| Destinations |
| KHUVSGUL LAKE |
About Khovsgol Lake and its Location:
Situated 1000 km from Ulaanbaatar via a paved road, and 102 km from Murun, the central town of Khovsgol province, Khovsgol Lake extends into the southern edge of the Siberian Taiga on Mongolia's northern border, at an elevation of 1645 m above sea level. Referred to as Hovsgol, Hövsgöl, or Khuvsgul in English texts, it stands as the largest freshwater lake in the country, second only in surface area (2760 sq km) to Uvs Lake in western Mongolia. This volcanic lake, with a coastline spanning 414 km, reaches depths of 262 m, stretches 136 km in length, and spans 36 km in width. Over 90 rivers contribute to its waters, with the Egiin Gol River flowing out from its southern tip, ultimately joining the Selenge River and feeding into Lake Baikal in Siberia.
Khovsgol Lake holds 70% of Mongolia's freshwater sources and 1-2% of the world's freshwater. Its remarkable transparency of 24.5 m gives it a striking blue hue akin to the Caribbean Lakes.
Freezing of Khovsgol Lake:
Khovsgol Lake begins freezing in early November, with the frozen surface melting from mid-May to early June.
Khovsgol Lake National Park, Flora, and Fauna:
Established in 1992 to conserve the lake and its surrounding 70,000 sq km area, Khovsgol National Park exists in harmony with nature and nomadic herders. Covering parts of four sum territories, it is home to diverse mammals, including Argali wild sheep, ibex, bear, wolverine, sable, moose, snow leopard, lynx, red deer, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. The lake hosts nine fish species, and the park records 244 bird species, many of which are migratory waterfowls.
Around Khovsgol Lake:
- Hatgal Village: Founded in 1727, Hatgal served as a camp for Manchu soldiers and later as a small port town for Russian trading.
- Sukhbaatar Ship: An old passenger ship, Sukhbaatar, with a 250 people-capacity, operates at the Hatgal boat dock.
- Horidol Saridag Mountain: Bordering Khovsgol Lake, this mountain range is a popular spot for hikers and mountain climbers, home to endangered species such as snow leopards, Argali wild sheep, and ibex.
- Har Us Mineral Water: Located 65 km north of Hatgal village, the Har Us mineral spring is known for its healing benefits.
- Munkh Saridag Mountain: Climbers can reach the highest peak, Munkh Saridag (3,492 m/457 feet), of Buran Khan Mountain from Hanh town.
- Reindeer People: The Reindeer Tsaatan people reside in the taiga forest, supplementing their livelihood with a few reindeer.
Khovsgol Lake Accommodation:
The southwestern shore of the lake offers various ger camps catering to different budgets. Hatgal town, at the lake's southern tip, provides guest gers and guest houses. It's advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the short tourist season from mid-June to early September.
How to Travel to Khovsgol Lake:
Leisure travelers can reach the lake with 2-3 overnight stops each way, taking different roads for varied attractions and scenery.
- Road Travel: The lake connects to Ulaanbaatar through a 1000 km paved road, reachable within 14-15 hours.
- Air Travel: The fastest option is to fly to Murun town, 102 km from the lake, and then drive for 2.5 hours. Domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and Murun operate from June 1 to September 10, with daily flights in July and August and select days in June and September.
Things to Do at Khovsgol Lake:
Khovsgol Lake and its surroundings are a pinnacle of Mongolian nature, offering various adventures and holiday experiences.
Leisure Holiday Activities at Khovsgol Lake:
- Appreciate natural settings at ger camps along the shoreline.
- Hire a boat to explore one of the four picturesque islands.
- Engage in kayaking.
- Visit or stay with nomads to experience Mongolian life.
- Meet representatives of reindeer herders.
- Enjoy leisure horseback riding.
- Hike along the lake shore, wildflower-carpeted meadows, and forest clearings.
Adventure Travel Activities at Khovsgol Lake:
- Embark on multiday horseback riding.
- Climb high mountain summits.
- Hike in the Taiga forest.
- Explore underwater through scuba diving.
- Engage in fishing.
- Experience winter activities on its frozen surface.
- Attend the Ice Festival.
