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Uvs Lake

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Lake
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Uvs Lake (Mongolia)

Weather…

Uvs Lake is the largest lake in Mongolia by surface area, covering approximately 3,350 square kilometers, and is the centerpiece of the Uvs Nuur Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the northwestern part of the country at an elevation of 759 meters, the lake is a remnant of a vast inland sea that existed thousands of years ago. It is an endorheic lake with no outlet, resulting in high salinity levels that support a unique ecological environment. The Uvs Nuur Basin represents one of the best-preserved steppe ecosystems in Central Asia, serving as a transitional zone between the Siberian taiga to the north and the Central Asian deserts to the south. The region experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, from over 40°C in summer to below -50°C in winter, fostering remarkable biodiversity. More than 200 bird species use the lake as a stopover during migration, while the surrounding mountains are home to endangered animals like the snow leopard and Argali sheep. Despite its large size, the lake is relatively shallow, which leads to rapid warming in summer and complete freezing in winter.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-19-16-4713202219124-8-17
Rain mm446912304935161086

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The lake is typically reached from the town of Ulaangom using 4x4 vehicles, as roads in this remote region of Western Mongolia are generally unpaved and rugged.
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Best season
Summer, especially from June to August, is usually the only practical time to visit, as winters in this region are typically characterized by extreme cold.
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Terrain & paths
The area features a massive salt lake surrounded by desert steppes, wetlands, and distant mountains, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem for visitors.
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What to bring
Essential items typically include high-SPF sunscreen, windproof clothing, binoculars for birdwatching, and sufficient camping supplies for overnight stays.
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Parking
There are generally no formal parking lots; visitors usually park their vehicles at designated campsites or near the temporary yurt settlements in the area.
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Safety
Due to the extreme remoteness, it is typically vital to carry extra fuel, water, and navigation tools; a local driver or guide is usually highly recommended.
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Time needed
Visitors typically spend two to three days in the area to appreciate the wildlife and landscapes, often as part of a longer expedition through Western Mongolia.

Geography

Coordinates
50.33330, 92.40000

Facts

  • Largest lake in Mongolia by surface area at 3,350 km².
  • Part of the Uvs Nuur Basin UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • The lake is highly saline with no river outlet.
  • Located at an altitude of 759 meters in northwestern Mongolia.
  • Area experiences record lows of -58°C in winter.
  • A key habitat for the rare and endangered snow leopard.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Great Lakes DepressionGreat Lakes Depression13 km · NEExplore →
Khar Us LakeKhar Us Lake18 km · SEExplore →
Uvs LakeUvs Lake33 km · NExplore →
UlaangomUlaangom37 km · SExplore →
Uvs Sea Buckthorn FarmsUvs Sea Buckthorn Farms44 km · SExplore →
Sayano-Shushensky ReserveSayano-Shushensky Reserve45 km · SExplore →
Krasnoyarsk Stolby National ParkKrasnoyarsk Stolby National Park46 km · NWExplore →
Mongolian AltaiMongolian Altai47 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Uvs Lake a freshwater lake?
No, it is a large salt lake with no outlet.
Can you swim there?
The water is very salty, but swimming is possible.
What is the climate in the region?
Very continental with extreme temperature differences.
Are there rare birds?
Yes, the lake is an important protected area for migratory birds.
Is the area easily accessible?
No, it requires long journeys on gravel roads.
Uvs Lake: where is it located?
Uvs Lake is located in Mongolia.
Uvs Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Uvs Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Uvs Lake is the largest lake in Mongolia by surface area, covering approximately 3,350 square kilometers, and is the centerpiece of the Uvs Nuur Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Ulaangom — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Ulaangom
Ulaangom is located near the Russian border in an extreme climatic zone within the Uvs Basin.
Uvs Lake — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Uvs Lake
Mongolia's largest lake by surface area, a massive saline body of water in the Uvs Nuur Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Khar Us Lake — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Khar Us Lake
A vast freshwater wetland in western Mongolia, known for its extensive reed beds and rare aquatic birds.

Nature

Sayano-Shushensky Reserve — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Sayano-Shushensky Reserve
The Sayano-Shushensky Reserve is located in the Sayan Mountains of southern Siberia.
Krasnoyarsk Stolby National Park — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Krasnoyarsk Stolby National Park
Known for its distinct syenite rock formations, this park also protects the rich flora and fauna of the East Siberian taiga near the city…
Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve
Located in the Sayan Mountains, this reserve protects a significant population of snow leopards and Siberian ibex within a dramatic mount…

More places

Uvs Sea Buckthorn Farms — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Uvs Sea Buckthorn Farms
Uvs Province is famous for cultivating hardy, vitamin-rich sea buckthorn, which thrives in the harsh climate and is processed into juice …
Kharkhiraa Mountain — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Kharkhiraa Mountain
A prominent twin peak in the Altai Mountains, characterized by extensive glaciers and deep valleys.
Great Lakes Depression — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Great Lakes Depression
A huge semi-arid depression in western Mongolia, encompassing several major salt and freshwater lakes.
Mongolian Altai — Uvs Lake (Mongolia)
Mongolian Altai
A massive, glaciated mountain system that defines the western border of Mongolia and is dominated by extreme temperature fluctuations.