Khuvsgul Lake Tours
Known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Khuvsgul Lake (Khövsgöl Nuur) is one of the country’s most stunning natural wonders. Located in northern Mongolia near the Siberian border, this massive freshwater lake is surrounded by deep pine forests, high mountains, and peaceful nomadic settlements.
Khuvsgul holds nearly 70% of Mongolia’s freshwater, making it one of the clearest and purest lakes on Earth.
A visit here offers the perfect combination of scenic beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and wildlife encounters.
🌄 Highlights of the Khuvsgul lake Tour, Mongolia
💙Explore Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl”
Experience Khuvsgul Lake, one of the world’s purest and deepest freshwater lakes, surrounded by mountains, forests, and crystal-clear blue water.
🌲Breathtaking Taiga & Mountain Landscapes
Discover the untouched beauty of the Siberian taiga forest, alpine meadows, and serene valleys ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
🐎Horseback Riding Along the Lakeshore
Ride Mongolian horses through pine forests and open meadows, enjoying peaceful views of the lake and mountains.
🚣Boat Ride or Kayaking on Crystal Water
Enjoy a scenic boat trip or kayaking adventure across one of the clearest lakes in Asia, with reflections of the sky and mountains.
🏕️Lakeside Ger Camp Stay
Sleep in comfortable Mongolian ger camps near the water, enjoy fresh air, quiet mornings, stargazing, and traditional hospitality.
🦌Visit the Reindeer Herder (Tsaatan) Community
Optional extension to meet one of the world’s last nomadic reindeer herding groups. Learn their traditions, shamanic beliefs, and daily life in the taiga.
🥾Great Hiking & Nature Trails
Trek to scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain ridges with spectacular panoramas of forests, valleys, and the lake.
🌅Stunning Sunsets & Sunrise Views
Capture golden light over the still water, misty mornings, and peaceful evenings — perfect for photography.
🐾Wildlife & Birdwatching
See wild animals and birds including ibex, elk, deer, wolves, eagles, and migratory birds that gather around the lake.
❄️Ice Festival in Winter (Optional)
If visiting in March, experience the famous Khuvsgul Ice Festival with ice games, horse sleigh races, dog-sledding, and traditional winter celebrations.
Top Khuvsgul lake tour packages
🐫 Tour Pace
🔹 Moderate Adventure
This is an active tour with long driving days across remote terrain and frequent exploration on foot or camelback.
You’ll experience:
4–8 hours of overland travel on some days
Easy to moderate hikes at cliffs, valleys, and dunes
A mix of comfortable hotels (Ulaanbaatar) and ger camp stays (rural areas)
This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, cultural immersion, and some physical activity, but no strenuous trekking is involved.
🛖Accommodation
We provide the highest range of ger camps, equivalent to 4-star accommodation, ensuring you experience traditional Mongolian hospitality with exceptional comfort. These premium ger camps offer private beds, modern sanitation, and hot meals all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
✨Customize your Mongolia tour
Every traveler is different and your tour should reflect that. We tailor each itinerary to your interests, whether it’s history, trekking, wildlife, or nomadic culture.
Contact us today to start designing your personalized Mongolian adventure. We’re excited to craft an unforgettable experience just for you!
❓ FAQ – Northern Mongolia (Khuvsgul & Taiga Region)
1. Where is Northern Mongolia located?
Northern Mongolia borders southern Siberia (Russia) and includes the Khuvsgul Lake, Darkhad Valley, Sayan Mountains, and the Taiga Forest. It is known for its fresh water, mountains, and nomadic culture.
2. What is Northern Mongolia famous for?
Khuvsgul Lake: the Blue Pearl of Mongolia
Reindeer herders (Tsaatan tribe)
Taiga forests & mountain landscapes
Wildlife and birdlife
Ice Festival (March)
Traditional Darkhad and Soyot nomadic culture
3. When is the best time to visit Northern Mongolia?
June–September: Best weather, warm days, perfect for hiking & lake activities
Late September–October: Beautiful autumn colors
March: Famous Khuvsgul Ice Festival
Winter (Nov–Feb): Very cold, limited access, mainly for winter expeditions
4. How do I get to Khuvsgul Lake?
Flight: Ulaanbaatar → Murun (1 hour) then 2–3 hours drive to the lake
Overland: Long drive (12–14 hours) from Ulaanbaatar
Helicopter / charter plane (premium option)
5. Can I visit the Reindeer Herders (Tsaatan)?
Yes, but it requires a special permit and a multi-day trip from Khuvsgul Lake or Tsagaannuur.
Access often includes:
Off-road driving
Horseback riding into the taiga
Overnight stays in tents or reindeer-herder’s tipi (ortz)
6. What activities can I do in Northern Mongolia?
Horseback riding
Boating & kayaking (summer)
Hiking & mountain trekking
Reindeer herder visits
Ice Festival activities (winter)
Photography
Nomadic family visits
Birdwatching & wildlife spotting
Fishing (with permit)
7. What kind of accommodation is available?
Comfortable lakeside ger camps
Eco lodges
Family ger stays
Taiga tent camps (for trekking)
Winter cabins (limited)
8. Is Northern Mongolia safe for travelers?
Yes. It is one of the safest regions.
Travelers usually enjoy:
Friendly local communities
Skilled drivers
Calm environment
Just be prepared for remote conditions and changing weather.
9. What should I pack for my trip?
Warm layers (even in summer evenings)
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Power bank (limited electricity in remote areas)
Insect repellent (June–July)
Lightweight gloves & hat (for boat rides or mountains)
10. Are the roads in Northern Mongolia good?
Main road to Murun is paved.
Roads around the lake are partly paved, partly dirt tracks.
Travel to the Darkhad Valley or Tsaatan area requires 4×4 vehicles and experienced drivers.
11. Is it family-friendly?
Yes! Kids love:
Horses
Nature
Boating
Meeting nomadic families
However, trips to the Tsaatan tribe are not recommended for very young children due to long travel distances.
12. Is Northern Mongolia suitable for elderly travelers?
Yes, Khuvsgul Lake tours are comfortable.
But high-adventure tours (Darkhad, Tsaatan) require:
Long driving
Good mobility
Ability to handle rustic living conditions
13. Can I swim in Khuvsgul Lake?
Yes, but the water is very cold, even in summer (8–12°C).
Shallow bays are warmer and suitable for short swims.
14. Do I need permits for Northern Mongolia?
Khuvsgul Lake – No permit
Reindeer herder area – Permit required
Border zone areas – Some areas require special access (arranged by tour company)
🌤 Four Seasons Average Weather in the Gobi Desert (Mongolia)
🌧 Rainfall & Precipitation
June–August: Highest rainfall (short showers, thunderstorms)
September: Clear and dry
October–April: Mostly dry, snowfall in mountains
Annual precipitation: 250–400 mm depending on the area
Darkhad Valley receives more snow than Khuvsgul Lake.
🌬 Wind & Climate Notes
Spring (Mar–Apr): Strong winds, cold mornings
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild breezes, perfect for outdoor activities
Winter (Nov–Mar): Calm air but extreme cold
📌 Useful Notes for Travelers
Nights are always cold, even in summer.
Darkhad Valley and taiga areas are 5–10°C colder than Khuvsgul Lake.
Expect sudden weather changes in mountains.
UV index is high due to altitude → bring sunscreen.
❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar)
–15°C to –35°C
Frozen lake, heavy ice
Possible northern lights in remote areas
🌸 Spring (Apr–May)
0°C to +12°C
Unpredictable weather
Snow melt and strong winds
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)
+15°C to +22°C
Best time for hiking, boating, horseback riding
Cool nights, fresh air
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Oct)
+4°C to +14°C
Golden larch forests
Cold nights, stable weather
🌡 Monthly Temperature Averages
Month | Day Avg (°C) | Night Avg (°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
January | –22°C | –32°C | Extremely cold, heavy snow in mountains |
February | –20°C | –30°C | Very cold, clear skies |
March | –10°C | –20°C | Warming, icy winds, lake still frozen |
April | +2°C | –7°C | Snow melts, cool days, chilly nights |
May | +10°C | 0°C | Pleasant, green starts appearing |
June | +17°C | +7°C | Warm days, cool nights, best hiking season |
July | +20°C | +10°C | Warmest month; occasional rain |
August | +18°C | +8°C | Green landscapes, stable weather |
September | +12°C | +2°C | Golden autumn, calm and clear |
October | +4°C | –6°C | Frost at night, colorful forests |
November | –8°C | –18°C | Winter begins, cold nights |
December | –18°C | –28°C | Deep winter, very cold temperatures |
📦 Why Choose Kerege Travel for Khuvsgul Lake Tours?
Local, experienced guides
Safe transportation with skilled drivers
Authentic cultural connections
Flexible & customizable itineraries
English-speaking team
Comfortable, carefully selected ger camps
Pictures of Khuvsgul lake
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
Awesome place to visit.
I traveled from Bl guest house in Hatgal near Lake Hovsgol.Did wonderfull horsetrip for 14 days.Guides horses tour was amazing.I will come next year to do horsetrip around the lake.
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
A taste of freedom.
Horseback riding here gives one the taste of freedom. One can ride for kilometres and kilometres without seeing any others. A wilderness getaway, but certainly on the chilly side.