Khovsgol Lake Travel Guide – Mongolia’s Pristine Blue Pearl

Welcome to Khovsgol Lake, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” This breathtaking freshwater lake in the country’s northern reaches is one of Asia’s oldest, largest, and cleanest lakes. Surrounded by lush Siberian taiga forests, dramatic mountains, and inhabited by Dukha reindeer herders and other nomadic groups, Khovsgol is a place where nature and culture harmonize.
 

As a tour guide who has led many trips to this pristine region, I can confidently say that Khovsgol Lake offers one of Mongolia’s most complete travel experiences—adventure, relaxation, and connection with local life.

📍 Where is Khovsgol Lake?

Location: Khovsgol Province (Aimag), northern Mongolia

Distance from Ulaanbaatar: ~800 km north (~1.5-hour flight or 2–3 days by road)

Nearby Town: Khatgal (main tourist gateway)

🌟 Why Visit Khovsgol Lake?

✅ Pristine Nature

One of the world’s clearest freshwater lakes (holds ~2% of Earth’s fresh water)

Surrounded by alpine meadows, forests, and wildlife-rich mountains

✅ Adventure Opportunities

Hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and fishing

Off-grid camping and scenic ger stays

✅ Cultural Experiences

Visit reindeer herders (Tsaatan people)

Learn traditional Mongolian customs in lakeside villages

✅ Year-Round Destination

Summer brings lush nature and lake adventures

Winter sees the lake freeze into a glassy, magical landscape—perfect for ice festivals and over-ice driving

🗺️ Top Attractions and Activities Around Khovsgol Lake

1. Lake Itself (Hövsgöl Nuur)

136 km long and 36 km wide, with a depth of up to 262 meters

One of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world

Perfect for swimming, canoeing, and boat rides in summer

2. Khatgal Town

Entry point with basic accommodations, shops, and visitor info

Great for staging excursions and short hikes

3. Jankhai Viewpoint

Panoramic lookout point just north of Khatgal

Offers sweeping views of the lake, especially stunning at sunset

4. Khordol Saridag Mountains

High ridges bordering the lake, ideal for experienced hikers

Home to wildlife such as ibex, marmots, and eagles

5. Dukha Reindeer Herders (Tsaatan)

Located deep in the taiga forests west of the lake

Visiting requires multi-day horseback expeditions

Rare cultural experience with Mongolia’s only reindeer-herding community

6. Shamanic and Buddhist Sites

Visit sacred rocks, ovoos (stone cairns), and sites of ritual importance

Engage with shamans who still practice in the region

🧭 Sample 5–7 Day Khovsgol Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Murun, transfer to Khatgal
Day 2: Explore Khatgal, boat tour on Khovsgol Lake
Day 3: Hike to Jankhai viewpoint, visit yak-herding families
Day 4–5: Overnight horse trek to reindeer herders’ camp (if included)
Day 6: Return to Khatgal or enjoy kayaking and free time
Day 7: Depart for Ulaanbaatar or continue on to the Darkhad Valley

🐎 Activities to Experience

🐴 Horseback Riding

Explore the shores and hills on local Mongolian horses, often with nomadic guides.

🚣 Kayaking & Boating

Paddle across glass-clear water with majestic backdrops and a silence broken only by birdsong.

🥾 Hiking

Trails range from gentle lakeside walks to multi-day alpine routes.

🔥 Campfires & Ger Stays

Stay in traditional gers (yurts), enjoy fire-cooked meals, and sleep under starry skies.

❄️ Ice Festival (Winter)

Held annually in March, with horse sled races, ice skating, ice sculptures, and traditional performances—right on the frozen lake!

🌄 Best Time to Visit

☀️ July–August is peak season; September is best for avoiding crowds with great weather.

🚗 How to Get There

🛫 By Air

Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Murun (capital of Khovsgol Aimag)

~1.5-hour flight, followed by 3-hour drive to Khatgal/Lake

🚙 By Road

Long but scenic drive (2–3 days)

Possible with private tour or hired van

🚌 By Bus

Budget option to Murun, but slower and less comfortable

🏨 Accommodation Options

Top tip: Book early for peak season (July–August), especially lakeside camps.

🥘 What to Eat

Khuushuur (fried meat dumplings)

Boortsog (fried dough snacks)

Yak yogurt and cheese

Fish from Khovsgol Lake (e.g., grayling, lenok)

Suutei tsai (salted milk tea)

Meals are simple but hearty. Some camps offer vegetarian options if requested in advance.

🐾 Wildlife to Spot

📸 Best Photography Spots

💡 Travel Tips

Pack warm clothes even in summer (nights are cold)

Bring cash—ATMs are scarce

Use biodegradable soap if camping

Local SIM cards work in towns, not in remote areas

Respect nature and local traditions—don’t litter or enter sacred places without permission

🌱 Sustainable Travel Practices

Support family-run ger camps

Avoid plastic waste—bring reusable bottles and bags

Don't disturb wildlife or taiga ecosystems

Book with tour companies that work with local communities

🛍️ What to Buy

Reindeer horn carvings

Hand-knitted wool clothing

Locally made yak milk soap

Wooden crafts and musical instruments

Shamanic souvenirs (with cultural sensitivity)

🏁 Final Thoughts

Khovsgol Lake is more than a destination—it’s an immersion in raw, untouched beauty and ancient nomadic life. Whether you're paddling across its glassy waters, hiking forest trails, riding horses, or sharing stories in a lakeside ger, this magical region offers a peaceful yet powerful experience of Mongolia.

So pack your adventurous spirit—and maybe a warm jacket—and come explore Mongolia’s Blue Pearl.