TUVKHUN MONASTERY

An exceptional place, and above all an amazing surprise, after a tiring journey. Tuvkhun Monastery stands on the peak of Undur Shireet, on the edge of the Arkhangaiaimag. Located at an altitude of 2,312 m, some 40 km west of Khujirt, it can be reached on foot, by jeep or on horseback, through a magnificent wood. On foot, it can take two hours, not to mention that the terrain is very uneven and sometimes muddy. On horseback, it takes a good 45 minutes, with the risk of getting branches in your eyes. But the result is well worth the effort.

The monastery was built by Zanabazar in 1654. He is said to have lived here for some 30 years. According to legend, the Mongolian artist was living in this monastery when he created the Soyombo, which was to become the symbol of Mongolia. Today, it is an important pilgrimage site. In addition to the small temples clinging to the edge of the cliff, reached by clinging to a rope, the site boasts several caves where ascetic monks stayed for years, and which are now revered by visitors.

These caves are spaces of less than two square meters, in which it's hard to imagine staying for more than a few minutes, especially given the unbearable temperatures in winter. The most courageous will climb a dozen-metre rocky peak to enjoy a magnificent view from the top. On the way back down, don't forget to purify yourself with a sip of water from the local spring near the janitor's hut.