Khamaryn Khiid Monastery, Its History and Current State: Materials of the 2022 Expedition Analyzed
The article introduces results of the 2022 field expedition to Mongolia aimed at exploring history and culture of Khamaryn Khiid Monastery in Dornogovi Province, and provides brief historical and biographical data on the latter’s founder Ven. Luvsan Danzanravjaa. Goals. The study seeks to reconstruct key stages in the formation of the monastery’s architectural complex. Methods. The research methods employed are those of historical/topographical analysis (sacred objects), participant observation, comparison, historical/biographical investigation, and etymological analysis (toponyms). Results. Nowadays, Khamaryn Khiid serves as a tourist spot rather than a religious center. Both domestic and foreign tourists are eager to visit this sacral place in the Eastern Gobi. Despite extensive infrastructure development measures have been undertaken, there is still a lack of hotels and public eating places. The monastery has a high potential to become a leading object of religious tourism.