1. Gandan Khiid, Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's largest active monastery. Home to a rebuilt 26-metre Migjid Janraisig (Avalokitesvara) statue, the morning chants of 200 monks, and the country's only Buddhist University. Open daily.
2. Erdene Zuu, Kharkhorin
Founded 1585 on the ruins of Karakorum using the original empire's stones. 108 stupas form the perimeter wall. Several temples remain active. The site archaeologist leads our guided tours.
3. Amarbayasgalant, Selenge Province
Mongolia's second-largest monastery, a 300-year-old complex between two mountains. Less visited but architecturally the most complete traditional Mongolian monastery anywhere. Three hours' drive from UB.
4. Manjushri Khiid, Bogd Khan mountain
Destroyed by Stalin's purge, partially rebuilt. The setting, on a wooded mountain south of UB, makes it our favourite combination of spirituality and nature.
5. Aryapala Meditation Centre, Terelj
A working monastery reached by a 108-step stairway up a ridge. Small, active, spiritually focused on meditation rather than tourism. Silence requested.
6. Dashchoilin Khiid, Ulaanbaatar
An under-visited monastery with an annual Tsam dance ritual in June. The dance, a masked Buddhist protective ritual, is unforgettable.
7. Mongolian Buddhist University (inside Gandan)
The training ground for the new Mongolian monks. Tours possible by arrangement. Our visits include a question-and-answer with a senior monk.
8. Khamaryn Khiid, Dornogovi
Eastern Gobi's primary monastery, associated with the 19th-century mystic Danzan Ravjaa. Shambhala World Energy Centre nearby. Off most tourist routes.
9. Choijin Lama Temple Museum, Ulaanbaatar
A 1904 temple preserved as a museum. Extraordinary Tsam dance masks and ritual objects. Open daily, across from Blue Sky Hotel.
10. Mongolian Buddhist Gobi temple network
Eight small temples scattered across the Gobi that served caravan routes. All active, all rebuilt, most not on maps. Our Gobi Heritage itinerary includes three of them.
Visiting etiquette
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered. Remove hat entering a temple. Circulate clockwise around stupas. Spin prayer wheels in the direction they face (clockwise). Photography generally allowed outside; ask inside. Silence is welcomed during chants.
Our Buddhist Mongolia itinerary
Seven days, includes Gandan morning chants, private audience with a senior monk, Erdene Zuu, Amarbayasgalant, Manjushri Khiid, and a Tsam dance observation in June departures only. 4,800 USD private, 3,200 USD group.
