Geser süm, Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Geser süm is a Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar featuring ornate carvings and sculptures that depict figures from Mongolian mythology and religious traditions. The building has wooden and stone walls topped with decorative roofs that display the intricate craftsmanship characteristic of Mongolian Buddhist architecture.
The monastery was built in 1919 with donations from Chinese merchants and survived the Soviet period when many religious buildings were closed or demolished. This makes it a rare example of religious continuity during an era that was extremely difficult for institutional Buddhist structures.
This temple serves as a gathering place where monks perform their daily religious practices, keeping Buddhist traditions alive in the heart of the modern capital. Visitors can observe how these practices remain woven into contemporary life.
Visitors should dress modestly and maintain silence during religious ceremonies to show respect for ongoing practices. It helps to move slowly around the space and observe the details of the carvings, particularly when rituals are taking place.
The monastery blends architectural elements from Mongolian Buddhism, indigenous shamanism, and Chinese and Taoist traditions into an unusual whole. This fusion shows itself in the symbols and decorations that bring different belief systems together, making it a window into the region's religious history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
