Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of
Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were
either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist
purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate
as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite
of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other
religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant
resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became
a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening
their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the
purges are training a new generation. Extensive reconstruction
and renovation projects have been completed and priceless
artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families are
now being returned to monasteries.
Experience these exciting developments firsthand at Gandan
Monastery. Strolling through the monastery grounds, hear the low
tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe
their daily rituals, including the reading of sutras, the teachings
of the Buddha. Also visit the recently renovated Chenrezi and
Kalachakra Temples, as well as the magnificent statue of Migjid
Janraisig, “the lord who looks in every direction.” This 82-foot
high statue, gilded in pure gold and clothed in silk and precious
stones, completely fills the largest of Gandan’s temples.
Next, drive through downtown Ulaanbaatar to the National
History Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history
and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional
implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age
artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred
religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment.
After lunch, visit the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum. Named
in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th-century artist and
politician who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia,
the museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art
and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original
works. Overnight at hotel.