Erdene-Dzuu Travel Guide

 Willettsworld Says:  Outside the monastery walls are two 'turtle rocks'. Four of these sculptures once marked the boundaries of ancient Karakorum, acting as protectors of the city (turtles are considered symbols of eternity). The turtles originally had an inscribed stone stele mounted vertically... 

 Willettsworld Says:  Virtually the whole monastery site was destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. All but three of the temples were destroyed and an unknown number of monks were either killed or shipped off to Siberia and never heard from again. These photo's in a souvenir shop in... 

 Willettsworld Says:  The large white temple at the far end is the Tibetan-style Lavrin Temple, where ceremonies are held every morning. It's not possible to take photos inside as it's a working temple building. 

 Willettsworld Says:  As you walk north through the monastery compound, you will pass the Golden Prayer Stupa, built in 1799. The temple next to this is said to be the first temple built at Erdene Zuu. 

 Willettsworld Says:  These three temples are the oldest and main ones within the walled monastery and are encircled by a further wall. Inside this courtyard, the temple to the west, built by Abtai Khaan and his son, is dedicated to the adult Buddha. Inside, on either side of Sakyamuni (the... 

 Willettsworld Says:  The Dalai Lama Temple was built to commemorate the visit by Abtai Khaan's son, Altan, to the Dalai Lama in Tibet in 1675. The features a statue of Zanabazar, 13 'nagtan' images of Mahakala, six images of 12 Dalai Lama's emanations and some fine 17th-century scroll paintings... 

 Willettsworld Says:  The gravestones of Abtai Khaan (1554-1588) and his grandson Tushet Khaan Gombodorj (the father of Zanabazar) stand in front of the Dalai Lama Temple within the monastery compound and are inscribed in Mongol, Chinese, Tibetan and Arabic scripts. 

 Willettsworld Says:  The monastery is enclosed in an immense walled compound which is four-sided and approx 400 metres in length. Spaced evenly along each wall, about every 15m, are 102 stupas. The number 108, being a sacred number in Buddhism, and the number of beads in a Buddhist rosary, was... 

 alusru Says:  Erdene-Dzuu is a big old monastry, but only a small part is still used from the Lamas. Most of it is a huge museum. 

 victorwkf Says:  It is worthwhile to do some simple trekking at both Bayangobi & Karakorum. The experience and photo opportunities are endless! 

 victorwkf Says:  When I was in Karakorum in July 2004, there is a very new monument on top of a hill overlooking the town. It can be reached by driving or trekking, and is worth a visit. The view up here is breathtaking. 

 victorwkf Says:  The area surrounding Karakorum is very beautiful, especially if you follow the river which flows through the town into the valley. You can do simple trekking here, climb up a hill where you can see 360 degrees view of the surroundings. Other good activites here include... 

 victorwkf Says:  Outside the Erdene Zuu Monestary, there is a famous tortoise statue which is supposed to bring you good luck if you touch it. 

 victorwkf Says:  Karakorum is the site of the ancient capital of the Mongolians before they invaded China and shifted it to Beijing. There is very remaining of the ancient city except for the Erdene Zuu Monestary as most of it was destroyed by invaders later on. Nevertheless, Karakorum is... 

 victorwkf Says:  This is the oldest Buddhist monestary in Mongolia and a must see landmark. Located at the town of Karakorum, it is a long 6-8 hours drive west of Ulaanbaatar but is worth the journey. Other than the monestary, you can stay at one of the surrounding ger camps, do some... 

 victorwkf Says:  While you are at Bayangobi, do drop by and enjoy a small natural desert in this area. The sand in this desert is very fine and you can climb onto the top of the sand dunes to enjoy the scenery. However, be careful of equipment such as camera as the fine sand can get in... 

 victorwkf Says:  Managed to take a photograph with a Mongolian "warrior" while I was outside the Erdene Zuu Monestary at Karakorum. The best thing about it was that the guy did not ask for any money :) 

 victorwkf Says:  I enjoyed the unique experience of staying in a ger at both Bayangobi & Karakorum. You should come here and try it too!