Khamar Monastery
zoom_in Click image to enlarge
Khamar Monastery is located approximately 45 kilometers south of Sainshand, the capital of Dornogovi Province. It is one of the most significant religious, cultural, and artistic centers of 19th-century Mongolia, founded in 1820 by Dulduityn Danzanravjaa, the Fifth Noyon Khutagt of the Gobi and a great Mongolian enlightener, poet, and cultural figure.
The monastery is widely known as the “Land of Shambhala,” considered by many as a spiritual energy center of the world. Today, it attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year who come to experience its sacred atmosphere and historical significance.
Danzanravjaa established Khamar Monastery at the age of 17 in a place known as Övör Khamar. Before 1938, the monastery complex consisted of four main sections—Züün Khüree (Eastern Monastery), Baruun Khüree (Western Monastery), Tsokhon, and Düinkhor—as well as several monastic divisions such as Avga, Choir, Lamrim, Düinkhor, and Children’s Datsan. It functioned as a large Gelugpa Buddhist center with more than 80 temples and over 500 monks.
Following periods of decline, remaining relics and artifacts have been returned to the site, and religious activities have been revived. Today, Khamar Monastery operates with a small resident monastic community of around ten monks.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITORS
Weather Conditions:
The Gobi Desert experiences extreme temperatures—very hot in summer and very cold in winter. The most suitable visiting periods are May–June and September–October.
Ritual Practices:
When entering the Shambhala area, visitors often walk clockwise as a sign of respect and spiritual alignment. It is also common to avoid stepping on dust intentionally and to wear red clothing or bring ceremonial khadag scarves as offerings of respect.
Environmental Protection:
The fragile desert ecosystem should be carefully protected. Visitors are advised to stay on designated paths, avoid disturbing the soil, and ensure that no litter is left behind.
Дорноговь аймгийн төв Сайншанд хотоос урагш 45 километрт байдаг. XIX зууны үеийн Монголын нэрт соён гэгээрүүлэгч, яруу найрагч, ноён хутагт Д.Данзанравжаа 1820 онд 17 насандаа Өвөр хамар гэдэг газар Хамрын хийдийг байгуулжээ. Хамрын хийд нь 1938 оноос өмнө Зүүн хүрээ, Баруун хүрээ, Цохон, Дүйнхор гэсэн 4 хэсэгтэй, Лам нарын, Хамбын, Багшийн, Номчийн зэрэг дөрвөн аймагтай, Авга, Чойр, Ламрим, Дүйнхор, Хүүхдийн дацантай улааны шашны хийд бөгөөд 80 гаруй сүм хийдтэй, 500 гаруй ламтай байжээ. Тэдгээр үлдсэн зүйлийг Хамрын хийдэд эргүүлэн залснаар тус хийдийн үйл ажиллагаа сэргэсэн байна. Одоо тус хийд нь 10 гаруй ламтайгаар үйл ажиллагаа явуулдаг.
АЯЛАГЧДАД ӨГӨХ ЗӨВЛӨГӨӨ
Цаг агаар: Говь газар тул зун маш халуун, өвөл нь маш хүйтэн байдаг. Хамгийн тохиромжтой үе нь 5-6-р сар болон 9-10-р сар юм.
Зан үйл: Шамбалын оронд орохдоо нар зөв тойрч, гуталдаа шороо наалдуулахгүй байхыг хичээх (энерги авч буй утга), мөн улаан өнгийн хувцас эсвэл хадагтай ирж хүндэтгэл үзүүлэх нь түгээмэл.
Байгаль хамгаалал: Говийн эмзэг хөрсийг хамгаалж, замаас гадуур явахгүй байх, хог хаяхгүй байхыг хичээгээрэй.
Explore More
Similar Destinations
Moderate
Tovhon Monastery
location_onАрхангай аймагLocated on the border of Ovorkhangai and Arkhangai provinces, on the summit of the majestic Shivert Ulaan Mountain in the Khangai Range, Tovkhon Monastery is one of Mongolia’s most important cultural and spiritual heritage sites. It was founded by Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, the First Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, a great religious leader, artist, and scholar of Mongolian Buddhism.
Explore arrow_forward
Easy
Aryabal Temple
location_onУлаанбаатар хот Налайх дүүрэгLocated in Erdene Soum of Tov Province, within the scenic Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Aryabal Temple (Aryabal Meditation Center) is a remarkable site where spiritual practice and natural beauty blend harmoniously.
Explore arrow_forward
Challenging
Ongiin Monastery
location_onДундговьLocated in Saikhan-Ovoo soum of Dundgovi Province along the banks of the Ongiin River, Ongi Monastery is a historically significant religious and cultural center of the Gobi region. Founded in the 18th century, it was once one of the largest monastic complexes in southern Mongolia. Today, visitors can explore its historical ruins along with a partially restored temple, making it an important stop for cultural and historical tourism.
Explore arrow_forwardReady to Visit Khamar Monastery?
Our experts will craft the perfect itinerary tailored to you.