Mongolia is popular with nature lovers thanks to its rugged mountains, stunning lakes, and grandiose landscapes, but its rich history and culture are also worth exploring. This Asian country is home to many Buddhist monuments and its monasteries are among the most impressive ones.
Erdene Zuu Monastery
The oldest surviving Buddhist monastery known to historians, Erdene Zuu has been around since the 16th century and its past was plagued with many difficulties. After being damaged in several wars, it was rebuilt in the 18th century, before being destroyed and rebuilt again in the 20th century.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
This Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery was built in the 18th century and its name roughly translates as “the great place of complete joy”. It’s best known for being home to a 26.5-meter-high statue of Avalokiteśvara, the tallest indoor statue in the world.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Amarbayasgalant Monastery aka Monastery of Tranquil Felicity is one of the three largest Buddhist monastic centers in Mongolia. Due to its secluded location, it’s one of the very few monasteries that partly escaped destruction over the years and it now features 28 temples, safely tucked away in Iven Valley near the Selenge River.