Günjiin Süm

Surrounded by magnificent forests and not far from a lovely river, the Baruun Bayan Gol, the Buddhist temple of Günjiin Süm was built in 1740 by Efu Dondovdorj to commemorate the death of his Manchurian wife, Amarlangui. Once part of a huge monastery containing about 70 sq metres of blue walls, five other temples and a tower, Günjiin Süm is one of very few Manchurian-influenced temples in Mongolia to survive over the centuries.

Only the main temple, and some of the walls of the monastery, remain. Unlike most other monasteries in Mongolia, Günjiin Süm was not destroyed during the Stalinist purges, but simply fell into ruin from neglect, vandalism and theft.

The temple is not a must - there are many better and more accessible temples and monasteries in Ulaanbaatar and Töv - but more of an excuse for a great overnight trek, on horse or foot, or as part of a longer trip in the national park.

Günjiin is about 30km (as the crow flies) north of the main area where most of the ger camps are situated in Terelj. With a guide you can hike directly over the mountains, or take the easier but longer route along the Baruun Bayan Gol to get there. You can reach it in a day on horseback, while hikers should allow two days each way for the journey.