Shankh Monastery

History

Zanabazar, the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, founded Shankh in 1647, when he was twelve. It began as a ger monastery, moved several times and settled on its present site in 1787. Once known as the "Monastery of the West", it was said for a time to house the black military banner of Genghis Khan, whose whereabouts are now unknown.

Its main temple was built between 1710 and 1790. By 1921 the monastery had about 20 buildings and more than 1,500 monks.

In 1937 it was closed and most of its buildings destroyed; many monks were executed or sent to labour camps. The main temple survived as a warehouse, and a novice named Gombo hid most of the relics. After 1990 returning monks restored the temple, and in 1993 the 14th Dalai Lama sent three monks to help revive it.

What to See

• The main temple, built between 1710 and 1790 and one of the few to survive the purges
• Relics saved by the novice Gombo

Visiting

• Near Kharkhorin in Övörkhangai, and easily combined with Erdene Zuu and the Karakorum site.
• It is an active monastery: dress modestly and ask before photographing inside.

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