Tuvkhun temple

Tuvkhun temple is located on a small rocky plateau surrounded by forest, about 40 km northwest of Khujirt soum center and 50 km north of Bat-Ulziit soum center, on the border of Uvurkhangai and Arkhangai provinces. The monastery sits on a mountaintop, about 5 km uphill from the base.

The monastery was built using traditional Mongolian carpentry techniques and assembled as a prefabricated structure, without using nails.

This sacred site is where Zanabazar, the First Bogd, created many of his greatest works, including the invention of the Soyombo script in 1686, as well as numerous spiritual images and carvings.

Near the monastery are two wells:                                                                       

• The right well is known as “Mouth Water”
• The left well is called as "Wash Water”

It is said that The First Bogd Zanabazar used water from these two wells for tea and bathing. On the rock to the northwest is the Cave of Undur Gegeen's work, while to the east is the Library Cave. According to the legend, the footprints of Undur Gegeen's Mongolian boots (38 centimeters long) and the palm of his hand are still imprinted on the northwest rock. 

At the top of a steep 20-meter cliff behind the monastery, there is a small cave called the “Mother's Belly”, which you can slide into and out of. If it is believed that passing through this cave cleanses a person of their sins. To its right, there is a hollow rock called "Cradle", where a person can stand. Standing on these rocky hills and gazing at the vast natural scenery is breathtaking.

History of Tuvkhun Monastery

Tuvkhun monastery was founded in 1648 by Zanabazar, the 14 year old First Jebtsundamba Khutagt. The monastery was almost abandoned after the Khakha-Oirat war but resumed its religious activities in 1773. At its peak, Tövkhön Monastery had 14 temples. In 1992, the Mongolian government placed the site under state protection, recognizing it is an important historical and cultural heritage of the country.

Attractions at the Tuvkhun Monastery

There are two wells near the monastery, the right well is called mouth water, and the left well is called wash water. From these two wells, the first Bogd received water for tea and bathing.