Shankh Monastery
Шанх хийд
An old monastery founded by Zanabazar, said to have housed Genghis Khan's battle banner, and one of the few monasteries to survive the Soviet period
Shankh Monastery, also known as the West Monastery, was built in 1647 and is traditionally attributed to Zanabazar, who is said to have housed Genghis Khan's black battle standard (sülde) there. Most of its buildings were destroyed in the Great Purge of 1937, but the main hall survived. Religious activity resumed after 1990, and a small number of monks are in residence now. It is small but peaceful, and you can watch local herders make offerings. It is about 25 km from Kharkhorin, on the road to Arvaikheer.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Phallic Rock
- Kharkhorum Museum
- Erdene Zuu Monastery
- Turtle Rock
- Mongol Empire Monument
- Ruins of Karakorum
- Orkhon River Valley
- Khujirt Hot Springs