Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To the east of the temple are four
colleges of Buddhist philosophy
, including the
yellow building dedicated to Kalachakra, a wrathful Buddhist deity.
To the west of the temple is the
Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar Buddhist University
,
which was established in 1970. It is usually closed to foreigners.
You can take photos (camera T5000, video T10,000) around the monastery and in
Migjid Janraisig Süm, but not inside the other temples. Try to be there for the captivating
ceremonies - they generally start at around 9am, though you may be lucky and see one at
another time. Most chapels are closed in the afternoon.
976 Gallery
ART GALLERY
(
www.976gallery.com
;
Max Mall, 5th fl, Peace Ave; 10am-8pm)
Ulaanbaatar's best contem-
porary art gallery, featuring the most established and emerging Mongolian artists. It's
located in the open atrium of the Max Mall on the 5th floor. It's run by Ms Gantuya, a
passionate advocate for local art, who is present at special exhibit openings.
Centre of Shaman Eternal Heavenly Sophistication
SHAMAN CENTRE
( 9929 8909; Öndör Gegeen Zanabazaryn Gudamj; 10am-6pm Sun-Fri May-Sep)
Ulaanbaatar's official Shaman Centre is a ramshackle collection of squalid gers teetering
on the slope that leads to Gandan Khiid. While not particularly mystifying at first sight,
this is the real deal, with a bona fide shaman at its helm, holding daily court. The resident
shaman, Zorigtbaatar, is known for his fiery orations that whip up the faithful into a
frenzy. The main ger contains a smattering of icons, from a stuffed owl to bottles of
vodka. If there is a ceremony going on, and you want your fortune told, you'll need to
make a small donation. If you want to see a ceremony, call ahead to confirm times.
If you find the centre closed (which happens when Zorigtbaatar is out of town) you
can also see shamans in the open grass areas south of the Tuul Gol. This area is about
3km east of the Zaisan Memorial (you will spot the silk scarves tied to the poles on the
right side of the road).
Wildlife Museum
MUSEUM
(Öndör Gegeen Zanabazaryn Gudamj; admission T2500; 10am-6pm)
The Wildlife Museum
(formerly known as the Hunting Museum) is on the 2nd floor of the Baigal Ordon
(Nature Palace) on the street leading to Gandan Khiid. The museum shows off centuries-
old trapping and hunting techniques that are used by both nomads and urban cowboys.
It's usually locked, so ask for the key from the watchman downstairs.
