Discover the soul of Mongolia in the heart of Ulaanbaatar
Rising above the rooftops of Ulaanbaatar, the Gandan Monastery — or Gandantegchinlen Khiid — stands as a beacon of peace amid the city’s urban hum. Its name translates to “The Great Place of Complete Joy,” and for centuries, it has been just that — a sanctuary of spirituality, compassion, and learning.
For travelers embarking on a self-drive Mongolia tour, the Gandan Monastery is not just another stop in the capital — it’s a window into the nation’s enduring Buddhist heritage and the resilience of its people.
Whether you’re tracing the route from Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert, heading north on a trip to Lake Khuvsgul, or preparing to explore the endless steppe, a visit to Gandan Monastery offers a grounding introduction to Mongolia’s spiritual landscape.
🌸 The Story Behind Gandan Monastery
From humble beginnings to Mongolia’s most sacred monastery
The story of the Gandan Monastery begins in 1809, during a time when Buddhism was flourishing across Mongolia. The Fifth Jebtsundamba Khutuktu — a revered spiritual leader — established the monastery as a center for learning and prayer.
Over the decades, Gandan grew to house thousands of monks, becoming the spiritual heart of the Mongolian Buddhist world.
At its peak, the monastery complex contained over 20 temples, a grand library of sacred texts, and a vibrant community of scholars, artisans, and pilgrims. Its influence extended far beyond the city walls — shaping Mongolian art, education, and philosophy for generations.
💔 Survival Through the Shadows of History
The communist purges and Mongolia’s spiritual silence
In the 1930s, Mongolia faced one of its darkest chapters. Under Soviet influence, the communist regime began a brutal campaign against religion. Nearly 800 monasteries were destroyed, and tens of thousands of monks were executed or sent to labor camps.
Only a handful of monasteries survived — and Gandan Monastery was one of them.
Why? Because the government decided to keep it open as a “show monastery” for foreign diplomats, claiming that religious freedom still existed. But behind the façade, monks were forbidden from teaching, and worship was heavily monitored.
Yet even during these years of silence, Gandan’s sacred grounds continued to hold quiet prayers. The spirit of faith endured — hidden but unbroken.
🌅 The Revival of Faith: Gandan After 1990
With the Democratic Revolution of 1990, Mongolia opened its doors to freedom — political, cultural, and spiritual.
Almost overnight, Gandan Monastery became a symbol of rebirth. Monks returned to rebuild what was lost, ceremonies resumed, and the great Buddha statue that once stood here was reconstructed.
Today, Gandan is home to over 400 monks. It serves as both a religious institution and a symbol of Mongolia’s resilience — a place where past and present coexist in peaceful harmony.
🛕 The Migjid Janraisig Statue — Mongolia’s Towering Buddha
A symbol of compassion, hope, and renewal
Step inside the main temple of Gandan, and you’ll be greeted by the gaze of Migjid Janraisig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion — a monumental statue standing 26.5 meters tall.
Covered in gold and adorned with jewels, this statue replaced the original that was melted down during the purges. Its reconstruction in the 1990s — funded by donations from Mongolians and Buddhists worldwide — became a national act of healing.
Inside the hollow body of the Buddha are thousands of sacred scrolls, relics, and offerings, symbolizing enlightenment, wisdom, and the collective devotion of an entire nation.
The statue’s sheer presence is overwhelming — a reminder that compassion outlasts destruction.
🔔 The Daily Rituals and Morning Chants
Every morning around 8:00 AM, the air fills with the sound of deep chanting, echoing horns, and the soft hum of prayer wheels.
Monks gather in the main temple for their morning puja — a Buddhist ritual of prayer, recitation, and meditation.
Visitors are welcome to stand quietly along the temple’s periphery and absorb the rhythmic soundscape — a meditative experience that connects you to centuries of devotion.
Outside, locals circle the temple, spinning golden prayer wheels inscribed with sacred mantras — each rotation believed to release compassion and blessings into the world.
📜 The Meaning of “Gandantegchinlen”
The monastery’s full name, Gandantegchinlen Khiid, is derived from Tibetan and translates to “The Great Place of Complete Joy.”
It’s more than poetic — it reflects the essence of Mongolian Buddhism, which emphasizes inner peace, joy, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The term “Khiid” means “monastery,” a place of retreat and study, where monks dedicate their lives to meditation, learning, and teaching compassion.
🧘 What to See at Gandan Monastery
Gandan Monastery isn’t just one building — it’s a sprawling complex with several temples, shrines, and study halls.
1. Migjid Janraisig Temple
The main temple housing the 26.5-meter Buddha. Inside, you’ll find rows of golden prayer wheels, sacred scrolls, and intricate wall paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist cosmology.
2. Vajradhara Temple
This smaller temple is dedicated to Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha. Monks here study esoteric teachings and tantric traditions.
3. Kalachakra Temple
A temple dedicated to the Wheel of Time — an advanced form of Buddhist meditation and astrology.
4. The Monastic School
An important educational center where young monks study philosophy, ritual, Tibetan language, and traditional arts.
5. The Courtyard and Prayer Wheel Walk
Visitors can follow locals as they circle the temples clockwise, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras.
📍 Location and How to Visit
- Address: Gandan District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Distance: About 2 km west of Sükhbaatar Square (city center)
- Getting There:
- By car: Easy to reach by taxi or private vehicle.
- By foot: Around a 25-minute walk from downtown Ulaanbaatar.
- By self-drive tour: Include it as your first stop before hitting the open road — ideal for those starting their Mongolia adventure.
📅 Opening Hours
- Daily: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: Morning chanting (8:00–9:00 AM) or during major Buddhist holidays like Tsagaan Sar and Buddha’s Birthday.
🧳 Visiting Tips for Travelers
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees; remove hats inside temples.
- Photography: Allowed outdoors; restricted inside some temples. Ask or pay the small fee if required.
- Respect rituals: Observe quietly during prayers.
- Donations: Small contributions are welcome and help with temple upkeep.
🚗 Visiting Gandan on a Self-Drive Tour
If you’re joining one of Mongolia.com.co’s self-drive tours, Gandan Monastery is a perfect cultural stop at the start or end of your journey.
Many travelers visit the monastery on their first day in Ulaanbaatar — a serene introduction before venturing into Mongolia’s vast wilderness.
After visiting Gandan, you can:
- Drive west to the Khustain Nuruu National Park to see Przewalski’s horses.
- Head south toward the Gobi Desert, exploring monasteries hidden in the cliffs.
- Or journey north to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, another Buddhist masterpiece surrounded by rolling hills.
Each road leads you deeper into the heart of Mongolia — but Gandan is where the journey begins.
🏯 Buddhism in Mongolia — A Living Tradition
From shamanic roots to the Gelug school
Buddhism first arrived in Mongolia around the 13th century, during the time of the Mongol Empire. It blended with local shamanic practices, creating a unique spiritual fusion that remains distinct to this day.
Most Mongolian Buddhists follow the Gelug (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism — the same lineage as the Dalai Lama.
In modern Mongolia, Buddhism coexists peacefully with Christianity, Islam, and shamanism. Yet, for most Mongolians, Buddhism remains both a cultural identity and a spiritual compass.
🪶 Symbolism Everywhere
Every detail of Gandan Monastery carries meaning:
- Prayer flags flutter messages of peace and harmony into the wind.
- Incense smoke rises to connect heaven and earth.
- The circular path followed by pilgrims represents the endless cycle of life.
Even the blue sky above — so central to Mongolian belief — seems to bless this sacred site.
📚 The Educational Role of Gandan
Beyond its temples, Gandan Monastery is also a center of education. Monks study philosophy, meditation, astronomy, and medicine — maintaining traditions passed down for centuries.
Many monks later travel to India or Dharamsala (home of the Dalai Lama) for advanced studies before returning to teach new generations in Mongolia.
This exchange keeps Mongolian Buddhism vibrant, connected, and globally respected.
🌍 Cultural Etiquette for Visitors
Mongolians are deeply respectful of their religious traditions, and visitors are encouraged to share that respect.
✅ Do:
- Walk clockwise around temples.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving something.
- Bow slightly when greeting monks.
🚫 Don’t:
- Touch monks or their robes.
- Point your feet toward altars or statues.
- Take photos during ceremonies without permission.
A respectful visit enriches both your experience and your connection to Mongolia’s living culture.
💬 Local Legends and Mystical Stories
Like many sacred sites, Gandan Monastery has its share of legends.
Locals say that when the great golden Buddha was rebuilt in the 1990s, people from all across Mongolia — even those with little money — donated what they could: a few tugriks, a bracelet, a stone.
Those small acts of faith are said to have filled the statue with the power of compassion, turning it into a living guardian of Mongolia’s spirit.
🏞️ Beyond the Monastery — Exploring Ulaanbaatar
After your visit to Gandan, take time to explore Ulaanbaatar’s cultural highlights:
- Sükhbaatar Square – The city’s main plaza, surrounded by monuments and museums.
- The National Museum of Mongolia – For a deep dive into nomadic history.
- Zaisan Hill Memorial – Offers panoramic views of the capital.
- Bogd Khan Palace Museum – The former residence of Mongolia’s last king.
These stops complement your visit to Gandan, offering a full picture of Mongolia’s spiritual and historical journey.
🛣️ A Journey of Spirit and Freedom
Visiting Gandan Monastery is more than sightseeing — it’s a moment of reflection before setting out into the vast open steppe.
As you prepare for your self-drive tour with Mongolia.com.co, you’ll carry a piece of Gandan’s tranquility with you — a reminder that every journey across Mongolia is as spiritual as it is physical.
The monastery’s chanting fades behind you, replaced by the hum of your engine and the endless blue sky ahead. You realize that, in Mongolia, freedom and faith travel together.
Learn about more top attractions in Mongolia and what to visit in Mongolia in our Mongolia travel guide.