Khövsgöl

Introducing Khövsgöl

Tourist brochures tout it as the Switzerland of Mongolia, and this is no idle boast. Khövsgöl is a land of thick forests, rushing rivers, sparkling lakes and rugged mountains. It’s Mongolia’s most beautiful aimag and seemingly every river bend or lake cove offers new and wonderful surprises. It does rain a lot during summer, but this only adds to the scenery: rainbows hang over meadows dotted with white gers and grazing horses and yaks.

While the Khalkh dominate the south, there are also scattered populations of Buriat, Uriankhai, Khotgoid and Darkhad people. The Tsaatan, who live in the taiga in the far north of the aimag, herd reindeer and live in tepees resembling those of Native Americans. The north is a stronghold of shamanism and you may be fortunate enough to see a shaman ceremony.

The main geographic feature of the province, as well as its major tourist destination, is enormous Khövsgöl Nuur. Most travellers fail to explore areas beyond the lake and this is a shame; the rest of the aimag has much to offer. The Darkhad valley, Chandman-Öndör and the south all make fine destinations, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking and cycle touring. Note that if you want to fish anywhere but Khövsgöl Nuur you will need a permit from the Ministry of Nature in Ulaanbaatar. As these can be hard to get, consider hooking up with a licensed and responsible tour operator.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009