Choijin Lama Temple

History

The complex was built between 1904 and 1908 in honour of the State Oracle Lama Luvsankhaidav, the Choijin Lama, brother of the eighth Bogd Khan, the last monarch of Mongolia.

It had a main temple and five branch temples, among them the Zankhang annex, the Zuu Temple, the Yidam Temple and the Amgalan temple, dedicated to Zanabazar, the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu.

The temples were closed in 1937 during the repression of Buddhism, and in 1938 the complex was re-established as a museum, which spared it from destruction.

What to See

• An 18th-century gilt statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni in the main temple
• A large collection of masks used in tsam ritual dances
• Thangka paintings, embroideries and wood carvings

Visiting

• In the Sükhbaatar district of central Ulaanbaatar, just south of Sükhbaatar Square.
• Allow an hour or two; check opening days and hours before visiting.

Distances and travel times are approximate. Check local conditions, opening hours and permits before you travel.