Datsan is the name used for Tibetan university monasteries located across Mongolia, Tibet, and Russia. Traditionally, datsans consists of a philosophical and medical department. They are typically seen as places where local Buddhist communities can come together to meet, and where monks can study. Sitting high above the southern Siberian city of Ulan-Ude is one such monastery. 

Prior to the revolution that took place in the region, this was the only place outside of Tibet where you could find a datsan. Today, the Ulan Ude monastery is one of the biggest in Russia and is also home to the largest Buddha statue in the country.

Set along the slopes of the Lysaya Mountain, the temple offers amazing panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. There are few signs of modern life around the temple and it’s the ideal place to reflect and hear the sounds of the wind rushing through the flags.

The temple has been reconstructed many times over its lifetime, but it still remains a place worth seeing if visiting the region.