LAKE HOVSGOL NATIONAL PARK
www.lakehovsgolconservancy.org
Implemented by
MONGOL
ECOLOGY CENTER
Funded by
European
Union
Partnerships for Enhanced
Engagement in Research
(PEER) Science
Trust for Mutual
Understanding
THE LAKE
LAKE HOVSGOL NATIONAL PARK
In northern Mongolia, where the Central Asian Steppe meets
the Siberian Taiga, Lake Hovsgol National Park preserves a place
of outstanding and pristine beauty. For centuries, nomadic families and their herds, who relied, and continue to rely, on the clean
waters and surrounding grasslands to sustain their traditional way
of life, have visited the shoreline of the Lake.
In 1992, 838,000 hectares of this stunning landscape were set
aside as Lake Hovsgol National Park. In 2011, the Park was expanded to 1,180,270 hectares when the upper headwaters of the
Uur River were made part of the Park. In recent years, this
spectacular landscape of water and mountains that is sacred to
so many has become the destination of more and more travelers,
from Mongolia and beyond. We come to Lake Hovsgol to sample
a small part of this enormous and diverse landscape, an opportunity that is increasingly rare and endangered in a rapidly changing
world. Today, and into the future, the park staff, many partners,
and the native peoples work together to help preserve the Park
for you and for future generations to enjoy.
the
Lake Hovsgol is one of the oldest and most beautiful lakes in the world.
Also referred to as Hovsgol Nuur or Lake Hovsgol, it has long been regarded as "the Blue Pearl of Mongolia." This exceptionally pristine lake
is 136 km long, 20 - 40 km wide, and up to 260 m deep; it contains
nearly 70% of all freshwater in Mongolia. Lake Hovsgol is one of 17 ancient lakes worldwide and is variously estimated at between 2 and 5 million years old. The outlet, Egiin Goi (River), flows south then east to join
the Selenge River, Mongolia's most extensive river system. The Selenge,
in turn, flows northward into Lake Baikal in Russia, the deepest lake in
the world.
Lake Hovsgol freezes over for many months during winter and, because of its proximity to the border, once served as a transport route for
trucks and cars that carried people and goods over the ice between
Hatgal and Russia, a practice now forbidden to prevent pollution.
WILDLIFE
THE MOUNTAIN AND FORESTS
Life thrives in Lake Hovsgol National Park. Among 68 species
of mammals, the Park is home to marmots, argali sheep, ibex,
brown bear, wolf, Siberian moose, sable, roe deer and perhaps
even the snow leopard. Winter challenges wildlife with temperatures far below freezing and snow that stops plant growth and
covers vegetation. So the brief summer season provides a quick
but critical opportunity to breed and gain strength, and many of
these animals might be seen with young as they eat and feed in
preparation for another winter. Birdlife is likewise varied and interesting. Most of the 244 species that visit the Park migrate long
distances between their nesting grounds here and warmer winter
refuges in distant countries. Park visitors often see eagles, kites,
swans, cranes, and a wide variety of ducks and songbirds. Because Lake Hovsgol contains low levels of nutrients and high
water clarity, it has low productivity and its fish community is quite
limited, especially when compared to that of Lake Baikal. Nine
fish species currently inhabit Lake Hovsgol. Species of interest to
fishermen include Eurasian perch, burbot, lenok, and the Hovsgol
grayling, a unique endangered species found nowhere else on
earth.
By Plane
Commercial flights between Ulaanbaatar and the Aimag
Capital of Murun provide for quick and easy access to
Lake Hovsgol. Murun is a 110-kilometer drive on a recent
ly-paved road from the village of Hatgal at the park's
southern entrance.
THE PEOPLE
Lake Hovsgol has been the home of nomadic pastoralists for
thousands of years. Their lifestyles represent some of the most
enduring traditions of Mongolia. Because the harsh climate,
which is dominated by long and very cold winters, severely limits
agriculture, semi-nomadic herding remains a dominant way of life.
Herders and their animals, sheep, goats, yak-cow mixes, and
horses, have long been part of the ecosystem in and around the
Park. Small family groups and their animals move around and
sometimes in and out of the Park based upon the season and the
availability of various grasses needed for grazing.
These present-day nomads of the steppe and taiga continue a
progression of religious beliefs that began thousands of years
ago. Hundreds of Bronze-Age ritual mounds and deer stones are
found throughout the region, symbolizing a cultural history that
witnessed the transition from early forms of worship and sacrifice
to Shamanism, a belief strongly guided by a reverence for nature
that is still practiced in this remote area.
The landscape around Lake Hovsgol is one of jagged mountains and forests. Snow-capped peaks of two mountain ranges
look down on the Lake. The Munkh Saridag range borders Russia
on the northern edge of the Park, and contains the highest peak
in the Park, Burenkhaan/Munkh Saridag (3,491m). The Horidal
Saridag range lies to the south and west of the Lake and is the location of the Horidal Saridag Strictly Protected Area, established
in 1997 to preserve high mountain wilderness and endangered
animals such as the argali and ibex. Public access to this Area is
very limited.
Lake Hovsgol is sacred to Mongolians, who call it "Dalai Eej" the "Mother Sea." To the north the highest peak of the Munkh
Saridag Range, Burehkhaan Uul, is known as "the Father" and, to
its left another peak, Khatan Khan Uul, is known as "the Mother."
Five additional peaks, Sarankhuu, Narankhuu, Odkhuu, Galkhuu
and Erdenekhuu, located on the left side of Burehkhaan Uul, are
considered to be children of the Mother and Father. Mongolians
have a strong spiritual belief that the Mother Sea and the Father
Mountain are the source of life.
The Park now includes the complete watershed of Lake Hovsgol and contains the transition zone between the Central Asian
Steppe, comprised of forests and grasslands, and the Siberian
Taiga, which is dominated by forests of larch underlain with permafrost. Mountain meadows are especially beautiful when
summer wildflowers add many colors to the landscape. Approximately 800 species of trees and plants have been found in the
Lake Hovsgol basin; more than 80 have been used for traditional
medicine and 10 for human consumption.
How to get here?
By Car
The park's main entrances are located in the villages of
Hatgal and Hankh soum. Drivers usually enter from
Hatgal side, which is 890 km from Ulaanbaatar.
Access to the village of Hankh and the northern
region of the Park is mainly across the Russia/Mongolia
border, which is located about 30 km north of Hankh.
A very primitive road runs along the east side of the
Lake and provides a way for determined travelers to make
the rigorous trip between the north and south regions of
J
the Park.
Limited bus service connects all areas of the Park with
Ulaanbaatar.
Entry fees are collected seasonally at entrance stations
located near Hatgal and north of Hankh.
Accommodations and services
Inside the Park, accommodations and meals are provided at a variety of ger camps and guest houses. Most are located in the southern portion of the Park along the Jankhai Pass and Huzuuvch roads adjacent to the southwestern shore of the Lake. Additional ger
camps are available along the southeastern shore and around the Village of Hankh at the north end of the Lake. Reservations should
be made in advance with individual camps. A list of ger camps is available from ww.hovsgoltourism.org
Outside the Park, in the gateway villages of Hatgal and Hankh, more ger camps and guest houses are available. Commercial services
that can be found around Hatgal include horse-back touring, bike and kayak rental, basic camping and other supplies, gasoline, and
souvenir shops. More limited services are available in Hankh.
Several international tour operators will provide travel to and accommodations at Lake Hovsgol, or include a visit to the Park as part
of a more extensive tour in Mongolia.
Additional information
Visitors to Lake Hovsgol National Park share this special place with the people who have long lived here. Consistent with Mongolian
tradition, nomadic herders move about the Park, herding their sheep, goats, yak-cow mixes, and horses to the best pastures as the
seasons change. Please respect their needs and their privacy.
Lake Hovsgol National Park
Map created by K. Mack James, April 2013
What to do in the Park
Sightseeing and nature study
Whether you are here for a day or a week, there is unlimited and
spectacular natural beauty to discover and learn about. Stop in at the
small visitor centers at Hatgal and Hankh to learn about Park resources; stroll on pathways and nature trails near the Lake; and talk with a
ranger about special places to visit.
Camping
Camping is an increasingly popular way to enjoy the Park. Along
roadways, all camping must be in designated campgrounds, which
are established mainly along the Jankhai Pass Road, but may also be
found along primitive roads at the north end of the Park. Campfires
are permitted only at designated campsites. Camping and campfires
are permitted throughout roadless areas of the Park; backcountry
travelers must remove all trash from the wilderness.
Hiking
The Park offers a great variety of rewarding hiking opportunities for
novice and experienced hikers. At present, few routes are signed
or maintained. Numerous unmaintained pathways are located
throughout the park; they are unmarked and can be confusing. At
present, guide service is recommended. If planning a trip without a
guide, get current information from rangers or commercial operators about routes and river crossings before setting out. Backcountry travelers are especially urged to be self-reliant and prepared for wilderness conditions. Cell phone and search/rescue
sen/ices are very limited.
Horseback riding Horseback riding is a Mongolian tradition. A
wide variety of guided horse trips are offered, and range from short
rides that last just a few hours to multi-day treks to the most
remote parts of the Park and beyond. Ger camp managers, tour
operators, and park staff can provide information and arrange
guided trips to meet individual interests. Be certain that all appropriate safety measures and information are provided by horse guides.
Biking on roads and mountain trails
Travel around Lake Hovsgol on a bicycle is becoming more popular
each year. Bicycles are available for rent in Hatgal and Hankh. Adventure-seeking visitors can rent or bring their own mountain bikes
for multi-day travel deep into the road-less areas of the Park. Such
travel can be hazardous, however, and is safest with a guide or
someone who knows the wilderness.
Boating and Boat tours
Many visitors to the southern portion of Lake Hovsgol enjoy a boat
tour of the Lake. Most climb aboard the Sukhbaatar, a ferry-sized
vessel, for a 60 - 90 minute scenic ride along the southern shores
of the Lake. This Russian made boat embarks from the Dood
modot bulan harbor near Hatgal several times a day during the
summer season. A variety of smaller boats is also available for similar tours; most are located near the dock area or along the Huzuuvch Road that extends into the Park a few km north from Hatgal.
Smaller boats can be rented for sight-seeing or fishing in the
Hankh area. Kayaks are also available for rent in Hatgal, Hankh,
and at some ger camps around the Lake. Visitors renting kayaks
should pay special attention to safety messages. Watch the
weather; calm waters can change to high waves very quickly.
Fishing
Recreational fishing is permitted in Lake Hovsgol National Park.
Visitors interested in fishing should get a permit from the soum administration (in Hatgal or Hankh) and get information about what
species may be taken and catch limits. Anglers are encouraged to
practice catch and release to ensure that fish populations remain
strong long into the future.