Ivolginsky Datsan

Ivolginsky Datsan - the most famous datsan of Buryatia and a significant place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, not only Russia, but the whole world.

Datsan is located in the Buryatia Republic, 36 km from Ulan-Ude and was founded in 1945.

Ivolginsky Datsan became the first existing Buddhist temple after many years of the ban on religious Buddhist rituals, now it is also a monument of history and architecture, and a museum.

Ivolginsky datsan consists of ten temples, five stupas-suburgans and houses of monks. On its territory is kept one of the main Buddhist shrines - the imperishable body of Lama Itigelov.

Ivolginsky Datsan deserves attention, because it is strongly out of the range of typical Russian sights. It is worth a visit, even if you are not religious. You can admire the Chinese-Tibetan architecture and learn more about Buddhist culture.