Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, famously known as the 'White Lake,' is an impressive freshwater lake located in the Khangai Mountains of central Mongolia. It sits at an elevation of approximately 2,060 meters above sea level and was formed thousands of years ago when lava flows from the nearby Khorgo Volcano dammed the Terkh River. The lake extends about 16 kilometers in length and up to 6 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of around 20 meters. Its crystal-clear waters are abundant with fish species such as northern pike and lenok, making it a popular spot for sustainable fishing. The shoreline features a mix of volcanic rocks, sandy beaches, and expansive meadows where nomadic families frequently pitch their gers. The lake serves as a vital habitat and migratory stopover for numerous bird species, including great cormorants and various ducks. During winter, the lake freezes solid, with the ice often remaining until late spring. It is a key protected area within the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park.

Nearby cities

Tsetserleg

Tsetserleg translates to 'garden' and is considered one of the most beautiful provincial towns in Mongolia.

Tsenkher Hot Springs

Natural geothermal springs located in a lush mountain valley, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters.

Renchinlkhümbe

A remote village in the Darkhad Valley, famous for its shamanic traditions and proximity to the taiga.

Mörön

Mörön serves as the administrative center of the mountainous Khövsgöl province in the north.

Bayankhongor

Bayankhongor offers an extreme scenic diversity, from snow-capped peaks in the north to sandy deserts in the south.

Khatgal

A charming village on the southern shore of Khövsgöl Lake, serving as the main gateway for explorations in the region.

Tsagaannuur (Reindeer area)

The gateway to remote northern Mongolian taiga, home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders and a place of deeply rooted shamanistic traditions.

History & landmarks

Khorgo Volcano

The Khorgo Volcano is an extinct volcano in the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park.

Taikhar Rock (Taikhar Chuluu)

Taikhar Chuluu is a massive, 20-meter high granite block that mysteriously stands in the middle of the vast plain by the Tamir River.

Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)

The Orkhon Waterfall, locally known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, is the most famous waterfall in Mongolia.

Nature

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Lake Khövsgöl

Often referred to as the 'dark blue pearl' of Mongolia, it is the country's largest freshwater lake.

More places

Khangai Mountains

This green and water-rich mountain range in the center of the country is characterized by vast alpine meadows and dense larch forests.

Tsenkher Hot Springs

The Tsenkher hot springs are hidden deep in the forested mountains of the Arkhangai province.

🗺️

Tarvagatai Range

An extensive mountain range covered with dense coniferous forests, forming an important watershed in central Mongolia.

Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments in the Orkhon Valley are vital 8th-century stone inscriptions.

Deer Stones of Uushigiin Uvur

The Uushigiin Uvur complex in Khuvsgul Province preserves some of Eurasia's finest Bronze Age deer stones.

Darkhad Valley

An isolated basin in northern Mongolia, characterized by reindeer herders and dense forests.