Day 9 - Amarbayasgalant Khiid

On the bumpy road again, at least until we get through town to a smooth highway west. Though low hilly terrain for a few hours, until turnoff north across rough roads for another hour. A warm and sunny day, and the air couldn’t be much cleaner.

Arrive at Amarbayasgalant Khiid (built 1727-37), one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the country. So important that it was not destroyed like nearly all the others during the Soviet occupation.

Virupaksa (one of the four protector gods), at the entrance to the main temple complex.

Now THAT’S a ger.

Design looks a lot like in Bouda Stupa in Kathmandu. This portion of the monastery is up on the hill behind and is of recent construction.

Back to Darkhan in late afternoon, with rainstorms threatening.

Mongolia