Gandantegchinlen Monastery

The Gandantegchinlen Monastery, often called Gandan Monastery, is one of the most important and active centers of Buddhism in Mongolia. Founded in the early 19th century, its name translates to “The Great Place of Complete Joy.”

The monastery is home to hundreds of monks and houses the magnificent Megjid Janraisig statue, a 26-meter-tall image of Avalokiteśvara (the Buddha of Compassion), symbolizing peace and mercy.

Beyond its religious significance, Gandan remains a living symbol of Mongolia’s spiritual resilience — it survived decades of suppression during the communist era and was reopened as a functioning monastery in 1944. Today, it stands as both a sanctuary of faith and a cultural treasure where visitors can witness daily rituals, hear the chanting of monks, and experience the enduring spirit of Mongolian Buddhism.