Witness Mongolia’s Living Sacred Tsam Ritual at Zuun Khuree Dashchoilin Monastery

Spiritual Legacy in the Heart of Ulaanbaatar – Every August

Every August in Ulaanbaatar, the ancient sounds of horns, drums, and ritual chants rise from the courtyard of Züün Khüree Dashchoilin Monastery, signaling the arrival of Khuree Tsam, Mongolia’s most sacred and visually breathtaking Buddhist ritual. This is no mere performance. The Tsam ritual is a living Buddhist ceremony, a meditative reenactment that brings enlightened deities to life through sacred dance, powerful symbolism, and deeply rooted spiritual purpose. For visitors, it offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to witness Mongolia’s spiritual essence in motion.

The Jakhār Tsam ritual, including the summoning of the Sor (effigy), represents the ultimate culmination of wrathful tantric practice. Its purpose is to subdue all inner and outer harmful forces, including spiritual enemies, obstacles, calamities, and malevolent influences. During the ceremony, Yamantaka, the wrathful deity of the highest level of Vajrayana practice, along with Dharma-protecting deities, is venerated through ritual dance. These dances symbolize the immense power and protective presence of these enlightened beings. It is believed that those who witness the Tsam are cleansed of misfortune for the coming year. The completion of the ritual also brings peace to the land, calming natural disasters, warding off famine or plague, and inviting prosperity, harmony, and auspiciousness to flourish. Therefore, the Jakhār Tsam is a deeply meaningful tantric ritual, filled with profound spiritual significance and immeasurable benefit for both individuals and the wider community.

Tsam (also known as Cham in Tibetan Buddhism) is a centuries-old Vajrayana Buddhist ritual in which monks enter meditative states and don elaborate costumes and masks to embody wrathful protector deities. These fierce deities, while terrifying in appearance represent the enlightened force that defeats ignorance, ego, and spiritual obstacles.

Through carefully choreographed steps, gestures, and trance-like movements, the Tsam ritual aims to:

Purify the environment and those present

Bless the land and community

Symbolically destroy negative forces and karmic obstacles

Key Figures Portrayed in the Dance

Vajrapani (Ochirvaani), Guardian of Tantric wisdom and spiritual strength

Mahakala,  Fierce protector of the Dharma

Yamantaka, the deity who conquers death

Tsagaan Övgön (White Old Man), A uniquely Mongolian figure symbolizing longevity, humor, and worldly wisdom

These characters appear alongside dozens of others, each with a symbolic role and profound spiritual significance.

Why Visit Zuun Khüree Dashchoilin Monastery?

Located in the central Ulaanbaatar, Zuun Khuree Dashchoilin Monastery is one of Mongolia’s oldest and most respected Buddhist institutions. In 1990, it became the first monastery to revive the Khuree Tsam, originally performed in 1811 during the era of Ikh Khuree, Mongolia's historical monastic capital.

Today, it is the only monastery in Ulaanbaatar that performs a full-scale Tsam ritual every August, preserving a sacred tradition that was banned for decades under communist rule.

A Sacred Ritual, not a Tourist Show

It’s important to distinguish between real Tsam rituals and adapted cultural performances. While versions of the Tsam dance may be performed at folk shows, theaters, or festivals for entertainment, the ritual at Züün Khüree Dashchoilin Monastery is fundamentally different.

Cultural shows: Shortened or choreographed adaptations presented for entertainment.

Züün Khüree Tsam: A genuine Buddhist ceremony, conducted by ordained monks, guided by ancient liturgy, and imbued with deep spiritual purpose.

Event Details – August 2026

The ritual is held at the Zuunkhuree Dashchoilin monastery in Ulaanbaatar at the beginning of August. the exact date is to be announced by the monastery. Starts at 1:00-5:00 pm.

How to prepare yourself

Arrival: Come early to secure a viewing spot (seating is limited).

Dress: Modest and respectful clothing is required (no shorts or sleeveless tops).

Behavior: Remain silent and observant during the ritual; do not point, touch monks, or approach sacred objects.

Photography: Permitted from a respectful distance. Ask or get permission before taking close-ups.

Translation: For full understanding, bring a cultural guide or book through a specialized tour.

A Blessing motion

Attending the Tsam ritual at Züün Khüree Dashchoilin Monastery is more than a cultural event, it is an immersion into Mongolia’s spiritual heritage, a ritual of protection and purification, and a vibrant revival of sacred tradition. Whether you're a pilgrim, a traveler in search of meaning, or simply curious about Mongolia's deeper layers, this ceremony invites you to experience the intersection of faith, history, and artistry. Mark your calendar for August 2026, and witness a timeless tradition that continues to transform lives and inspire wonder.

If you’re seeking the true Tsam experience is not a performance, but a spiritual transmission, this is where to find it.

For those interested in attending this sacred event respectfully and meaningfully, Wellspring Voyage offers expert-guided access, interpretation, and context.

To learn more or arrange your visit: Wellspring Voyage | wellspringvoyage.com | info@wellspringvoyage.com