heymongolia
Lakes & rivers

Khuvsgul Lake

A huge, crystal-clear lake ringed by taiga forest and mountains near the Russian border.

Called the 'Blue Pearl', Khuvsgul holds a large share of Mongolia's fresh water. Most visitors base themselves at the village of Khatgal at the southern tip, then ride, hike or kayak along the shore. In March the lake freezes thick enough for the Ice Festival, with horse-sled races and ice fishing.

  • Region: Khuvsgul & the north (Khövsgöl)
  • Best time: June–September; Ice Festival in March
  • Time needed: 3–4 days
  • Entry: National park fee

Tips

  • Fly to Mörön to save two long driving days.
  • The water stays cold even in July.

Tours that visit Khuvsgul Lake

  • On Horseback to Mystical Taiga (8 days · Khuvsgul & the north · Tour Mongolia (Active & Adventure Tours Mongolia) · from $2,240)
    An 8-day trip flying to Murun, then riding horses into the East Taiga to visit Tsaatan reindeer herders, finishing at Khuvsgul Lake.
  • Discover Mongolia Tour (14 days · Several regions · Discover Mongolia · from $2,596)
    A 14-day tour combining the South Gobi, central Mongolia and Khuvsgul Lake, using domestic flights and vans, with ger camp nights and a nomad family stay.
  • Discover Mongolia Tour and Local Naadam Kharkhorin (16 days · Central Mongolia · Discover Mongolia · from $3,082)
    A 16-day July tour joining the Kharkhorin local Naadam with the South Gobi, central lakes and hot springs, and Khuvsgul Lake, using two domestic flights.
  • Lake Khuvsgul Tour (4 days · Altai & the west · Discover Mongolia · from $1,090)
    A 4-day fly-in trip from Ulaanbaatar to Murun and Khuvsgul Lake, staying in a lakeside ger camp with boating, horse riding and hiking.
  • Mongolian Epic Overland Adventure (15 days · Several regions · Nomadic Expeditions · from $15,830)
    A 15-day overland 4WD journey from Lake Khuvsgul in the north through central Mongolia to the Gobi, with gers, Karakorum and a stay at a Gobi lodge.
  • Horseback Riding in Mongolia to the Reindeer People (15 days · Khuvsgul & the north · Nomadic Expeditions · from $18,720)
    A 15-day horseback expedition in northern Mongolia, flying to Murun and riding through the Darkhad depression and taiga to Tsaatan reindeer herders, then on to Lake Khuvsgul.
  • Grand Traverse of Mongolia (15 days · Several regions · Nomadic Expeditions)
    A 15-day luxury crossing of Mongolia by private Cessna and SUV, from Khuvsgul province and the Altai to the Gobi, with eagle hunters, fossil hunts and lodge stays.
  • Khuvsgul Lake (4 days · Altai & the west · Nomadic Journeys · from $1,550)
    A 4-day trip flying from Ulaanbaatar to Murun, then by road and boat to a ger camp on Lake Khuvsgul for hiking and visits to nomadic families.

Nearby places