MN
Lake Khovsgol
A deep, clear mountain lake near the Russian border, holding about 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water
A deep, clear mountain lake near the Russian border, holding about 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water
The water is cold and very clear. Most ger camps are on the south-western shore north of Khatgal, with views across to the mountains on the eastern side.
Even in July the water rarely gets warm enough for a long swim.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
This small village at the southern tip of the lake is the main base, with guesthouses, shops, boat hire and horse-riding operators.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
Multi-day horse treks follow the western shore past herders’ camps and larch forest. Shorter rides and day hikes are easy to arrange from the camps.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
About 20km west of Mörön, this site has 14 Bronze Age standing stones carved with stylised flying deer. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site of deer-stone monuments inscribed in 2023.
An easy stop on the drive between Mörön and the lake.
Photo: Richard Mortel, CC BY 2.0
At the northern end of the lake, Mönkh Saridag (3,491m) rises on the Russian border. This side is remote and best reached on a longer trek or boat trip.
Photo: Michael Karavanov, CC BY-SA 3.0
Camps serve Mongolian dishes such as buuz, khuushuur and mutton soup, and some offer fish from the lake. Herding families may offer yak-milk yoghurt and dried curd (aaruul).
Khatgal has a few small shops and cafés; buy snacks in Mörön before you go.
Flights from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön, the provincial capital, take about 1.5 hours and run several times a week. From Mörön it is about 100km by paved road to Khatgal, around 2 hours. Direct buses from Ulaanbaatar to Khatgal take about 15 hours.
Citizens of the US, Germany, Japan and some other countries can visit Mongolia without a visa, and a temporary visa-free scheme for 34 more countries, including the UK, Australia and most EU states, runs until 1 January 2027. Other nationalities need an e-visa; check current rules before you travel.
Mongolia uses the tögrög (MNT). Cards work in Ulaanbaatar, but carry cash for the countryside, where most travellers join a tour or hire a driver and guide, which is the main cost of a trip.
Prices are approximate; most camps open only from June to September.
Deer stones, the lake shore and a day in the saddle.
Fly to Mörön, stop at the Uushigiin Övör deer stones and drive to Khatgal and a lakeside camp.
Ride or hike along the western shore through larch forest and herders’ camps.
Take a boat trip or kayak on the lake, then return to Mörön.
The lake stays cold all year; bring warm layers for evenings.
Bring repellent for June and July.
The festival is held in early March, with temperatures far below freezing.
Bring enough tögrög from Ulaanbaatar or Mörön.
Quick answers for planning time in Lake Khövsgöl.
Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön, then drive about 2 hours to Khatgal.
Up to 262m.
Yes, briefly in midsummer, but the water is very cold.
In early March each year.
June to August, when camps are open and the weather is mild.
Offline maps are essential outside Ulaanbaatar, where signal is patchy.
Free
Few people speak English outside the capital; camera mode reads Cyrillic signs and menus.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Mongolia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.