Mongolia’s hidden treasure resembles Greece more than a remote Asian lake.

A journey from Ulaanbaatar to Khyargas Lake in western Mongolia is not for the faint-hearted.

The 1,800-kilometer (around 1,118 miles) drive can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on your comfort level with the country’s rugged roads.

The weather adds another challenge – it’s not unusual to experience three different seasons in just a single afternoon while road-tripping through Mongolia.

Once at the lake, it’s still another 43 kilometers over bumpy roads, some stretches of which are deep in sand, to reach Khetsuu Khad, the area’s most iconic site.

The journey is undoubtedly worth the effort, especially at a time when headlines are filled with overcrowded destinations and frustrated locals across the globe.

Famous for its striking white cliffs and crystal-clear waters, this hidden gem in Mongolia makes you feel as though you've stepped into the Mediterranean rather than a remote Asian locale.

"Khyargas Lake is one of Mongolia’s best-kept secrets," says Uyanga Vladimir, an outdoor enthusiast from Ulaanbaatar and founder of TIC 4x4 and Outdoor, who also shares her adventures on Instagram @uvtravels.

"The landscape’s uniqueness and the surrounding rocky formations stand out compared to what you’d typically find in other parts of the country. Khyargas Lake has the vibe of Greece, not Mongolia. It feels almost other-worldly."

When you join the few locals who swim in these pristine waters, it feels like you're part of something extraordinary. This untouched beauty is what gives the lake its charm, making the experience unforgettable.

However, Vladimir explains that it's not just the landscape that feels other-worldly.

"There’s a legend that speaks of a giant blue bull dwelling in the depths of Khyargas Lake," he shares. "Every autumn, the bull is said to rise from the lake’s bottom to visit select herder families, blessing them with a prosperous herd for the year ahead."

One of Mongolia's largest lakes.

Khyargas Lake, one of Mongolia's few saltwater lakes, is situated in the northwest Uvs province and feeds into the Zavkhan River basin, known for its semi-desert climate. You’re more likely to spot Bactrian camels wandering along the lake’s shores than encounter many people.

At 74 kilometers long, 31 kilometers wide, and with depths reaching 80 meters, Khyargas is Mongolia’s third-largest lake.

Khetsuu Khad, the lake’s main attraction, is a stunning rock formation stretching along the eastern shore. For those traveling independently, it’s highly recommended to use a 4x4 SUV capable of navigating deep sand. (Just ask the countless Prius drivers who seem to get stuck daily.)

Alternatively, boats can take you to Khetsuu Khad from the lake’s northern shore, a popular spot for camping and beachgoers.

There are a few accommodations by the lake, including the Khetsuu Khad Tourist Camp and Baruun Beach Resort. Both are located 43 kilometers off the main road to Khyargas, with the journey potentially taking over two hours, especially if you get stuck in the sand dunes.

There is a free camping area right in front of Khetsuu Khad, which is a favorite among locals.

Hot springs are scattered around the lake, with natural springs located to the north.

A haven for birdwatchers.

For bird lovers, the shores of Khyargas Lake, particularly Khetsuu Khad, are an incredible attraction.

Several endangered species can be found in this area. A morning birdwatching session might reveal Dalmatian pelicans, bar-headed geese, great crested grebes, great cormorants, cinereous vultures, little owls, Eurasian kestrels, lesser whitethroats, Siberian stonechats, isabelline and desert wheatears, as well as house and rock sparrows.

Migratory birds start arriving in April and leave by mid-September. One of the highlights for visitors is the large, circular great cormorant nests perched on the cliffs of Khetsuu Khad, where they lay and hatch their eggs.

The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, including Mongolian grayling, Altai leuciscinae, lake osman, and dace—all of which provide a vital food source for the birds.

Is this the solution to overtourism?

As mentioned earlier, the drive from Ulaanbaatar to Khyargas Lake is a lengthy one. While some eager travelers might make the journey in a single day, realistically, it will take two to three days to cover the 1,800 kilometers.

Alternatively, travelers can fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulaangom, the capital of Uvs province, which is located just 220 kilometers from the lake. Several tour operators offer trips to the area, including visits to Khyargas Lake.

Uvs, Mongolia’s largest province, sits in the northwest near the Russian border. This diverse region is not only home to stunning lakes, but also snow-capped mountains and vast arid deserts, offering a variety of landscapes.

In the stark isolation of this remote part of Mongolia, one can’t help but contrast the experience with the overcrowded tourist destinations seen this summer—places where stories of fines for beach-goers hogging spots in Spain, water gun incidents in the streets, and the overload of Mount Fuji visitors in Japan were making headlines.

This serves as a refreshing reminder that while Mongolia’s hidden natural wonders may be difficult to access, they offer a perfect alternative to some of the world’s overrun tourist spots that are becoming increasingly harder to enjoy.