Lake Khuvsgul

Lake Khuvsgul, located in northern Mongolia, is a stunning natural wonder that is often referred to as the “Dark Blue Pearl” of the country. The lake is Mongolia’s fresh water lake in Mongolia, and it is also one of the deepest and purest lakes in the world. Lake Khuvsgul is known as one of the most pristine lakes in the world.

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Geology

Lake Khuvsgul is located in the northwest of Mongolia near the Russian border, at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountains. It is 1,645 metres (5,397 feet) above sea level, 136 kilometres (85 miles) long and 262 metres (860 feet) deep. It is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia, and holds almost 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water and 0.4% of all the fresh water in the world.

Lake Khuvsgul is one of seventeen ancient lakes in the world, being more than 2 million years old, and the second most pristine, as well as being the most significant drinking water reserve of Mongolia. Its water is potable without any treatment. Hovsgol is an ultraoligotrophic lake with low levels of nutrients, primary productivity and high water clarity.

Climate

Lake Khuvsgul’s climate is characterized by significant daily temperature variations, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The region experiences extreme continental conditions, typical of Mongolia, with very cold temperatures in winter and relatively cooler temperatures in the mountains. Most of the annual rainfall occurs during July and August.

People

The main population groups living around Lake Khuvsgul are the Mongols and the Tsaatan people (reindeer herders). The Tsaatan, a small, nomadic ethnic group, are known for their reindeer herding and shamanistic practices, and they live in the taiga forests near the lake. The Mongols, the largest ethnic group in Mongolia, also inhabit the region, particularly around the southern part of the lake, including the town of Khatgal.

Animal Life

Lake Khuvsgul and its surrounding National Park are home to a diverse range of animal life, including various mammals, birds, and fish. The park’s varied ecosystems, from forests to meadows, support a rich array of species, including some that are rare and endangered. The park is home to 63 species of mammals, such as Argali wild sheep, ibex, bear, wolverine, sable, moose, snow leopard, lynx, red deer, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. There are 244 species of birds recorded in the Lake Khuvsgul National Park.

Plant Life

The area around Lake Khuvsgul boasts a diverse range of plant life, transitioning from steppe and forest-steppe to forest and alpine tundra as altitude increases. The dominant tree species is the Siberian larch, found in the taiga forest, with other species like pine, cedar, and birch also present. Meadows and wetlands around the lake support a variety of grasses and herbs, while the higher altitudes feature alpine tundra vegetation.

Thick pine and larch forest-covered mountain ranges are home to 63 species of mammals, such as Argali wild sheep, ibex, bear, wolverine, sable, moose, snow leopard, lynx, red deer, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. There are 244 species of birds recorded in the Lake Khuvsgul National Park.

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Destination Facts

Mongolian Largest Fresh Water Lake The most scenic destination of Northern Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul (Khovsgol Nuur, also spelled 'Hovsgol', or lake khövsgöl) is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia by volume and second largest by area holding 2% of the world's fresh water. One of the world's most ancient lakes, Lake Khuvsgul is more than 2 million years old. Located near the Russian border, at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountain range, it is nicknamed "Younger sister of the Sister Lakes (Lake Khuvsgul and Lake Baikal)". The area of Lake Khuvsgul, raised well above sea level, is 2760ms. Its length is 136 km and width is 36.5 km, and up to 262 m deep.
What is around Lake Khuvsgul? Hatgal Village - When you travel to Lake Khuvsgul from the south, you will see Hatgal Village along the main road. Hatgal was founded in 1727 as a camp for Manchu soldiers and later switched into a small port town for Russian trading. Khoridol Saridag Mountains - Lake Khuvsgul borders the 30 km Khoridol Saridag Mountain Range in the west, a famous adventure travel spot for hikers and mountain climbers. Khar Us Mineral Water - 65 km north of Hatgal village, along the lake's western shore is the Har Us mineral spring. The spring water gushes from a single large rock and is famous among Mongolians for its healing benefits. Reindeer people - The Reindeer Tsaatan people live in the depths of the taiga forest. A few reindeer are the primary resource of their livelihood. In the summer months, some reindeer families move down from the Taiga mountains close to the lake to supplement their income.
Flora and Fauna Thick pine and larch forest-covered mountain ranges are home to 63 species of mammals, such as Argali wild sheep, ibex, bear, wolverine, sable, moose, snow leopard, lynx, red deer, Siberian roe deer, and wild boar. There are 244 species of birds recorded in the Lake Khuvsgul National Park.
What kind of fish live in Lake Khuvsgul? There are 16 species of fish that live in Lake Khuvsgul including the lenok trout, Kharaa, sturgeon, pike, perch, burbot, and others
How deep is the Lake Khuvsgul? Lake Khuvsgul, one of Mongolia’s deepest lakes, reaches a maximum depth of approximately 262 meters (860 feet). This significant depth contributes to its status as a major freshwater reservoir in the region.
Can you swim in Lake Khuvsgul? Yes, you can swim in Lake Khuvsgul, but it’s important to be prepared for its cold temperatures. Known as the “Blue Pearl” of Mongolia, Lake Khuvsgul is famed for its pristine and clear waters. While the lake is inviting, it remains frozen from January to May, and even during the warmer months, the water temperatures can be quite chilly. Swimmers are advised to wear a wetsuit if they are not accustomed to cold water swimming.
There is a ferry line connecting north and south shores You’ll come across the Sukhbaatar ship at the Hatgal boat pier, which is a huge ancient passenger ship. This 250 person capacity vessel is the latest variation of the ferry lines and is now used by tourists.
Does Lake Khuvsgul freeze? Lake Khuvsgul starts freezing at the beginning of November, setting the stage for the vibrant Ice Festival, a spectacle of culture and frosty adventure. The frozen surface starts melting mid-May but partially lasts till the beginning of June.