Egiin Gol

The Egiin Gol is a major river in northern Mongolia and the only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl. It flows for approximately 475 kilometers through the Khövsgöl and Bulgan provinces before joining the Selenge, Mongolia's largest river. The river valley is renowned for its scenic beauty and rich fishing grounds, particularly for the Siberian taimen, which attracts anglers from around the world. Geologically, the river cuts through diverse terrain, ranging from forested mountains to open steppes. The Egiin Gol plays a central role in the Mongolian government's energy plans, as it is the proposed site for a large hydroelectric power plant. However, the project has faced international scrutiny due to concerns regarding its potential impact on the ecosystem of Lake Baikal in Russia, where the Selenge eventually flows. Beyond economic importance, the valley is rich in archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds.

Nearby cities

Mörön

Mörön serves as the administrative center of the mountainous Khövsgöl province in the north.

Khövsgöl Lake

Known as the 'Blue Pearl' of Mongolia, this massive freshwater lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and larch forests.

Khatgal

A charming village on the southern shore of Khövsgöl Lake, serving as the main gateway for explorations in the region.

Renchinlkhümbe

A remote village in the Darkhad Valley, famous for its shamanic traditions and proximity to the taiga.

Tsagaannuur (Reindeer area)

The gateway to remote northern Mongolian taiga, home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders and a place of deeply rooted shamanistic traditions.

Bulgan

Bulgan is a charming small town surrounded by forest steppes in northern Mongolia.

Ögii Lake

A scenic freshwater lake in Arkhangai, famous for its abundant fish and as a paradise for birdwatchers in the central Mongolian steppe.

Kharkhorin

Kharkhorin is located near the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.

Nature

Lake Khövsgöl

Often referred to as the 'dark blue pearl' of Mongolia, it is the country's largest freshwater lake.

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Selenge River

A mighty watercourse that drains most of northern Mongolia and is crucial to the ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

More places

Mönkh Saridag

The highest peak of the Sayan Mountains lies on the border between Mongolia and Russia.

Deer Stones of Uushigiin Uvur

The Uushigiin Uvur complex in Khuvsgul Province preserves some of Eurasia's finest Bronze Age deer stones.

Darkhad Valley

An isolated basin in northern Mongolia, characterized by reindeer herders and dense forests.

Tsaatan Reindeer Camps

In the northern forests of the taiga, the nomadic Tsaatan families herd reindeer for milk, transport, and as spiritual companions.

Uran Togoo Volcano

A picturesque extinct volcanic cone whose forested crater shelters a small, circular lake in summer.

Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments in the Orkhon Valley are vital 8th-century stone inscriptions.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu is probably the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.