Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

It was a very windy day with wind speed more than 30km/hour. So I didn't walk round the lake nor hike up the nearby hills. It was 5°C anyway, too cold for a tropical man like me to hike. But still is deserve a 5 stars due to the beautiful surroundings.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake in Arkhangai Aimag is absolutely stunning! It’s about 680 km from Ulaanbaatar (10–12 hours by car), and the drive itself is beautiful, taking you through mountains, rivers, and traditional Mongolian countryside. I visited during the Naadam Festival, which made the experience even more special—locals celebrating, horse racing, and the vibrant culture added so much to the trip. We camped in the forest near the lake, which was peaceful and surrounded by nature. Waking up to the sound of birds and the calm water was unforgettable. Some facts: The lake was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago, and nearby you can also visit Khorgo Volcano (Khorgiin Togoo). It sits at an altitude of around 2,060 meters above sea level. The lake stretches about 16 km long and 4–6 km wide, with crystal-clear water perfect for fishing, boating, and photography. The surrounding area is protected as Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, known for its wildlife and unique volcanic landscapes. This place is truly one of Mongolia’s natural treasures. If you love camping, starry skies, and untouched beauty, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake should definitely be on your list!

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia. The road to the lake is paved, making it easy to get there. The lake itself is well-preserved with fresh, clear water and amazing views even on rainy days, it looks incredible. Nearby, there is a dead volcano with interesting volcanic rocks and visible signs of past eruptions, which adds to the unique scenery. However, the area has some problems. Several mediocre resorts spoil parts of the surroundings with trash and ugly buildings. These places are overpriced and offer little unreliable electricity and unhygienic accommodation. Some resort owners have even built illegal fences to restrict access to parts of the lake. More regulation is needed to keep the area clean and protect the environment. If that happens, this place can be even better. Overall, it’s worth visiting, especially for the natural beauty and the volcanic landscape.

Magical place so many good experiences

Beautiful lake and serene environment. Quite a bumpy ride to reach here but worth it for the views. A lot of flies during summer at certain areas.

What a cool lake to visit! Went in May 2019 and most of the lake was still frozen......super cool picture spot! Reminded me of Lake Tahoe in California...pristine crystal clear water, no ripples, just serene...peaceful.

Serene, picturesque and remote. Fantastic! Would love to go again one day. We went in late September and it was good autumn weather

Wonderful view, especially early in the morning (5 AM) …