Khatgal, Mongolia: travel guide
A lakeside village at the southern tip of Khövsgöl, for horses and kayaks
Lakeside village at the southern tip of Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia's deepest freshwater lake (the "Blue Pearl"). Base for horse trekking, kayaking, the Ice Festival, and visiting the Tsaatan reindeer herders.
About Khatgal
Khatgal is a small village at the southern end of Lake Khövsgöl, the deep freshwater lake sometimes called the Blue Pearl. Surrounded by forest and mountains, it is the usual starting point for exploring the lake's shores.
Things to do around Khatgal include horse trekking along the lakeshore, kayaking, hiking through larch forest and visiting the Jankhai Pass viewpoint. In winter, the frozen lake hosts an ice festival, and some visitors arrange trips to meet reindeer-herding communities farther north.
Khatgal suits outdoor travellers who want space and quiet. Summer is the main season, with green hills and swimmable water on warm days, and winter offers snow and ice.
- Country
- Mongolia
- Currency
- MNT
- Time zone
- Asia/Ulaanbaatar
Last updated
Top places to visit in Khatgal
Lake Khövsgöl (Khövsgöl Nuur)
lake · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Mongolia's "Blue Pearl" — the country's deepest and largest freshwater lake by volume, holding ~70% of Mongolia's fresh water. Crystal-clear alpine waters ringed by taiga and mountains; frozen solid in winter for the Ice Festival.
Khatgal Village & Ice Festival Grounds
village · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The gateway village at the southern tip of Lake Khövsgöl — a cluster of ger camps and guesthouses, departure point for boat trips and horse treks, and host of the spectacular March Ice Festival on the frozen lake.
Jankhai Pass Viewpoint
nature · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A forested ridge viewpoint on the western shore road offering one of the finest panoramas over Lake Khövsgöl's deep-blue expanse and the surrounding taiga.
Things to do
- Lake Khövsgöl Horse Trekking Adventure · 8 h · from MNT 150,000 per person
- Lake Khövsgöl Kayaking Adventure · 3 h · from MNT 120,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Lake Khövsgöl Day Experience 8 h · from MNT 130,000
Where to stay in Khatgal
- Khatgal & Lake Khövsgöl Shore about MNT 150,000 per night
Lakeside ger camps and guesthouses at the southern tip of the lake — the classic base for trekking, riding and boating.
Hotels
- Toilogt Ger Camp 3-star · MNT 120,000 to MNT 250,000 per night
- MS Guesthouse Khatgal 2-star · MNT 35,000 to MNT 90,000 per night
Where to eat
- Khövsgöl Lake Lodge Restaurant Mongolian, International · about MNT 28,000 per person
Getting to Khatgal
Nearest airport: Mörön (MXV), about 87 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Boat
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in Mongolia
Frequently asked questions about Khatgal
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Khatgal?
- The highest-rated places in our Khatgal guide are Lake Khövsgöl (Khövsgöl Nuur), Jankhai Pass Viewpoint, Khatgal Village & Ice Festival Grounds.
- Where should I stay in Khatgal?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Khatgal: Khatgal & Lake Khövsgöl Shore.
- How do I get around Khatgal?
- Ways to get around Khatgal covered in our guide: Boat, Off-road vehicle, Walking.