Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Introducing Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Amid volcanic craters, pine-clad lava fields and the occasional herd of grazing yaks, the Great White Lake, as it’s known in English, is the natural highlight of Arkhangai aimag. According to legend, the lake was formed when an elderly couple forgot to cap a well after fetching water. The valley flooded with water until a local hero shot a nearby mountain top with his arrow; the shorn top covered the well and became an island in the lake (Noriin Dund Tolgoi).

The freshwater Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is not as forested or as large as Khövsgöl Nuur, but it is closer to Ulaanbaatar, relatively undeveloped and just about perfect for camping (though there are a few flies in summer). The lake, birdlife and mountains are now protected within the 77, 267-hectare Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The national park fee of T3000 applies.

The lake, which was formed by lava flows from a volcanic eruption many millennia ago, is excellent for swimming, though a bit cold in the morning – try the late afternoon, after the sun has warmed it. Hidden along the shore are stretches of sandy beach, perfect for lounging with a book or fishing line.

The fishing is great, though you should get a permit for around T3000 per day. There are several park rangers who sell permits but they can be hard to find; try asking at the park entrance by the bridge in Tariat (also known as Khorgo), or at the government building in Tariat.

One must-do excursion takes you to the top of Khorgo Uul volcano. A road leads 4km from Tariat village to the base of the volcano, from where it’s a 10-minute walk up to the cone (GPS: N48° 11.187’, E99° 51.259’). The volcano is in the park so you’ll need to pay the park fee of T3000 if you haven’t already.

There is also the option of exploring the lake by boat. A rowing boat and a motorboat cost around T5000 per hour to hire. Inquire at the Khorgo I ger camp.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009