In Central Mongolia, on the banks of the Ongi River, you will find the Ongi Monastery, also known as the Ongiin Khiid Monastery. Just a short walk from where you can park the car, and for an entry fee of 5,000 tugrik, you could easily explore this site for around two hours.
The Ongi Monastery, in Mongolia’s Dundgovi Province, was once one of the largest monastic complexes in the country and a major center of Buddhist learning. Built in the 17th century, the monastery originally consisted of two separate temple complexes: Bariin Khiid on the north bank of the river and Khutagt Khiid on the south bank. Together, they housed nearly 1,000 monks and included over 30 temples, meditation halls, libraries and administrative buildings.
During Mongolia’s spiritual height, Ongiin Khiid became a renowned institution for religious study, hosting thousands of pilgrims and scholars. The complex also held a vast collection of sacred texts and Buddhist artifacts, making it an important cultural and educational hub in central Mongolia.
However, its flourishing period came to a tragic end in the 1930s, during Mongolia’s Stalinist purges under communist rule. In 1939, the monastery was destroyed by government forces, following an aggressive campaign to eliminate religion across the country. Hundreds of monks were executed, imprisoned, or forced to renounce their faith, and countless religious treasures were lost or looted. For decades, the site lay in ruins as a stark reminder of the suppression of Mongolian Buddhism.
After the collapse of communism in 1990, Mongolia embraced religious freedom once again, and efforts began to restore Ongiin Khiid. In 1994, reconstruction started with the rebuilding of one small temple and a museum dedicated to the monastery’s history. Today, visitors can see restored sections alongside the ruins, providing a powerful contrast between past destruction and ongoing revival.
Ongiin Khiid now serves as both an active monastery and a memorial to Mongolia’s turbulent spiritual history, symbolizing resilience, renewal and the enduring strength of Buddhist traditions.
During my visit I was fortunate to have good weather and a beautiful sunny day. We arrived around midday and parked the car close to the souvenir shop. It’s a short walk to the small museum on the site where you can view some of the historical artifacts associated with the monastery. My tour guide and I were pretty much alone for the duration of our visit to Ongi Monastery.
You will be asked to pay the 5,000 tugrik as well as a tip of one dollar to take photos in the museum and monastery. You will then be accompanied by the ‘gatekeeper’ of the monastery who will unlock the doors and wait with you as you explore the inside of the monastery. The monastery is not overly large, unlike some of the other monasteries you will visit in Mongolia. You will explore the inside of the monastery for around 20 minutes, admiring the impressive Buddha statue towards the back of the monastery and the various paintings and other artifacts.
I recommend venturing up the hill behind the monastery for great views over the monastery, the Ongi River and the ruined structures on the other side of the river. On your walk up the hill you may want to search for the ‘Ongi Monastery’ Geocache to add another level of adventure to your visit to the monastery.
Venturing to the top of the hill you will come to the telecommunication tower from where you can admire the mountains behind the monastery. A large ovoo sits alongside the tower from where you can admire the views and perhaps contemplate your evening’s accommodation, possibly at the Secret of Ongi Tourist Camp visible from the monastery.
The Ongi Monastery is well worth a visit despite its current state of disrepair. You will understand the history of the site, admire the beautiful monastery and, hopefully, enjoy some lovely warm Mongolian weather during your visit.
View Ongi Monastery in Mongolia on Google Maps.
My visit to Mongolia, outside of the capital, was coordinated by Molomjamts Naranzul, someone who I now consider a good friend. His Instagram profile may be found here, from where contact may be started by direct message.
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Consider reading the other posts on Mongolia by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited June 2025)