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Khövsgöl Lake, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Khövsgöl Lake

Khövsgöl Lake

Khövsgöl Lake, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Khövsgöl Lake, known as Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl,' is one of the world's largest freshwater lakes and a sacred site revered by Mongolians for centuries. Located in northern Mongolia near the Russian border, this pristine alpine lake contains nearly 2% of the world's fresh water and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rolling steppes, and dense forests. The crystal-clear waters are so pure they're drinkable, and the lake freezes solid in winter, creating a impressive ice wonderland. The region is home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders, one of the world's last nomadic reindeer cultures, and offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Mongolian life. Visitors can stay in traditional gers (yurts) along the shoreline, experience nomadic hospitality, and witness the unchanged rhythms of pastoral life. The area provides exceptional opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and cultural immersion in one of Asia's most untouched wilderness destinations.

Top Khövsgöl Lake

Stay in Traditional Ger Camps

Experience authentic Mongolian nomadic life by staying in traditional felt yurts along the lake's pristine shoreline. These camps offer comfortable accommodations while maintaining cultural authenticity, with traditional furnishings, wood-burning stoves, and spectacular lake views. Guests can participate in daily activities like milking yaks, herding livestock, and learning traditional crafts from local families.

Booking Tip: Book ger camps 2-3 months in advance for summer visits, with prices ranging from $80-200 per night including meals. Choose camps that work directly with local families for the most real feel and ensure they provide adequate bedding for cold nights.

Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

Journey into the remote taiga forests to meet the Tsaatan people, one of the world's last nomadic reindeer herding cultures. This multi-day expedition involves horseback riding and hiking through pristine wilderness to reach their seasonal camps. Visitors can learn about reindeer herding, traditional shamanic practices, and experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Booking Tip: This requires a 3-5 day guided expedition costing $300-500 per day including guides, horses, and camping equipment. Book with reputable operators who have established relationships with Tsaatan families and ensure trips are culturally respectful.

Horseback Riding Across the Steppes

Explore the vast grasslands and lake shores on horseback, following ancient nomadic routes used for generations. Rides can range from short excursions to multi-day expeditions covering diverse terrain from rolling hills to dense forests. The experience includes learning traditional Mongolian horsemanship techniques and camping under star-filled skies.

Booking Tip: Half-day rides cost $30-50, while multi-day expeditions range from $100-150 per day. Choose operators with well-trained horses and experienced guides, and ensure proper safety equipment is provided. Summer months offer the best weather conditions.

Lake Activities and Water Sports

During summer months, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing in the pristine waters of Khövsgöl Lake. The lake is home to unique fish species including the Hovsgol grayling, and its clear waters offer excellent visibility for underwater exploration. Boat trips provide access to remote shoreline areas and opportunities to spot wildlife including seals and diverse bird species.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost $20-30 per day, while guided fishing trips range from $50-80. Water is extremely cold even in summer, so bring appropriate gear. Book fishing permits through local operators and respect catch limits to preserve the ecosystem.

Winter Ice Festival Experience

Visit during winter to witness the lake transformed into a massive ice sheet and participate in the annual Ice Festival featuring ice sculptures, traditional games, and cultural performances. Activities include ice skating, sledding, and experiencing the unique phenomenon of the lake's singing ice. The festival showcases traditional winter survival skills and shamanic ceremonies.

Booking Tip: Winter visits require specialized cold-weather gear and cost $150-250 per day including heated accommodation and meals. Book with operators experienced in winter conditions and ensure proper clothing is provided, as temperatures can drop to -30°C.

Getting There

Khövsgöl Lake is accessible via a 6-7 hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital, covering approximately 700 kilometers of mostly paved roads through scenic countryside. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or rent 4WD vehicles, as public transportation is limited. The nearest town is Murun, which has a small airport with occasional flights from Ulaanbaatar, though road travel remains the most reliable option. International visitors typically fly into Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International Airport and arrange overland transport from there.

Getting Around

Transportation around Khövsgöl Lake relies primarily on horseback riding, walking, or 4WD vehicles for longer distances along the shoreline. Many ger camps provide horses for guests, and local guides are essential for navigation across the vast landscape. Boats are available for lake crossings and fishing expeditions, while winter travel may involve dog sleds or specialized vehicles for ice travel. Most activities are arranged through accommodation providers, as independent exploration requires significant outdoor experience and local knowledge.

Where to Stay

Khatgal Town
Eastern Shore Ger Camps
Northern Shore Wilderness Camps
Western Shore Traditional Camps
Murun Town
Mobile Camping Sites

Food & Dining

Dining around Khövsgöl Lake centers on traditional Mongolian cuisine featuring dairy products, mutton, beef, and lake fish. Ger camps typically provide all meals including traditional dishes like mutton stew, dairy tea, aaruul (dried cheese curds), and fresh fish from the lake. Khatgal town offers basic restaurants serving Mongolian and some international dishes, while remote camps focus on hearty, warming foods perfect for the climate. Visitors should expect simple but nourishing meals emphasizing local ingredients, with vegetarian options limited but available with advance notice.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Mongolia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Millie's Espresso

4.5 /5
(472 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Café Park Buffet Restaurant

4.6 /5
(406 reviews)

Yuna Korean Restaurant (3,4 horoolol)

4.8 /5
(294 reviews)

Cafe Camino

4.6 /5
(212 reviews) 2
cafe store

Zhang Liang Malatang Mongolia 2

4.9 /5
(192 reviews)

UBean Coffee House & Roasterie

4.6 /5
(152 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Khövsgöl Lake is during summer months from June to August when temperatures are warmest (15-25°C during the day) and the lake is accessible for water activities. This period offers the most comfortable weather for camping, horseback riding, and cultural activities, with long daylight hours and minimal rainfall. Winter visits from December to February provide a completely different but equally spectacular experience with the frozen lake and ice festivals, though temperatures can drop to -30°C and require specialized cold-weather preparation.

Insider Tips

Bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures drop significantly at night due to the high altitude and northern latitude
Respect local customs by walking clockwise around gers and not pointing feet toward the fire or altar inside traditional dwellings
Pack altitude sickness medication as the lake sits at 1,645 meters elevation and some visitors may experience mild symptoms

Activities in Khövsgöl Lake