Lake Khovsgol National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers exploring Mongolia. With its rugged hills, crystal-clear rivers, and vast open spaces, Mongolia is becoming a top destination for adventure seekers. Despite its remote location, the journey to this large, landlocked nation is worth every effort. Mongolia is truly an outdoor lover’s paradise, and Lake Khovsgol National Park is the perfect spot to experience its natural beauty.
Located in the far north, surrounded by mountains, rocky shores, and dense pine forests, Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia’s largest body of water, stretching 85 miles. It holds 20% of Mongolia’s freshwater and 0.04% of the world’s freshwater. Often called “Lake Baikal’s younger sister,” this stunning lake shares similarities with Russia’s famous Lake Baikal.
Lake Khovsgol is where Mongolians go to unwind, but it’s also gaining popularity among international visitors. Most activity happens along the western shore, home to about 50 tourist camps with gers, Mongolia’s version of yurts. These cozy, round structures, made of wood and felt, are popular across the country for both locals and visitors. They’re simple yet comfortable, keeping you cool in the heat and warm in the cold.
Tourist camps at Khovsgol range from basic to more luxurious eco-lodges. Many are family-run with on-site restaurants offering set menus or a single meal choice. For more comfort, some camps have wooden cabins and hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms, but these are rare in rural Mongolia.
The true star at Lake Khovsgol is nature itself. The air is pure, the surroundings peaceful, and the wildlife includes Siberian moose, wolverine, ibex, sable, and brown bears. Batsuren Ganbaatar, whose family owns the Olimp Camp and Restaurant on the western shore, says, “My favorite thing is waking up at sunrise and walking into the forest. Everything is so quiet and beautiful, and I often see deer.”
Lake Khovsgol’s icy, crystal-clear waters reflect stunning shades of blue and green, reminiscent of the Caribbean or Hawaii. The Khoridol Saridag mountains stand like stone guardians over the lake. At sunset, the sky fills with pinks, oranges, and whites, with dramatic shadows from passing clouds. Summer evenings often bring thunderstorms, with lightning shows that outshine any fireworks.
Lake Khovsgol offers unspoiled nature, warm beds, hot meals, and various tourist services. Just a couple of days here will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Where to Stay
- Double Lake: A small hotel on a quiet peninsula, with private rooms and well-equipped A-frames among the pines. The restaurant serves Western and Mongolian dishes, and the property has its own shoreline with a classic wooden dock.
- Khuvsgul Bayan-Ulaan: Known for its stunning views, this camp offers comfortable gers and cabins on a hillside. The restaurant, styled like a North American lodge, has large windows overlooking the lake.
- Ar Davhar Peninsula Eco Camp: This eco-friendly camp uses solar power and composts organic waste. Most food is locally sourced, and there’s even a lakeside sauna. Located on the undeveloped eastern shore, it offers a peaceful retreat.
What to Do
- Horse Riding: Mongolians are known for their horsemanship, and the western shore offers plenty of horse camps. Whether you want a short ride or a multi-day adventure, there are options for everyone.
- Kayaking: Lake Khovsgol’s calm, glassy surface is perfect for kayaking. Several places offer rentals, allowing you to explore the lake at your own pace.
- Bird Watching: Lake Khovsgol is home to many bird species, both permanent and migratory, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
- Fishing: The Egg River, flowing from the southern end of the lake, is famous for its fish, including grayling, lenok trout, and the legendary taimen, a giant salmonid that anglers dream of catching.
- Hiking the Khoridol Saridag: With steep slopes and high peaks, the Khoridol Saridag mountains are perfect for mountain trekking. The views of Lake Khovsgol and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking.
- Visiting Reindeer Herders: The Tsaatan, a nomadic group raising reindeer, live in the mountains west of the lake. Visiting them is an adventure, but during summer, some Tsaatan come to the lake, offering a chance to learn about their culture.
- Sailing with the Mongolian Navy: Mongolia may be landlocked, but it has a navy! In the summer, you can take a cruise on the Sukhbaatar III, the country’s only warship, to enjoy stunning views of the lake and learn about Mongolia’s quirky one-ship navy.
Getting There
Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, is accessible via international flights to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). From there, a quick flight takes you to Moron, the capital of Khovsgol province, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Khatgal, a village at the southern tip of the lake. (Driving from Ulaanbaatar to Moron takes at least a full day.)
Once in Khatgal, the road to the western shore becomes a dirt track, though a proper road is being developed.
When to Go
Mongolian winters are harsh, so the best time to visit is June, August, or September. July is also nice, but it’s the rainiest month and coincides with the Naadam Festival, which fills Lake Khovsgol’s camps with holidaying Mongolians.
Planning Your Trip
While it’s possible to travel independently in Mongolia, logistics and the language barrier can make it challenging. Most visitors opt for tour companies that handle accommodations, transportation, meals, and permits. Reputable options include Goyo Travel, Nomadic Trails, and View Mongolia, offering both set and custom itineraries.
