One of the most important monuments of Mongolia
Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery (perhaps the oldest in Mongolia) was founded in the late 16th century by Khan Abataj on the site of Genghis Khan's former hometown of Karakorum (Kharkhorin). Inside the square space (400 × 400 m), surrounded by a massive wall, today there are several functioning temples.
A complex of temple buildings
Inside the monastery complex today are only the remains of the original buildings, most of the space is overgrown with grass.
Individual temples
Almost all the individual temples can be entered and the darkened interior can be seen.
Individual temples
There are rare moments when all tourists are somewhere else …
Golden stupa
Inside the complex there are several Buddhist stupas, which are cared for with different approaches. But everything is slowly being fixed …
Ritual vessels
Old stone ritual objects (those that cannot be taken away) are placed throughout the complex.
Painted decoration
The hand-painted decoration, often probably quite old, gradually fades and sparkles. In the harsh continental climate, the former colors are gradually disappearing and it is a matter of time, and certainly money, how far the situation will go.
Temple of Lavran
The central temple is of the „Tibetan type“ and is the only one with no typical pagoda-shaped roof.
Perimeter wall with stupas
There are a total of 108 of them around the perimeter of the monastery complex.
Turtle
The stone turtle is a symbol of old age or eternity. It lies about 300 m north of the monastery complex, but the path to this monument is marked. Originally there were four turtles, but to this day only two remain.