Khuvsgul Lake

Mongolia's largest freshwater lake, the “Blue Pearl of the East”, an alpine lake linked to Lake Baikal, with reindeer herders, yurt camps and a winter ice festival.

Khuvsgul Lake lies in Khövsgöl Province in Mongolia's far north, right by the Russian border. At about 1,645 m above sea level and some 136 km from north to south, it is Mongolia's largest freshwater lake and the “sister lake” of Lake Baikal. The lake area is protected as Khövsgöl Lake National Park, surrounded by taiga forest, alpine meadows and snowy peaks. The best season is Jun–Aug: daytime temperatures are about 15–25°C, mornings and evenings near 0°C, and Naadam is held in July. In Feb–Mar the lake freezes over and hosts an ice festival, with temperatures as low as -30°C; the rest of the year is bitterly cold and many camps close. Khatgal at the southern tip is the usual base, and camps are most concentrated along the west shore around Jankhai and Toilogt — ideal for horseback riding, hiking and kayaking, or take a boat to the island in the middle of the lake. With more time, head west over the Khoridol Saridag range into the Darkhad Valley to visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders, a round trip of 4–7 days. Getting there: fly from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön in about 1.5 hours, then drive about 2 hours to Khatgal; alternatively, drive or take a long-distance bus from Ulaanbaatar, about 12–14 hours one way. Plan on 3–5 days, or 7–10 days to include the reindeer herders' camp. Mobile signal is weak around the lake, most camps have no hot water and don't accept cards, so bring plenty of cash and warm clothing.

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