Khövsgöl aimag centres on Lake Khövsgöl, a long freshwater lake held in a forested rift valley. Hatgal at the southern tip is the main tourist strip, with ger camps, kayak hire and boats to the opposite shore. The water is cold even in summer, but clear, and the hills behind the lake hold larch forest and trails towards the Darkhad Depression.
Hatgal can feel busy in August when domestic tourists arrive, so book camps early. Boat trips to the west shore shorten access to quieter bays. Even strong swimmers should respect the cold water and wear a life jacket on organised kayak outings.
Forest trails above Hatgal climb through larch woods to viewpoints over the lake, and shore paths link camps along the southern bays. Morning mist on the water often clears by mid morning when kayak trips head out.
On the lake and in the taiga
Kayaking, shore hikes and guided trips towards reindeer herder camps in the west. Khövsgöl is the focus of northern Mongolia.
Booking on adventuro
Use the Book here tab for trips based in Hatgal or meeting flights at Murun.
