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Khar Lake (Zavkhan)

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Lake
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Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)

Weather…

Khar Lake in Zavkhan Province is an extraordinary freshwater lake in western Mongolia, renowned for its location amidst massive sand dunes. Situated at an elevation of 1,980 meters, the lake is bordered to the north and south by the Bor-Khyar sand dunes, creating a unique desert-lake landscape. Despite the arid surroundings, the lake remains filled with fresh water through underground inflows and small streams originating from the Khangai Mountains. The water depth reaches up to 48 meters in some areas, which is significant for the region. The combination of crystal-clear water and golden dunes makes Khar Lake a geological marvel of Central Asia. Biologically, the lake hosts various fish species and serves as a vital resting point for migratory birds. The remoteness of the region has helped preserve the lake's pristine natural beauty, making it a key site for ecological observation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-21-19-11-151214125-3-12-19
Rain mm46713183856482012107

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Getting to this remote desert lake typically demands a reliable 4x4 off-road vehicle and an experienced driver capable of safely navigating the deep, trackless sands of the Zavkhan region.
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Best season
The optimal window for a visit is during the warm summer months of July and August, when the weather is stable enough to fully appreciate the dramatic desert and deep blue water contrast.
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Terrain & paths
Visitors will encounter a visually memorable but physically challenging landscape characterized by massive, shifting sand dunes abruptly meeting the shores of a striking, deep blue lake.
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What to bring
Bring high-quality sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against intense desert glare, along with warm clothing layers for significantly colder nighttime temperatures.
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Parking
There are no formal parking facilities; travelers usually park their off-road vehicles at makeshift campsites established safely away from the immediate edge of the dangerously soft sand dunes.
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Safety
Due to extreme isolation, visitors must carry surplus drinking water, emergency rations, and a satellite phone, as getting a vehicle firmly stuck in the dunes is a very real hazard.
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Time needed
Given the long, arduous travel time required just to reach the area, visitors typically plan to spend at least one to two nights camping quietly by the lake to justify the strenuous journey.

Geography

Coordinates
48.33330, 96.05000

Facts

  • The lake is situated at an elevation of 1,980 meters.
  • It is surrounded by the Bor-Khyar sand dunes.
  • The maximum depth of the lake is approximately 48 meters.
  • It is a freshwater lake despite its desert location.
  • The lake is located in the Zavkhan Province.
  • Underground springs from the Khangai Mountains feed it.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Khasagt KhairkhanKhasagt Khairkhan30 km · SEExplore →
AltaiAltai33 km · NEExplore →
Eej KhairkhanEej Khairkhan44 km · NEExplore →
Great Gobi A Strictly Protected AreaGreat Gobi A Strictly Protected Area62 km · EExplore →
UliastaiUliastai89 km · NExplore →
Sharga Nature ReserveSharga Nature Reserve97 km · SExplore →
Aj Bogd MountainAj Bogd Mountain105 km · SEExplore →
Sayan MountainsSayan Mountains127 km · SWExplore →

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 in the town Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (2)

Khar nuur🌿 nature

Provides a panoramic view over the 'Black Lake' surrounded by high sand dunes.

ulaagchiin khar nuur📍 landmark

A scenic alpine lake bordering directly on the massive Bor Khyariin sand dunes.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How is Khar-Nuur (Zavkhan) accessible?
Only with a sturdy off-road vehicle through rough terrain.
Is the water drinkable?
No, definitely boil or filter it.
Are there accommodations there?
Only very few, you should bring your own tent.
What is special?
The untouched solitude in the middle of the Mongolian wilderness.
Best time to visit?
July and August for the mildest conditions.
Khar Lake (Zavkhan): where is it located?
Khar Lake (Zavkhan) is located in Mongolia.
Khar Lake (Zavkhan): what is there to see?
Highlights include Khar nuur, ulaagchiin khar nuur.
Khar Lake (Zavkhan): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Khar Lake (Zavkhan): why is it worth visiting?
Khar Lake in Zavkhan Province is an extraordinary freshwater lake in western Mongolia, renowned for its location amidst massive sand dunes.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Uliastai — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Uliastai
Uliastai is one of the oldest settlements in Mongolia, located in the center of the Khangai Mountains.
Tosontsengel — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Tosontsengel
Tosontsengel is considered one of the coldest settlements in Mongolia.
Otgontenger — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Otgontenger
The highest peak of the Khangai Mountains, a sacred peak covered in eternal snow.
Sangiin Dalai Lake — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Sangiin Dalai Lake
A peaceful saltwater lake in northern Mongolia, known for its pristine nature and rare bird species.
Altai — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Altai
The city of Altai is situated at high altitude in the Gobi-Altai province.
🗺️
Eej Khairkhan
A sacred mountain in the Gobi-Altai region, famous for its unique rock formations and caves.

More places

Khasagt Khairkhan — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Khasagt Khairkhan
A rugged mountain in the Gobi-Altai, whose slopes provide habitat for rare snow leopards.
Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area — Khar Lake (Zavkhan) (Mongolia)
Great Gobi A Strictly Protected Area
A vast and extremely arid protected area that serves as the last refuge for the rare Gobi bear and the wild Bactrian camel.