Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
🏞️ TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE – THE GREAT WHITE LAKE OF ARKHANGAI
Located in central Mongolia’s Arkhangai Province, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, also known as the Great White Lake, is a stunning freshwater lake formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Nestled within the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park, the lake offers breathtaking scenery, a peaceful atmosphere, and rich biodiversity.
This hidden gem is surrounded by rolling hills, volcanic craters, and nomadic herder families, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking authentic Mongolian experiences.
📌 QUICK FACTS
Icon | Detail |
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📍 Location | Tariat Soum, Arkhangai Province |
🗻 Elevation | ~2,060 meters (6,758 feet) |
🌋 Origin | Volcanic (Khorgo Volcano) |
📏 Size | ~16 km long, 4-6 km wide |
🐟 Wildlife | Lenok, grayling, migratory birds |
🗓️ Best Season | June to September |

🌟 HIGHLIGHTS
🌊 Volcanic Lake: Formed by lava flow from the Khorgo volcano.
🛶 Water Activities: Fishing, kayaking, and boating.
⛺ Camping & Ger Stays: Sleep under stars in a peaceful setting.
🐦 Birdwatching: Home to migratory birds and native waterfowl.
✨ SPECIAL FEATURES
🌋 Khorgo Volcano: A nearby extinct volcano with panoramic summit views.
🔥 Lava Formations: Unique volcanic rock shapes and basalt cliffs.
🐎 Nomadic Culture: Interact with local herders and experience steppe life.
📷 Photography Paradise: Crystal-clear reflections and dramatic skies.
🗺️ NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
🌋 Khorgo Volcano Crater – A 200m-wide crater you can hike to.
🛕 Zayain Khüree Monastery – A restored religious site in Tsetserleg.
🐑 Nomadic Camps – Visit yak and sheep herders living around the lake.
🛣️ Chuluut River Canyon – Impressive basalt canyon just south of Tariat.
🙋 FAQ
❓ How do I get to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake?
It’s a ~10-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar via Tsetserleg and Tariat. 4WD is recommended.
❓ Can I swim in the lake?
Yes, the water is clean and safe, though cold even in summer.
❓ Are there ger camps nearby?
Yes, several tourist ger camps operate around the lake in summer.
❓ Is the area protected?
Yes, the lake and volcano are within a national park.
❓ Are there hiking trails?
Yes, to Khorgo crater, lava fields, and panoramic viewpoints.
🧳 VISITOR TIPS
🧥 Dress in layers: Mountain weather is unpredictable.
🧭 Bring GPS or maps: Remote areas have limited signage.
📷 Camera ready: Ideal for sunrise, sunset, and Milky Way shots.
🐴 Go horseback riding: Hire local guides to explore the area.
🛏️ Book ahead in summer: Ger camps can fill during peak season.
🌍 WHY VISIT TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE?
🌋 Experience Mongolia’s unique volcanic landscape.
🧘♀️ Find peace and beauty far from crowds and cities.
🐦 Enjoy a nature-rich habitat with birds, fish, and steppe wildlife.
🐐 Connect with nomadic life and stay in traditional gers.
📚 Perfect for eco-tourists, families, and adventure seekers.
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is a natural jewel in the heart of Mongolia—wild, untouched, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hiking a volcano, sipping milk tea with nomads, or gazing at stars over still water, this is a place to reconnect with nature and yourself.
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