Ongi Monastery

History

Ongi was founded in 1660 and grew into one of Mongolia's largest monasteries, with more than 1,000 monks and four Buddhist colleges. It has two complexes facing each other across the Ongi river: the older Khutagt Monastery on the south bank, with 11 temples, and Barlim Monastery on the north bank, built in the 18th century, with 17 temples including one of the largest in Mongolia. Its buildings mixed Chinese, Mongol and Tibetan styles.

Both complexes were destroyed in 1939 during Choibalsan's purges. More than 200 monks were killed, and many others were imprisoned, forced to give up their vows or conscripted.

Rebuilding was decided in the 1990s, and the first new temple was inaugurated in 2004. A stupa has been rebuilt with a plaque listing the monks killed in 1939.

What to See

• The ruins of the two complexes on either bank of the Ongi river
• The rebuilt temple and the memorial stupa to the monks of 1939
• A small museum in a ger in front of the monastery

Visiting

• About 18 km south of the village of Saikhan-Ovoo, Dundgovi; often visited on the way to or from the southern Gobi.
• Tracks are unpaved; travel by 4x4 with a driver.

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