Plate 14 · 49.5°N 105.1°E
Amarbayasgalant
Амарбаясгалант
The monastery UB tours forget. A full valley to itself.
Built in the 18th century for the remains of Zanabazar, still a working house, still in a valley with almost no town attached. Architecturally it is the equal of Erdene Zuu and the crowd is a tenth. You come, you sit, you hear the wind in the roof tiles. Pair it with the drive to or from Khovsgol, or as a two-day outing from UB if the Gobi is not your trip.
- When and how long
- May–September mornings. Winter is possible with a serious driver. · 2–3 hours on the ground. Overnight if you want the valley at dawn.
- Cost
- Small entry/donation ₹160–₹400. Simple overnight ₹2,700–₹4,800 with meals.
- Area
- Selenge aimag, west of the Darkhan–Erdenet corridor. Sleep at the monastery ger or in Erdenet.
- Crowd and who
- Low. A handful of pilgrims. Almost no tour buses. Anyone who liked Gandan and wanted it without the city.
How to arrive
Hired car from UB or a detour from the Erdenet road. Public transport gets you to Erdenet; last hour is a taxi or hitch.
Tip
Dress as for a working temple. Ask before photographing monks. The ridge behind the complex is a 40-minute climb.
Eat nearby
Monastery kitchen if you stay. Erdenet has real town food — Korean and guanz — on the way.