Khoton Lake at the foot of the Altai Mountains near the Chinese border, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

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Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Top choice in Western Mongolia

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Covering 6362 sq km, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park takes in the Tavan Bogd massif – which includes Khuiten Uul (4374m), Mongolia's highest mountain – and the stunning lakes of Khoton, Khurgan and Dayan. Fauna includes argali sheep, ibex, maral (Asiatic red deer), stone marten, deer, elk, Altai snowcock and eagles.

At the time of research, the park admission fee was due to increase to T10,000. Border permits are mandatory and non-Mongolians must travel with a Mongolian guide (this can be your driver), who will need their passports.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Khoton Nuur lake in Mongolian Altai.

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  • Waterfall

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    These 20m-high falls cascade over black boulders in summer with snow still clumped in shady spots under rocks and trees.

  • Mogoit Valley Balbal

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    This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) can be found south of Mogoit Valley, on the way to Khurgan Nuur.

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    This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) is about 8km south of Syrgal's shops.

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Nearby Western Mongolia attractions

1. Khurgan Nuur

7.64 MILES

The shoreline of Khurgan Nuur is dry and exposed. Few people travel along its southern shore, but if you are going this way, you can seek out a stupa-like…

2. Syrgal Balbal

11.9 MILES

This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) is about 8km south of Syrgal's shops.

3. Mogoit Valley Balbal

13.51 MILES

This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) can be found south of Mogoit Valley, on the way to Khurgan Nuur.

4. Waterfall

16.57 MILES

These 20m-high falls cascade over black boulders in summer with snow still clumped in shady spots under rocks and trees.

5. Moustachioed Balbal

18.47 MILES

In the Mogoit Valley is this oddly moustachioed balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker). There is a Kazakh cemetery with an interesting…

6. Khoton Nuur

19.94 MILES

The southern shore along Khoton Nuur has excellent camping spots, especially around Ulaan Tolgoi, a spit of land that juts majestically into the lake. The…