Lake Khövsgöl
Хөвсгөл нуур
Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, about 136 km from north to south, with crystal-clear water. It is known as the “Blue Pearl of the East.”
Lake Khövsgöl sits at an elevation of about 1,645 metres and holds roughly 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water. It drains through the Eg River into the Selenga River, which ultimately flows into Lake Baikal. The lakeshore features conifer forests, grasslands and snowcapped mountains. In summer you can stay in traditional felt tents by the lake and go boating, kayaking, horseback riding or hiking. Even in July the water is only around 10°C and icy cold. Most visitors enter from Khatgal at the southern end, and a national park entry fee is required (check current rates locally). The coordinates given are for the centre of the lake district.
Opening hours
All day (national park entry fee)
Nearby sights
- Modon Khuis Island
- Khankh (Turt)
- Khövsgöl Lake National Park – West Shore (Jankhai & Toilogt)
- Khuvsgul Ice Festival
- Khatgal
- Khoridol Saridag Mountains
- Darkhad Valley
- Tsaatan Reindeer Herders (Ulaan Taiga)