Mongolia Ongiin Khiid
LOCATION: 20 km south of Saikhan-Ovoo town in Dundgobi province.
Nestling on the south and north banks of the Ongi River bend, Ongi was one of the important monasteries in the Gobi desert - consisted of two separate monasteries connected by a bridge. On the southern river bank was 320 years old Hutagt Monastery comprised of 9 main temples, plus small temples and stupas. The Balim Monastery was built relatively late about 240 years ago on the northern bank of the river and consisted of 13 main temples except for the other constructions, stupas, etc.
The monastery had 4 religious institutions and housed by over 1000 monks at its height. Unfortunately, no temple remained after the 1930s communist purge except for a stupa.
In 1990, few monks returned the monastery and completed a small temple in 2004
The location of the monastery is spectacular among the Gobi desert mountains, a halfway to break the trip for an overnight between the two major travel destinations of the Gobi desert and Kharakhorin.
Travelers visit a small ger museum showcase some artifacts found at the site, explore the ruins covering an expanse area, and climb one of the nearby hills to see the impressive views of the ruins, the river, ger camps, and the surrounding area.
