Religion 

Buddhist Lamaism

In 1578, the Tibetan monk Sonam Gyatsho, recognized as a reincarnation of Khubilai, received the title Dalai (Ocean) Lama by the Mongol Altan Khan. This was the date of the reconversion of Mongolia to Tibetan Buddhism.
By the beginning of the 20th century, Mongolia had 583 monasteries and temple complexes and Buddhism has penetrated deeply into Mongolian culture. In 1930, the power of the Buddhist church had to face to the Soviet party in a political struggle.
The monasteries were closed and the Buddhist church removed from public administration. In 197o, the Gandan monastery in Ulaanbaatar, was opened with 100 monks it was the only one functioning monastery, in the country. Erdene Zuu, which has been a museum since1941,has been re-opened to service since 1991. Other monasteries serve as museums and tourist attractions.

Shamanism

Mongolian Shamanism  derives from worshipping nature. The Mongolians considered the earth “Mother Earth” and the sky “Father”. The shaman acts as intemerdiary between the man and the spirits. Shamanism determined the behavior of nomads towards nature. Nowadays, shamanism is still practiced especially in the northern region (Lake Khovsgol).
This respects for nature is still alive in the ritual of the “ovoo”. Before going up a mountain, Mongolian people throw a handful of stones to a cairn-like pile (called ovoo) and walk three times around this pile of stones. To honour the spirits Bottles of vodka and pieces of blue silk are also added to the stones. A driver will certainly stop without notice at the top of a hill to make this ritual. Ovoos are abundant in the countryside on mountains peaks or passes.
Shamanism and Lamaism have both contributed to nomadic customs.
The interest of Buddhism in Mongolia has to be considered as an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism for novice in that matter.
The most interesting monasteries to visit are Gandan monastery in Ulaanbaatar (see a picture), Erdene Zuu in Kharakhorum (see a picture), Manzushirand Amarbayasgalant in Tov aimag (see a picture).