Khövsgöl Lake — Blue Pearl of Mongolia
The Khövsgöl Lake (Хөвсгөл нуур) is the second-largest freshwater lake in Asia after Lake Baikal, with which it is geologically related: 136 km long, 262 m deep, and so crystal clear that you can see up to 20 m to the bottom. It contains 2% of the world's freshwater and is of breathtaking beauty — surrounded by dense larch forests, gentle mountains, and a silence that penetrates deep into the bones.
The lake is located at an altitude of 1,645 m, and the landscape is more reminiscent of Switzerland or Canada than the Mongolian steppe you know from the south. Instead of endless grass plains: dark forests, clear streams, moss-covered rocks, and air that smells of larch resin. In winter, the entire lake freezes over — the ice sheet becomes so thick that the Mongolians hold horse races on the ice and drive jeeps over the frozen lake.
Activities at Khövsgöl Lake
- Horseback Riding: Multi-day rides along the western shore through forests and over ridges (3–7 days, from 80€/day). The landscape is made for riding — gentle hills, soft forest floors, secluded beaches.
- Kayaking: The crystal-clear water invites paddling — kayak rental on the western shore, from 20€/day. On a quiet morning, when the lake is like a mirror and the mountains double in the water: pure bliss.
- Hiking: Trekking along the eastern shore to remote nomad camps and viewpoints overlooking the entire lake.
- Fishing: Khövsgöl is full of lenok trout and grayling. Fishing permit: 10,000 MNT/day. Catch-and-release is recommended.
Getting There
The town of Mörön (Murun) is the gateway to the lake. From Ulaanbaatar: Flight (1.5 hours, approx. 150€ one-way) or Bus/Jeep (10–12 hours on partly catastrophic roads). From Mörön to the lake: 100 km by jeep or bus (2–3 hours). At the lake itself, there are simple Ger Camps (from 30,000 MNT / 8€ per night) and some more comfortable accommodations.
