Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Ongiin Khiid
BUDDHIST MONASTERIES
(GPS: N 45°20.367', E 104°00.306'; admission US$2)
The bend in the pretty river here marks
the remains of two ruined monasteries:
Bari Lam Khiid
was built in 1810 on the north
bank, the same side of the river as the tourist ger camps;
Khutagt Lam Khiid
was built in
1760 on the south, but can only be accessed when the water level of the river is low, or
iced over in winter. Collectively they're known as Ongiin Khiid. Formerly one of the
largest monasteries in Mongolia, and home to more than a thousand monks, the complex
was destroyed in the 1937 communist purges when over 200 lamas were murdered. Since
1990 a small but growing contingent of monks has set up shop amid the ruins, complet-
ing a small temple in 2004, using some original beams from the old ruined monastery to
build it. Two monks live here full time, in summer their numbers swell.
Locals claim that to reap the curative qualities of the
spring
(which apparently runs
warm in winter and cool in summer), you must drink from it before sunrise. The ger be-
side the temple houses a small but interesting
museum
showcasing some artefacts found
at the site, many of which were hidden by monks to save them from the purges. Look out
for the only remaining drawing of the original monastery, plus the drinking cups made
from the skulls of revered monks.
The
views
of the ruins, river, ger camps and the surrounding area are impressive from
any of the nearby hills. A good way to start is with the one with the
ibex monument
on
top.
Khoshuu Khuralin Khiid
BUDDHIST MONASTERY
(GPS: N 45°10.251', E 104°07.909')
A third monastery is 21km south of the two at Ongiin
Khiid, but very little remains of it, save a scattering of broken brickwork and Chinese
pottery.
Sleeping & Eating
There are plenty of fine places to camp along the forested riverside and it's possible to
stay in guest gers by the entrance to the ruins of Bari Lam Khiid; expect to pay T5000 to
T7000 per person. There are also three ger camps by the river, all next to each other and
within walking distance of Bari Lam Khiid.
Ongiin Khiid Guesthouse
TOURIST GER CAMP$
