Gandan Monastery

The monastery's origins go back to 1809, when the Shar (Yellow) Temple was built on a hill west of the old capital, then known as Khüree. More temples and colleges followed over the nineteenth century, and the Migjid Janraisig Temple was completed in 1913 to house a huge statue of Avalokiteshvara.

During the anti-religious purges of the late 1930s the monastery was closed and several buildings were razed, and the original statue was dismantled. Gandan reopened in 1944 and for decades was the only functioning monastery in the country. After religious freedom returned in 1990 it expanded again, and a new 26.5-metre statue, modelled on the original, was dedicated in 1996.

Gandan is a working monastery and an active place of worship for many Mongolians, who come to pray, light butter lamps, request blessings and seek advice from monks. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove your hat inside temples, walk clockwise around temples and stupas, and do not touch statues or ritual objects. Photography is generally allowed in the grounds but may be restricted inside temples, and you should always ask before photographing monks.