This is quite possibly my favourite portrait from the whole Mongolia trip. It was taken at Amarbayasgalant, which is one of the top 3 Buddhist temples in Mongolia and is the country's most intact architectural complex. The setting is gorgeous, with the scenery of the mountain range Bürengiin Nuruu north of it.
The complex was originally built between 1727-1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng, and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor Zanabazar. In 1937, the communists destroyed 10 out of the 37 temples and statues but it was restored between 1975-1990 with UNESCOs help. This was taken inside the intact Manal Temple within the complex.
Nothing can prepare you for Mongolia. Not even your imagination. Come here to experience the unexpected, the unseen and the unreal. You don't know what you're missing till you get into the middle of it. Check out the whole set - Mesmerizing Mongolia.
Selenge aimag, Mongolia
2009
Arjun Purkayastha • travel & fine art photography • 