Khuvsgul Travel Guide

Lake Khövsgöl is a huge alpine freshwater lake in far northern Mongolia near Siberia at ~1,645 m, one of Mongolia's largest and deepest, famed for clear blue water, encircling Siberian taiga and snow peaks, and pristine nature — the Blue Pearl of Mongolia; best Jun–Sep. Deep blue water is pure enough to drink (same ancient system as Russia's Lake Baikal); lake, forest and snow peaks form a magnificent tranquil scene. Cool summers make it a retreat for lakeside hiking, horse riding, camping and boating; in deep winter the lake freezes into a spectacular ice scene. Unique are the Tsaatan (reindeer people) in remote forests — few in number, moving with reindeer moss, living in conical tents, keeping ancient ways (visit respectfully, responsible tourism).