The Gobi - Mongolia - page 359

» Circle the ovoothree times.
Sights
Khamaryn Khiid buddhist MONASTERY
(GPS: N 44°36.038', E 110°16.650') This reconstructed monastery, an hour's drive south of
Sainshand, has grown up around the cult of Danzan Ravjaa, whom many locals believe
was a living god. His image is sewn into a carpet that hangs in the main hall. The origin-
al monastery and three-storey theatre, built by Danzan Ravjaa in 1821, was destroyed in
the 1930s.
From the monastery (turn left as you exit it), a path, and more recently a paved road,
leads for 2km to a bell tower which you must strike three times to announce your arrival
at the 'energy centre', known as Shambhala (admission T500) . In 1853, Danzan Ravjaa
told the local people that he would die in three years but they could forever come to this
place and speak to his spirit. Indeed, he died three years later and the site was marked by
an ovoo . Shambhala is now surrounded by 108 new stupas ('108' being a sacred number
in Buddhism) and festivities are held here on 10 September.
Bayanzürkh Uul HISTORIC SITE
(GPS: N 44°41.644', E 110°02.707') Around 23km northwest of Khamaryn Khiid is the moun-
tain home of the spirit of the third Noyon Khutagt (a predecessor of Danzan Ravjaa). The
temple halfway up the mountain is as far as local women are allowed to go (although no
one seems to mind if foreign women go to the top). At the summit (1070m), reached by a
newly built pathway, you are required to make three wishes at the so-called 'wishing
ovoo ', and circle the peak.
Sleeping & Eating
If you plan on making anything other than a day trip to Khamaryn Khiid, it is worth not-
ing that the monastery has only very basic facilities. You'll probably need a tent.
Gobi Sunrise Tavan Dohoi TOURIST GER CAMP$$$
( 9908 0151; GPS: N 44°45.418', E 110°11.236'; with/without meals US$45/25;) Set in the
middle of a vast, deserted landscape, this comfortable ger camp has flush toilets and
clean showers with hot water. To arrange transport to the camp, which is about 16km