5 facts about Russia's LARGEST Buddhist monastery (PHOTOS)

In Russia, about 1.5-2 million people identify themselves as Buddhists, with most of them practicing Tibetan-Mongolian Buddhism. This religion is mostly practiced in such regions of Russia as the republics of Buryatia, Kalmykia, Altai, Tuva and Zabaikalsky (Trans-Baikal) Territory.

Until the early 20th century, the territory of Tuva Republic was part of Mongolia, so, historically, Buddhism was widespread