TUVKHUN MONASTERY

An exceptional place, and especially an amazing surprise, after a tiring trip. The Tuvkhun monastery is located on the peak of Undur Shireet, at the limit of the Arkhangaïaimag . Located at 2,312 m above sea level, about 40 km west of Khujirt, it can be reached on foot, by jeep or on horseback, through a beautiful wood. On foot, it can take two hours, without counting that the ground is very uneven, and sometimes muddy. On horseback, it takes a good 45 minutes all the same, and beware of branches in the eyes. But the result is well worth the effort. The monastery was built by Zanabazar in 1654. He would have resided there for about thirty years. According to the legend, the Mongolian artist was living in this monastery when he created the Soyombo, which would become the symbol of Mongolia. Today it is an important pilgrimage site. In addition to the small temples hung on the edge of the cliff, and that one reaches by hanging on a rope, the site counts several caves in which stayed during years of ascetic monks, today venerated by the visitors.

These caves are spaces of less than two square meters, in which one can hardly imagine staying more than a few minutes, especially as the temperatures are unbearable in winter. The most courageous will climb a rocky peak of a dozen meters, to enjoy a magnificent view at the top. On the way back down, don't forget to purify yourself by taking a sip of water from the local spring, near the janitor's hut.