Why Uvs Lake Should Be on Your Mongolia Adventure Itinerary

Welcome to Uvs Lake, a vast and remote body of water in western Mongolia that lies at the intersection of extreme climates, ancient history, and rich biodiversity. This remarkable site is the largest lake in Mongolia by surface area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique ecosystem and global ecological importance.
 

Located in Uvs Province, bordering Russia’s Tuva Republic, Uvs Lake and its surrounding basin are home to rare bird species, semi-nomadic communities, ancient archaeological relics, and contrasting landscapes—from snowcapped mountains to desert dunes.

If you're looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path destination that combines nature, culture, and adventure, Uvs Lake is a journey worth taking.

📍 Where is Uvs Lake?

Location: Uvs Province, Northwestern Mongolia

Distance from Ulaanbaatar: ~1,360 km (~3-hour flight to Ulaangom, then ~2-hour drive)

Size: ~3,350 sq. km (larger than Luxembourg!)

Elevation: ~759 meters above sea level

Max Depth: ~20 meters

🌟 Why Visit Uvs Lake?

✅ Mongolia’s Largest Lake

A massive saline lake surrounded by smaller freshwater lakes and wetlands

Incredible scenic contrast: dunes, grasslands, and alpine terrain all in one

✅ UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recognized for its globally significant biosphere and biodiversity

Part of the Uvs Nuur Basin World Heritage complex

✅ Wildlife Watching

Home to more than 220 bird species

Rare mammals like snow leopards, argali sheep, and Siberian ibex inhabit nearby mountains

✅ Nomadic Culture

Meet local Uriankhai, Dorvod, and Tuvan herders

Experience traditional ger stays, throat singing, and hospitality

✅ Ancient History & Petroglyphs

Discover burial mounds, stone carvings, and ancient Turkic monuments

Archaeological sites over 3,000 years old

🏞️ Top Things to See & Do at Uvs Lake

1. Uvs Lake Shoreline

Walk along the vast, mirror-like saline shoreline

Spot migratory birds like flamingos, cranes, and swans

Sunset photography is especially magical

2. Uureg Lake

A nearby freshwater lake great for camping, fishing, and swimming

Surrounded by mountains—ideal for peaceful nature retreats

3. Khyargas Lake

Another saltwater lake not far from Uvs

Features unique rock formations and islands

Can be included in a regional lake-hopping itinerary

4. Altan Els Sand Dunes

Rolling golden dunes rising dramatically near the lake

A rare ecosystem where desert meets wetlands

Fun for photography, hiking, or camel riding

5. Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain

Sacred peak near the lake and an important habitat for wildlife

Home to snow leopards and mountain goats

Trekking here offers a true wilderness challenge

6. Ulaangom Town

Capital of Uvs Province

Good base for launching lake tours

Local market, museum, and small eateries available

🛖 Where to Stay

🏕️ Camping

Wild camping is possible along Uvs Lake and surrounding valleys

Be prepared with your own tent, food, and water

Practice Leave No Trace principles

🛖 Nomadic Homestays

Stay with local families in traditional gers (yurts)

Enjoy home-cooked meals, learn about herding life

Great opportunity to experience traditional Mongolian hospitality

🏨 Guesthouses in Ulaangom

Small local hotels or inns with basic facilities

A good place to rest and resupply

🍽️ What to Eat

Boiled mutton and lamb dishes (Khorkhog, Boodog)

Aaruul (dried curds), milk tea, and homemade yogurt

Tuvan and Uriankhai-style dishes may include more dairy and herbs

Most meals are meat-heavy due to the nomadic diet

🚗 How to Get to Uvs Lake

✈️ Flights to Ulaangom

Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Ulaangom operate several times weekly

Takes around 3 hours, often operated by Aero Mongolia

🚙 Drive from Ulaangom to Uvs Lake

Roughly 100 km depending on which part of the lake you visit

A local driver with 4WD vehicle is recommended due to unpaved roads

🐎 Horseback Options

Some nomadic tours allow for multi-day horseback treks along the lake and into nearby valleys

📆 Best Time to Visit

🧳 What to Pack

🌿 Biodiversity at Uvs Lake

🐦 Birds

Dalmatian pelican, whooper swan, white-headed duck

Flamingos, ruddy shelducks, egrets, and cranes

🦊 Mammals

Corsac fox, saiga antelope, marmots

Snow leopards and lynx in the surrounding mountains

🌾 Flora

Salt-tolerant grasses, desert flora, and high-mountain herbs

Steppe and semi-desert vegetation zones converge

🧠 Cultural Significance & History

Uvs Lake region is inhabited by several ethnic groups including Tuvans, Uriankhai, and Dorvod Mongols

Rich oral traditions, music, and throat singing

Nearby archaeological sites feature kurgans (burial mounds), deer stones, and petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age

Local shamans still practice ancient rituals tied to nature and the spirit world

🐎 Suggested 4-Day Itinerary

📍 Day 1: Ulaanbaatar → Ulaangom → Drive to Uvs Lake

Visit Ulaangom market and museum

Camp near the lake or stay in a nomadic ger

📍 Day 2: Explore Uvs Lake Shore & Birdwatching

Walk the shore, observe flamingos and herons

Sunset picnic by the water

📍 Day 3: Altan Els Dunes & Tsagaan Shuvuut Mountain

Day hike or horse ride in the surrounding steppe

Spot wildlife or ancient carvings

📍 Day 4: Return to Ulaangom & Fly to Ulaanbaatar

Optional detour to Uureg Lake

Souvenir shopping before departure

🌱 Responsible Travel Tips

Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially nesting birds

Pack out all waste, and use eco-friendly products

Ask for permission before photographing people or entering gers

Support local herders by booking homestays or buying handmade crafts

Be mindful of local customs and sacred areas

🧭 Final Thoughts

Uvs Lake is not just the largest lake in Mongolia—it’s one of the most soul-stirring places in Central Asia. Its windswept shores, distant mountains, nomadic communities, and thriving ecosystems create an atmosphere of total immersion in nature and culture.

Whether you're an adventurer, birdwatcher, cultural explorer, or seeker of solitude, Uvs Lake offers a journey into the heart of wild Mongolia—one few ever get to experience, but none ever forget.