Monasteries of Mongolia

Mongolian Buddhism is mainly the Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelug school, which spread from the 16th century. Hundreds of monasteries once stood across the country; many were destroyed in the purges of the 1930s, and after religious freedom returned in the 1990s they have slowly been rebuilt. Here are the main monasteries that fit easily into a trip, grouped by area.

Erdene Zuu Monastery (Kharkhorin)

Construction began in 1585 under Abtai Sain Khan of the Khalkha, making it one of the earliest large Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. A white wall about 400 m on each side carries 108 stupas, and the site is at the heart of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

Read the full guide to Erdene Zuu

Shankh Monastery (near Kharkhorin)

Built in 1647, it lies about 25 km southeast of Kharkhorin. It is known as the place where Zanabazar spent his childhood, and it is one of the few monasteries that survived the purges of the 1930s.

Tövkhön Monastery (Khangai Mountains)

Zanabazar founded this hermitage in 1651 on a rocky peak overlooking the Orkhon valley. The buildings were destroyed and rebuilt more than once, and today's temple is a reconstruction. Most visitors arrive on a forest trek, so it suits travellers who enjoy scenery and walking.

Gandan Monastery (Ulaanbaatar)

The largest monastery in Ulaanbaatar and still a living centre of practice. Founded in 1809, it has Tibetan-style halls and the famous 26.5 m statue of Megjid Janraisig. Visit at the morning service to hear the monks chanting.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum (Ulaanbaatar)

Built between 1904 and 1908 for Luvsankhaidav, the State Oracle and brother of the Bogd Khan, it is now a museum displaying masks, Buddha statues and thangka paintings. It fits neatly into a city tour.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Selenge)

Built between 1727 and 1736 on the orders of the Qing Yongzheng Emperor and completed under the Qianlong Emperor, it was made as the resting place of Zanabazar, the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, and is dedicated to Maitreya. It once had more than 40 temples, and 28 remain. Its central section survived the purges of 1937, and restoration has been under way since 1988 with UNESCO support.

Ongi Monastery (Dundgovi)

The ruins of a large complex built on both banks of the Ongi River, which at its peak had about 28 temples and over 1,000 monks. It was destroyed in the 1930s, and a small rebuilt temple and the ruins now stand in a quiet valley.

Read the full guide to Ongi Monastery

Khamar Monastery (Dornogovi)

Founded in 1821 near Sainshand on the initiative of the poet and high lama Danzan Ravjaa, it was a major centre of the Red Bonnet school. It was destroyed in the 1930s and later rebuilt. Pilgrims still come, and it is a highlight of an East Gobi trip.

Baldan Bereeven Monastery (Khentii)

A Gelug monastery in the valley of the Jargalant Baruun river in Ömnödelger district, Khentii. It was destroyed in the 1930s and its ruins have been restored with international help. It is a good stop on a journey through Chinggis Khaan's homeland.

Visiting etiquette

Take off your hat and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels outside the halls, and always ask permission before taking photographs inside a temple.