Lake Khövsgöl

Lake Khövsgöl, often referred to as the 'Blue Pearl of Mongolia,' is the country's second-largest and deepest lake, and one of the world's oldest lakes, estimated to be over two million years old. Located in northern Mongolia near the Russian border at an altitude of 1,645 meters, it is set within the Sayan Mountains. With a maximum depth of 262 meters, the lake holds nearly 70% of Mongolia's total surface freshwater and about 0.4% of the global supply. Its water is exceptionally pure, often drinkable without treatment, with underwater visibility extending dozens of meters. Khövsgöl is a tectonic lake and shares a direct geological relationship with Lake Baikal, situated about 200 kilometers to the east. The surrounding region is a national park, home to diverse wildlife such as the Siberian ibex and various fish species like the omul. During winter, the lake freezes completely, with ice thickness reaching up to 1.5 meters, which historically supported heavy truck traffic across its frozen surface.

Nearby cities

Mörön

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

Khatgal

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

Khövsgöl Lake

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

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.

History & landmarks

Khorgo Volcano

The Khorgo Volcano is an extinct volcano in the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, or the Great White Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake in central Mongolia surrounded by volcanoes.

Nature

Egiin Gol

The only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl is a crystal-clear, torrential river that winds its way through picturesque, wooded valleys.

Mount Munku-Sardyk

Mount Munku-Sardyk is the highest peak of the Eastern Sayan range on the border between Russia and Mongolia.

More places

Deer Stones of Uushigiin Uvur

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

Mönkh Saridag

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

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.

Khangai Mountains

This green and water-rich mountain range in the center of the country is characterized by vast alpine meadows and dense larch forests.