Rinpoche Bagsha Datsan

Rinpoche Bagsha Datsan sits on Lysaya Mountain on the eastern edge of Ulan-Ude, with a sweeping view over the city and the valley of the Selenga. It is newer than Ivolginsky and within easy reach by city bus — much more practical for a short visit.

The temple holds Russia's largest indoor statue of the Buddha. The grounds include a 1.2-kilometre kora path, prayer wheels, and a stone bell visitors are invited to ring. Sunrise and sunset bring locals up for the views; in winter the snowy steppe stretches as far as the eye can see.

things to do sight
A story
The 6.5-metre gilded statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni at the heart of the datsan is the tallest indoor Buddha in Russia. It was consecrated in 2004 to mark the new monastery's founding.