White House of Tsogt Taij

History

Tsogt Taij (Choghtu Khong Tayiji, 1581–1637) was a noble of northern Khalkha of the Genghisid line, known as an intellectual, poet and translator. He embraced the Karma Kagyu school of Buddhism and built monasteries and castles. The White House in Dashinchilen dates from 1601.

He sided with Ligdan Khan, the last grand khan of the Mongols, against the rising Manchus, and joined his campaign toward Tibet; Ligdan died in 1634 before their forces united. Tsogt then took the Kokonor region and opposed the Gelug school. The Gelug called on Güshi Khan, who defeated and killed him in 1637.

A poem he wrote in 1621 was carved on a rock in 1624 and still survives. In 1945 a Mongolian film, Tsogt Taij, portrayed him as a national hero. The White House was examined by D. A. Klements in 1889, and the Soviet archaeologist D. Bukenich studied the area in 1933–34.

What to See

• The ruined walls of the White House
• Foundations nearby, thought to mark where Tsogt Taij's followers lived

Visiting

• In Dashinchilen soum, Bulgan aimag; best reached by 4x4 or with a tour, as tracks are unpaved.
• It is a ruin with few facilities: bring water, and do not climb the walls.

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