Global Treasures: Tuvkhunii Hyid

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1290

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Mongolia is one of the last unspoiled regions on Earth with endless pastureland, where wild horsemen share a fascinating landscape with huge herds of cattle and horses. In the north of Orkhon Valley is the Khangain Nuruu National Park, a romantic mountain landscape. Set on a remote mountain summit is the old and well-known monastery of Tuvkhunii Hyid.

In 1653 the remarkable religious and political dignitary Undur Gegeen Zanabazar came to the monastery. He was a direct descendant of both Genghis Khan and Mongolia's first religious leader, Bogd Javzundamba. The monastery that was built here has always been a place of tranquillity and prayer, a place in which wisdom comes from meditation.

As in all Buddhist monasteries, daybreak is greeted ceremoniously, and young monks blow into shells and turn towards all four points of the compass.

In 2004, UNESCO designated this Mongolian sanctuary as a World Heritage Site, as part of the Orkhon Valley area of culture.

In the remoteness of Mongolia's splendid mountain world, all who come here are reminded of the sacred inner values of life.