This Enormous Lake in Mongolia Features Caribbean-like Blue Waters — A Paradise for Outdoor Enthusiasts

With its rugged hills, pristine rivers, and vast expanses, Mongolia is emerging as a top choice for adventurous travelers. This large, landlocked nation offers abundant natural beauty, and although getting there may require some effort, the rewards are substantial. In short, Mongolia is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with Lake Khovsgol National Park serving as the perfect spot to enjoy it all.

Located in the northernmost part of the country and surrounded by mountains, rocky shores, and dense pine forests, Lake Khovsgol stretches 85 miles and is Mongolia’s largest body of water. (It's so vast that it holds 20 percent of the country's freshwater and .04 percent of the world's total.) Often called “Lake Baikal’s younger sister” due to its resemblance and closeness to Russia’s renowned lake, it is a sight to behold.

Lake Khovsgol is the getaway of choice for many Mongolians, but it's increasingly attracting international travelers as well.

Most activities in the park are concentrated along the western shore, which hosts around 50 tourist camps primarily consisting of gers—Mongolia's traditional yurts. These round structures, made of wood and felt, are a common form of accommodation for both locals and tourists. They are simple yet cozy, offering excellent insulation to stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold.

The tourist camps at Lake Khovsgol vary from basic setups to more luxurious eco-lodges. Typically family-operated, these camps feature on-site dining options that might present a full menu or just a single meal choice. For those in search of added comforts, the more upscale camps offer spacious wooden cabins and hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms. However, such amenities are rare in rural Mongolia.

Nature takes center stage at Lake Khovsgol, featuring pristine air, serene landscapes, and diverse wildlife including Siberian moose, wolverines, ibex, sables, and brown bears. 'My favorite part is waking up at dawn and wandering into the forest,' shares Batsuren Ganbaatar, whose family runs the Olimp Camp and Restaurant on the western shore, in an interview with Dinogo. 'It's so peaceful and beautiful, and I often spot deer.'

The lake and its surrounding park present a stunning visual spectacle. The icy, crystal-clear waters shimmer in brilliant shades of azure and aquamarine, reminiscent of the Caribbean or Hawaii. The Khoridol Saridag mountains stand tall like rocky guardians over the sparkling surface of Lake Khovsgol. At sunset, the sky bursts with hues of pink, tangerine, and bright white, contrasted by the deep shadows of drifting clouds. In summer, evening storms sweep across the lake, offering spectators thrilling lightning displays that outshine any artificial fireworks.

Lake Khovsgol is a haven of untouched nature, providing visitors with comfortable beds, hearty meals, and a range of tourist amenities. Even a short stay in its surroundings can leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and invigorated.

Where to Stay

Double Lake

Tucked away on a small peninsula off the main road, Double Lake resembles a cozy hotel more than a traditional ger camp. It features private rooms and well-equipped A-frame lodgings nestled among the pine trees. The on-site restaurant offers both Western dishes and local Mongolian cuisine, and the property boasts its own stretch of beach with comfortable seating and a charming wooden dock. For those seeking tranquility, this is the perfect spot.

Khuvsgul Bayan-Ulaan

Perched on a scenic hillside, Khuvsgul Bayan-Ulaan offers comfortable gers and small cabins, but its standout feature is the breathtaking views. The main restaurant, designed like a North American lodge, is adorned with large windows that provide stunning vistas of the shimmering lake, making it an ideal place to enjoy a drink and soak in the surroundings.

Ar Davhar Peninsula Eco Camp

Emphasizing sustainability, Ar Davhar Peninsula Eco Camp embodies its principles by converting all organic waste into compost, educating guests about the local ecosystem, and operating entirely on solar energy. Most of the meals are sourced from local producers, and there’s even a sauna by the lakeside. Located on the mostly untouched eastern shore of Lake Khovsgol, it ensures a tranquil experience amidst the already peaceful environment.

What to Do 

Hop in the Saddle

It's often said that Mongolians are born on horseback, and even in today's world, many locals still prefer this noble animal as their primary mode of transport. The western shore is dotted with numerous horse camps, providing plenty of chances for you to saddle up, whether for a quick one-hour ride or an extended multi-day adventure to the lake's northern expanse.

Get Your Paddle on

A lake as stunning as Khovsgol practically invites you to explore its waters, and many rental spots provide kayaks to fulfill that urge. The lake’s surface is often serene and mirror-like, letting you glide effortlessly while the surrounding trees and rocks drift by.

Watch the Birds

Mongolia is a paradise for bird watchers, and Lake Khovsgol is no exception. The lake hosts a variety of resident and migratory birds, including kites, white-tailed sea eagles, cinereous vultures, bar-headed geese, ruddy shelducks, terns, seagulls, red-billed choughs, great cormorants, nuthatches, Demoiselle cranes, and many more.

Catch a River Monster

The Egg River flows from the lake’s southern end and is renowned for its fish, including grayling, lenok trout, and the legendary taimen, a massive salmonid that anglers dream of catching in Mongolia. Whether you prefer spinning or fly fishing, casting a line in the Egg offers a chance to reel in trophy fish in pristine waters.

Hike the Khoridol Saridag

Boasting steep inclines, deep ravines, wide valleys, and rugged summits that soar nearly 10,000 feet high, the Khoridol Saridag is a haven for mountain trekkers. This range rises dramatically from the lake's western shore, providing breathtaking views of Khovsgol and the surrounding terrain.

Visit the Reindeer Herders

The Tsaatan, also known as the Dukha, are a nomadic ethnic group who herd reindeer in the mountainous regions and valleys to the west of the lake. For those seeking adventure, visiting their grazing lands is an option, though it requires a challenging multi-day horseback journey. Fortunately, some Tsaatan families migrate to the lake during the summer months, offering opportunities for photos with reindeer and the chance to purchase their traditional handmade crafts.

Sail With the Mongolian Navy

Despite being landlocked, Mongolia operates a unique naval vessel for national defense, stationed at the country's largest lake. The Sukhbaatar III, located in Khatgal at the southern end of the lake, welcomes guests for two daily cruises out into the waters, providing stunning views of both shorelines and insights into Mongolia’s peculiar one-ship navy history.

How to Get There

International flights arrive in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). From there, a short flight takes you to Moron, the capital of Khovsgol province, followed by a 1.5-hour drive on a paved road to Khatgal, a village located at the southern end of the lake. (Traveling by road from Ulaanbaatar to Moron requires at least a full day.)

Upon reaching Khatgal, the route to the western shore of the lake transitions into a rugged, pothole-filled dirt road. (However, plans for a proper paved road are underway.)

Best Time to Visit

Mongolian winters are lengthy and severe, so if you’re not in search of snow and frigid temperatures, the ideal months to visit are June, August, and September. July can also be pleasant, but it coincides with the annual Naadam Festival, when many Mongolians flock to Lake Khovsgol for their holidays, resulting in crowded camps. Additionally, July is the wettest month, which could lead to challenging weather conditions.

Planning Your Journey

While independent travel in Mongolia is feasible, navigating logistics and overcoming language barriers can prove challenging and time-consuming. Most travelers opt for established tour operators to handle arrangements such as accommodation, transportation, fuel, meals, permits, and excursions, typically offered as comprehensive packages. Among the many options available, Goyo Travel, Nomadic Trails, and View Mongolia are well-regarded companies providing both standard and tailor-made itineraries to suit your preferences.