Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu Monastery, meaning the Jewel Monastery, is the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and stands as a testament to the conversion of the Mongolian people to Tibetan Buddhism in the 16th century. Established in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan following his pivotal meeting with the 3rd Dalai Lama, the monastery was constructed adjacent to the ruins of the former Mongol capital, Karakorum, using stones from the fallen city. The complex is distinctively enclosed by a massive square wall featuring 108 white stupas, a sacred number in Buddhism symbolizing the beads of a prayer rosary. During its height, Erdene Zuu consisted of over 60 temples and housed thousands of monks, serving as the primary cultural and intellectual hub of the region. However, in 1937, during the period of Soviet-aligned religious purges, most of its buildings were razed. Only a few temples survived as a showpiece museum, a status that allowed for the preservation of exceptional thangkas, manuscripts, and golden statues. Since 1990, it has functioned as both an active place of worship for a growing monastic community and a museum, remaining the spiritual heart of the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape.

Nearby cities

Arvaikheer

Arvaikheer is located in central Mongolia and serves as the gateway to the historical Orkhon Valley region.

Kharkhorin

Kharkhorin is located near the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.

Khujirt

A famous spa resort in the Orkhon Valley, renowned for its healing thermal springs and mud baths.

Ögii Lake

A scenic freshwater lake in Arkhangai, famous for its abundant fish and as a paradise for birdwatchers in the central Mongolian steppe.

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Khustain Naiman Nuur

An alpine paradise featuring eight volcanic lakes in the Khangai Mountains, ideal for trekking and horse riding.

History & landmarks

Ongi Monastery

Ruins of a large monastery on the banks of the Ongi River, once a significant educational center in the Gobi.

Nature

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Selenge River

A mighty watercourse that drains most of northern Mongolia and is crucial to the ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

Egiin Gol

The only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl is a crystal-clear, torrential river that winds its way through picturesque, wooded valleys.

More places

Karakorum Ruins

Karakorum was the legendary capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century under Ogedei Khan.

Tövkhön Monastery

Tövkhön Monastery is perched spectacularly on a rocky mountain peak surrounded by dense forests.

Otgontenger

The highest mountain in the Khangai Mountains is a revered, sacred peak whose snow-capped summit is visible from afar.

Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments in the Orkhon Valley are vital 8th-century stone inscriptions.

Uran Togoo Volcano

A picturesque extinct volcanic cone whose forested crater shelters a small, circular lake in summer.