MN
Lake Khovsgol
Mongolia's Blue Pearl and the land of the reindeer herders
Mongolia's Blue Pearl and the land of the reindeer herders
The lake itself is the draw, 136 kilometres of pure water so clear you can see deep below the surface, ringed by forested slopes and reflecting the mountains on calm days.
💡 The eastern and western shores each have camps; boats cross in summer.
The main gateway at the southern tip is a laid-back village of guesthouses and tour operators where trips to the lake, horses and reindeer camps are arranged.
💡 Book horse and reindeer trips here on arrival.
In the taiga west of the lake live the Tsaatan, one of the world’s last reindeer-herding peoples, who welcome respectful visitors to their teepee camps and herds.
💡 Reaching them takes days on horseback; go with an ethical operator.
Following the shoreline and climbing into the surrounding hills, multi-day horse treks are the classic way to experience Khovsgol’s wild scenery and nomadic life.
💡 Even a half-day ride from Khatgal is rewarding for beginners.
Each winter the frozen lake hosts an ice festival with sculptures, horse sleigh races, skating and shamanic ceremonies on the metre-thick ice.
💡 It falls in late winter; come prepared for extreme cold.
Food around Khovsgol comes from guesthouses and ger camps: mutton and dairy dishes, dumplings, noodle soups and fresh lake fish where available, though fishing is restricted in the national park. Khatgal has simple cafes and shops for supplies. Meals are hearty and warming, and camps keep the milk tea flowing against the mountain chill.
Fly or drive to Moron and on to Khatgal, settle into a lakeside camp and take a first walk or short ride along the shore.
Spend the day horse trekking into the hills or kayaking the clear water, with a picnic on a quiet stretch of shore.
Take a longer ride toward the taiga to meet reindeer-herding families, or simply slow down and soak up the lake before departing.
A flight to Moron from Ulaanbaatar plus a short transfer beats the very long overland drive north.
Only see the Tsaatan through responsible operators who compensate the community and respect their way of life.
Even summer nights are chilly by the lake; winter is severe, so pack serious warm layers.
There are few ATMs; carry enough togrog for camps, trips and supplies.
Nomad-capital Ulaanbaatar, the dunes of the Gobi, the empire ruins at Kharkhorin, the Blue Pearl of Lake Khovsgol and easy Terelj — Mongolia end to end.