Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Mongolia  /  Ovorkhangai Province  /  Kharkhorin  /  Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin

4.5

#3 of 16 in Historic Sites in Mongolia

Religious Site Tourist Spot

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The largest and the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu Monastery stands as an impressive World Heritage Site. Completed in 1586 by Abtain Sain Khan who embraced Buddhism as a state religion, this fortified monastery features long brick walls with 108 white stupas, a brick main temple painted white with gilded medallion ornament,s and Chinese-style tipped pavilion roofs with green tiles. Closed in 1937 and reopened as a museum in 1965, the monastery became religiously active in 1991. Watch monks performing their daily rituals and observe the panorama of the endless steppe from the monastery. Make Erdene Zuu Monastery a centerpiece of your Kharkhorin vacation itinerary, and find what else is worth visiting using our Kharkhorin day trip app .

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Erdene Zuu Monastery Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

97 reviews

Google

4.4

facebook

4.6

1,062 likes

• By SingaTrav3ll3r

  Admission fees required for see main temple. Best to get someone to translate the temple guide's explanation. There are no signs to explain the exhibits. An hour should be enough to tour the complex. ...  more »

• By Yan L

  Felt very serene in the monastery, with stupa walls built around the monastery. It is also part of the old capital of the Mongol Empire.  more »

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Google

• By B1lgune .S

  This place is a must if you're interested in getting to know about buddhism in Mongolia. The monastery's history even connects to Karakorum, the ancient Mongol empire capital, and the Mongolian history itself. It's an amazing place from the historical heritage point of view. So make sure you're with a knowledgeable guide who can tell you not only what's there inside the monastery stupas, but also other stunning stories. Very sad history tho 😥 The only drawback is that it's not that touristee. Recommended to visit in summer. Overall it's a good place.

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• By Gerelchuluun B

  Nice to visit during summer.

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