Эрдэнэт.
What to expect
Erdenet is an industrial city, and that is the first thing a visitor will notice. The mining operation gives the place its purpose and much of its character, so a trip here suits travellers who are curious about how a resource town works rather than those looking for a leisurely resort stay. The city offers a glimpse of modern Mongolian life away from the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Who it suits
- Industry-minded travellers interested in mining and the economy of the north.
- Visitors touring the north who want to break a journey between Ulaanbaatar and the Orkhon region.
- Anyone seeking the everyday side of Mongolia, beyond its countryside scenery.
Planning your visit
Because the facts available here are limited, check current details on access, accommodation and any visiting arrangements at the mine before you travel. Erdenet works best as part of a wider itinerary through northern Mongolia, where the surrounding landscape and the city's industrial setting make an interesting contrast.
