Ongiin Chiid

Ongiin Chiid ( Mongolian Онгийн Хийд ) is a historical Buddhist monastery complex in Mongolia in the southwest of the province ( Aimag ) Dund-Gobi-Aimag .

The monastery is located in an arid area of the Gobi Desert with sparse vegetation on both sides of the Ongiin Gol River . It was founded in 1760 and is divided into two areas: Barlim Chiid (on the north bank of the river) and Chutagt Chiid (on the south bank). Chiid is the Mongolian term for "monastery".

In 1937, the entire complex was completely destroyed during the Stalinist terror in Mongolia . Even today there are numerous mud brick ruins on the river and on the surrounding hills. The monastery complex is dominated by the ruins of a stupa . Some particularly old elms grow on the edge of the complex .

Reconstruction began in the 1990s. The first temple was completed in 2004. In 2008 there were already 13 monks living in the monastery again. There is a small museum in a yurt in front of the complex . The names of the monks who were murdered in 1937 are listed on plaques on one of the rebuilt stupas.

In the immediate vicinity of the Ongiin Khiid Monastery and in the vicinity there are several yurt camps for accommodating tourists. The district town of Saikhan Ovoo, about 20 kilometers away, offers further accommodation and shopping opportunities.