Tövkhön Monastery

History

Zanabazar, the son of the Tüsheet Khan Gombodorji and the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, established a retreat here in 1648, when he was only fourteen. Its first buildings were raised in 1653, after his return from Tibet, and he is said to have created some of his finest works of art here.

The Oirats destroyed the monastery in 1688 during the Dzungar invasion of Khalkha. It was restored in 1773, badly damaged again in the purges of the late 1930s, and has since been rebuilt.

What to See

• The hermitage buildings set among the rocks near the summit
• Meditation caves and pilgrimage sites associated with Zanabazar
• Wide views over forested mountains and the upper Orkhon valley

Visiting

• About 47 km southwest of Kharkhorin, on a mountain at roughly 2,600 m.
• The final approach is a steep walk or horse ride up the mountain; good footwear is essential.
• Best visited in summer; weather on the mountain can change quickly.

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