Khyargas Lake
LOCATION: 110 km from Ulaangom, a central town of Uvs province, 30 km from Zavkhan soum, and 1300 km from Ulaanbaatar at an altitude of 1035 m above the sea level.
Khyargas is a saltwater lake amidst semi-desert in the Great Lakes Depression/Ikh Nuuruudiin Khotgor on the territory of Naranbulag, Tsagaan Khairkhan, Malchin, and Khyargas soum of Uvs province. The lake and its surrounding 332.800 ha protected area were established as a nature reserve in 2000. The lake is 75 km long, 31 km wide with a surface area of 1481 км². The average depth is 50 m and 80 m at its deepest. The lake is a magnet for migratory birds including its island. The lake’s main attraction is Khetsuu Khad rock on the eastern shore of the lake. Khetsuu Khad is a 5-7 km long underwater rock. Some parts of the rock sticks out of the water, look like islands where countless migratory cormorant birds attracted and nest. Khetsuu Khad rock is a favorite spot for photographers and local travelers.
The lake’s location is on the way to the adventure travel routes of western Mongolia. Not only the lake, but there are also several scenic places on the way to the lake.
There is a small local ger camp by the Khetsuu Khad rock. We suggest you book the ger in advance as this small camp gets full. Driving reliable 4xWD vehicle is highly recommended as the road to the lake is sandy.
