Khövsgöl Lake
Mongolia · Khövsgöl · 1645 m
Description
Khövsgöl is the great lake of northern Mongolia, a hundred and thirty six kilometres long and more than two hundred and sixty metres deep, holding around seventy percent of the fresh water in the country. Mongolians call it the Blue Pearl and treat it as sacred. It drains eventually into Lake Baikal, two hundred kilometres north, and its water is nearly as clear. Larch and cedar taiga covers the shores and the Sayan mountains rise behind them. Khatgal at the southern tip is the base. North of it live the Tsaatan, reindeer herders of the forest.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 8 days (optimal 5 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Khövsgöl lakeshore and its clear water
- Horse and yak trekking along the shore
- Khatgal village and the lake boat trips
- Tsaatan reindeer herders of the taiga(Multi-day trip)
- Larch taiga and the eastern shore track
- Ice Festival on the frozen lake (approx. March)
- Kayaking on the lake (June - September)
- Ger camps on the western shore
- Fishing for lenok and grayling
- Shamanic ovoo sites on the headlands
- Night sky over the water
Getting there
- Airports:
- MXV