Dashchoilin Monastery
A serene Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, blending ancient traditions with a striking modern giant Buddha statue and a peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience morning chants
Dashchoilin Monastery
Best Time
Experience morning chants
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, blending ancient traditions with a striking modern giant Buddha statue and a peaceful atmosphere.
"A beautiful and peaceful retreat in the centre of the city, with a unique vibe and quiet being that attracts me."
🎯 Visit for Chanting
Catch the monks' daily chanting at 9 am for an authentic spiritual experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Enjoy coffee in the new building's cafe, overlooking the impressive Buddha statue.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Buddha Statue
New building
An awe-inspiring, 23-meter tall statue of Maidar god, a modern marvel within the monastery complex.
Daily Chanting Ceremony
Main prayer hall
Witness the monks' morning chants at 9 am for a deeply spiritual and local experience.
Khuree Maidar Center
New building
A stunning art piece featuring a giant Buddha, reflecting traditional Zanabazar style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Contrast
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit for Chanting
Catch the monks' daily chanting at 9 am for an authentic spiritual experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Enjoy coffee in the new building's cafe, overlooking the impressive Buddha statue.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the complex, admire the architecture, and find peaceful spots to sit.
💰 Donations Welcome
The new building is funded by faithful donations; consider contributing if you can.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit for Chanting
Catch the monks' daily chanting at 9 am for an authentic spiritual experience.
☕ Coffee with a View
Enjoy coffee in the new building's cafe, overlooking the impressive Buddha statue.
🚶♂️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the complex, admire the architecture, and find peaceful spots to sit.
💰 Donations Welcome
The new building is funded by faithful donations; consider contributing if you can.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture the beauty of the monastery, but be mindful of the serene atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dashchoilin Monastery for its peaceful atmosphere and the impressive new building featuring a giant Buddha statue. The daily chanting ceremony is a highlight, offering a glimpse into authentic spiritual practice. While some older structures show wear, the overall experience is considered a worthwhile retreat in the city center.
"A beautiful and peaceful retreat in the centre of the city. There’s loads of seating throughout the complex where you can just admire the buildings and passers by, and it’s great that there’s some signage explaining what everything is. Some elements are more modern, and the large building has a coffee shop, as well as huge impressive buddha statue, so it’s certainly an area of contrasts. A site I’d highly recommend taking the time out to visit when you’re in the city."
Steve Bintley
"I’m not religious person but I visited this place 3 times in a week already😅. Because they built new building and it has huge statue, also has coffee shop. Strangely, people don’t talk and laugh loud when God’s statue is beside them 😂. So this place’s unique vibe and quiet being attracts me ❤️. Also last time I got chance to speak to one elder monk. He introduced this place, which I never been interested before: 👇
1. Huge statue is 23m height (called Maidar god)
2. On 2nd floor, wall’s art represents Maidar god’s one day of life
3. Every column has its meaning related to religious things. Like angel, ritual and paradise.
4. Building is built by 100% donations of its faithful people.
5. Beads around statue made from 1 tree, which only grows in Africa.
6. Statue is made from 70kg bronze and 300kg other valued metal.
7. They are planning to open museum soon
8. Entering this very building is free to visit"
Gerlee Gerlee
"Ahhh, I loved the quietness and peace at this Buddhist monastery. I also enjoyed their coffee. Though I did overhear the barista using a lot of casual language while chatting with a coworker and a girl in a school uniform. It just felt a bit out of place given the serene setting. Still, it was a lovely visit overall."
Uyanga Explores
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dashchoilin Monastery is conveniently located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, making it easily accessible. You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach it. Many visitors find it a short drive from the city center.
The airport is about an hour's drive from Ulaanbaatar city center, and the monastery is located within the city. Plan your transport accordingly.
Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps are also an option. Local buses are a budget-friendly choice for getting around the city.
If you are staying in the central part of Ulaanbaatar, it might be possible to walk, but it depends on your exact location. Taxis are generally recommended for ease and speed.
The monastery is situated in the city center, close to other attractions. It's often visited alongside Gandan Monastery and the Choijin Lama Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entering the main building with the large Buddha statue is free of charge.
While specific hours can vary, the monastery is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or aim for morning visits to catch the chanting.
No, the new building housing the impressive Buddha statue is free to enter.
Yes, the monastery is open on weekends, but it might be busier with locals and tourists.
Generally, visiting hours align with daylight. It's advisable to avoid very early mornings or late evenings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning before the chanting, can offer a more peaceful experience.
The 23-meter tall statue of Maidar god is a modern addition, funded by donations, and is a central feature of the new building.
While direct interaction might be limited, you may have opportunities to speak with elder monks who can share insights about the monastery.
Yes, the new building includes a coffee shop, and there are seating areas throughout the complex. +1
It's described as a peaceful retreat with a unique vibe, where people tend to be quiet and respectful, especially near the Buddha statue. +1
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, the new building features a coffee shop where you can enjoy refreshments. +1
The coffee shop offers coffee and likely light snacks. It's a convenient spot to relax after exploring. +1
Being in the city center, there are numerous restaurants and dining options available in the vicinity of the monastery.
Yes, Ulaanbaatar has many restaurants offering traditional Mongolian cuisine. You can explore options after your visit.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, especially when compared to Western standards, though some items might be pricier than expected.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted, but it's important to be respectful of the religious nature of the site and avoid disturbing monks or worshippers.
The giant Buddha statue in the new building, the intricate details of the older structures, and the overall monastic grounds offer great photo opportunities. 
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions for Dashchoilin Monastery, but it's always wise to check local regulations before flying drones in urban or sensitive areas.
It's best to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially monks, to ensure respect for their privacy.
A versatile camera that can handle both interior shots (potentially low light) and exterior architectural details would be ideal. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the chanting ceremony might be a bit long for very young children, older kids can appreciate the unique atmosphere and the visual spectacle. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to different cultures and religious practices in a respectful manner. Remember to keep the tone calm and explain the significance of the place to make it more engaging for them.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
You can find quiet spots to sit and reflect, observe the intricate architecture, and perhaps even engage in a brief conversation with an elder monk for deeper insights. The new building with its impressive Buddha statue provides a modern focal point for contemplation, and the on-site coffee shop offers a comfortable place to pause and absorb the surroundings.
📸 Photographers & Art Enthusiasts
+1Pay attention to the intricate details of the older temples, the vibrant colors, and the spiritual atmosphere. The morning chanting ceremony can provide dynamic shots of monks in action, but always be mindful of not disrupting their practice. The surrounding city views from certain vantage points can also add to your portfolio.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Khuree Maidar Center
The construction of this building was entirely funded by donations from faithful followers, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving and expanding their spiritual heritage. Inside, visitors can find a coffee shop, offering a unique space to relax and reflect amidst the serene atmosphere. The contrast between the ancient monastery grounds and this new, grand edifice is striking and a key feature for many visitors.
This center represents a significant development for the monastery, attracting both religious devotees and tourists interested in its artistic and spiritual significance. The blend of old and new creates a compelling experience, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of Buddhism in Mongolia.
Spiritual Significance and Daily Life
The monastery's history is intertwined with the broader religious landscape of Mongolia. It has undergone periods of destruction and reconstruction, reflecting the country's tumultuous past. The recent revitalization, including the construction of the Khuree Maidar Center, signifies a renewed focus on preserving and promoting Buddhist traditions. Visitors often remark on the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, even amidst the city's bustle, which is particularly noticeable when near the sacred statues.
For those interested in the deeper meanings, each column within the new building is said to have significance related to religious concepts like angels, rituals, and paradise. The very materials used in the construction, such as the beads made from a single tree and the bronze and metal composition of the statue, speak to the dedication and value placed on these spiritual endeavors.
Social
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