There are many historical sites to be explored in Mongolia’s heartland particularly in the Orkhon River valley, which contains archaeological remains dating back several centuries. Few traces remain of Karakorum, in the 13th century capital of the Mongol empire, but the nearby temple of Erdene Zuu was reputedly built from its ruins. The wall surrounding this vast monastery complex which houses spectacular Buddhist art and architecture is made up of over one hundreds white stupas. The Khuvsgul Lake is the largest fresh water in Mongolia by volume and second largest by area.