Tovkhon Monastery Location
60 km west of Kharkhorin and 20 km northeast of Bat-Ulzit soum, Uvurkhangai province.
Tovkhon Monastery History
Tovkhon is one of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia and a famous Pilgrimage center, which built on the 2312 m rocky top of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain hidden deep in the Khangai Mountain.The monastery was first named Dubkhen meaning “creation temple” and later turned to Tovkhon.
Its first temple built in 1653 was a meditation and creation temple for Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegeen (religious title), leader of Mongolian Buddhism, sculptor, and painter, who lived and worked in the monastery over 30 years creating his famous artworks, invented Soyombo script and meditating. Some images of those cast by Zanabazar are on display in Zanabazar Fineart Museum, Erdenezuu Monastery, and Choijin Lama Temple Museum in Ulaanbaatar. The first letter of the Soyombo script is the national symbol of Mongolia, to be found on the Mongolia flag, and many other official documents.
The monastery had 14 temples but was destroyed in 1688 by Oirat Mongols during their military campaign against Khalkha Mongols.
However, it was restored in 1773 before another destruction during the communist purge in 1939. Religious activities at the monastery restarted in 1992 after the start of the restoration in 1990, which continued until 1997.
The Tovkhon Monastery is a part of the Orkhon River Valley UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
How to travel to and reach Tovkhon Monastery?
The best way to travel to Tovkhon Monastery is by private car as its location is far from towns.
The monastery is accessible both from the eastern slope and western slope of the mountain. A return hiking takes 2.5 hours through scenic trails of coniferous tree-covered mountain, plus some sightseeing time.
A sturdy 4WD can drive the steep road up about 20 min or you could hire a horse. Though, hiking to the monastery is the best and the safest way.
What to see and do at Tovkhon Monastery?
Near the monastery are 2 wells in the solid rock close to the summit of the mountain, reportedly used as drinking water and washing water. On the rocky top are a huge cairn, meditation and library caves, symbolic footprints on the rock, and mother’s womb cave believed to heal one’s sins. The vista is awe-inspiring when you are on the summit.
Accommodation near Tovkhon Monastery
There is a family-run small ger camp on the eastern slope of the monastery. Camping is an option.
