Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake & Khorgo

A volcanic lake in the Khangai Mountains with the extinct Khorgo crater, Chuluut canyon and yak herders' yurts, a classic central Mongolia route.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (the "White Lake") lies in Tariat district of Arkhangai Province in central Mongolia, at about 2,060 m on the northern slopes of the Khangai Mountains. The lake and the extinct Khorgo volcano to its east together make up Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The lake was formed when lava flows dammed a river valley, and it is surrounded by basalt lava fields, grassland and larch forest; in summer, yaks and horses graze along the shore. The main thing to do is spend 1–2 nights at a lakeside yurt camp: climb to the Khorgo crater, ride around the lake, fish and go boating, or stay with a herding family to try milking and making dairy products. On the way in and out, stop for views at the Chuluut and Suman River canyons, and about 130 km southeast is Taikhar Rock. The best season is Jun–Sep, with Naadam in July; even in summer, mornings and evenings can be close to freezing, while in winter the lake freezes over and temperatures can drop below -30°C. Getting there: the lake is about 650 km from Ulaanbaatar, usually reached by hired car or on a tour via Kharkhorin and Tsetserleg; it takes 1.5–2 days each way, and is often combined with Kharkhorin and Khövsgöl on a central Mongolia loop. Roads in the park are mostly dirt tracks, and signal and electricity are limited, so bring cash, a headlamp, warm clothing and insect repellent; a national park entrance fee is charged.

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