Ongi Monastery

  • Ongi Monastery was founded in 1660, one of the earliest monasteries in Mongolia
  • Had the capacity to accommodate over one thousand monks at a time
  • Ongi Monastery was named because of its location by Ongi River

Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, the Ongi monastery consisted of two temple complexes on the North and South banks of the Ongi River. The older southern complex consisted of various administrative buildings as well as 11 temples. The northern complex built in the 18th century consisted of 17 temples-among them one of the largest temples in all Mongolia. The Ongi monastery grounds also 4 Buddhist universities.

Sad History about Ongi Monastery

During the 1930s communism spread throughout Mongolia. As part of their ideological campaign and rise to power, communists arrested most monks around Mongolia. In 1939 Ongi monastery was completely destroyed over 200 monks were killed and many surviving monks were imprisoned pr forced to join the communist-controlled army.
Other monks were escaped certain death by becoming farmers and common workers. The water from the river was re-routed to support the local mine, which was run by the Communist government. When the river dried out, Local communities were forced to leave surrounding areas of the monastery. With the departure of both monks and locals, the Ongi monastery seemed destined to disappear.

However, with the democratization of Mongolia in 1990, three monks returned to the Ongi monastery where they had begun their Buddhist education as young children some 60 years prior. These monks started laying a new foundation upon the old ruins, with a vision to restore the Ongi monastery and revitalize Buddhism in Mongolia. Around the Ongi monastery, there are some tourist camps.


Best time to visit Ongi Monastery

Ongi Monastery is situated in the Gobi Desert region. The best season to visit Ongi Monastery would be summer because of longer daylight and warmer weather. But summer can be overcrowded with tourists, especially in July during Naadam Festival. September is also suitable for visiting the Gobi Desert region. The weather is not hot like summer, but not cold either.

The average temperature is 28 C in the day and 14.5 C at the night in the Gobi Desert region during Summer. There is about 21.5 mm of precipitation and 34 percent of humidity.


Activities to do near Ongi Monastery

Walking around the ruins of the Ongi Monastery is a surreal experience for any visitor. You can just imagine how big and developed the monastery was. Hiking around the area is the best activity to explore this mysterious and interesting place. Since tourist ger camps are located under 500 meters from the ruins of the Ongi monastery, you can visit it whenever you want. There is one temple, which was built with the help of a local's donation. You can visit this temple and pay respect to the area.


Check out what our customers say about their experiences to travel around Ongi Monastery. Visit here

All our Ongi Monastery Tours

Related tours
Gobi tour Mongolia with ayan travel

Golden Gobi and Kharkhorin Tour Mongolia

Discover must-visit places in Mongolia, the Gobi Desert, and Orkhon Valley If you travel to Mongolia. This ...
Duration: 11 days
Starting at
$1860
View tour Book now
Mongolian_jeep_tours

Mongolia Overland Tour 2025/2026

This is the way to truly experience Mongolia and its breathtaking landscapes and nomadic lifestyle and cult...
Duration: 16 days
Starting at
$2990
View tour Book now
Gobi_desert_Mongolia_tour

Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley Tour in Mongolia

The most popular places to go in Mongolia for travelers are to visit two major important highlights of...
Duration: 11 days
Starting at
$2050
View tour Book now
North_to_south_tours_mongolia

Vertical Big Loop North to South of Mongolia Tour

A real off-road adventure that crosses the vast Mongolian land vertically, while passing by unique wild passages of n...
Duration: 20 days
Starting at
$2650
View tour Book now
Horse_riding_mongolia_tour

Mongolia Riding Tour

The must-visit places in Mongolia for travelers are to visit two major important highlights of Mongolia: South G...
Duration: 13 days
Starting at
$2415
View tour Book now
LocalFestival_tour_mongolia

Local Naadam Festival at Magnificent Khovsgol lake

Visit Mongolia and experience local Naadam festival. It is a great chance to enjoy three classic Mongolian ...
Duration: 20 days
Starting at
$3090
View tour Book now

Contact your travel specialist

Contact your travel specialist

Contact your local Travel Expert and allow them to help for creating your dream trip to Mongolia

Create my trip
arrow_upward

6 Reasons to choose Ayan Travel

Initial tour operator
Initial tour operator
Experience in Adventure and Discovery Tours
Advisors and specialist
Advisors and specialist
In Photography and Workshops
Our Tours
Our Tours
We arrange Flexible and Fixed trips
Responsible for
Responsible for
Clients- Locals- Nature
During your trip
During your trip
Assistance for 24 hours a day
Service quality
Service quality
Well planning and excellent