One of the natural highlights of Arkhangai province, the awe-inspiring Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park comprises two famous attractions: Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake or Great White Lake and dormant volcano Khorgo.

Understand

77267 hectares of Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake area is extremely rich in wildlife and flora, which was designated as a national park to protect the spectacular mountain scenery and endangered species.

The 2210 metre high Khorgo volcano is one of the 10 volcanoes in the national park, became extinct about 8000 years ago. The larch tree forest covers the northern slope of the volcano while its crater is 200 m in diameter, with a depth of 70-80 m.

Astonishingly beautiful, the clear water lake Terkhiin Tsagaan formed after lava flows from the volcanoes blocked the north and south water access from the Terkh Rivers. The lake is 16 km long, 6-10 km wide, 20m deep, and lies 2060 m above sea level.

Get in

By car: 660 km from Ulaanbaatar, 180 km northwest of Tsetserleg town, and just 4 km from Tariat soum of Arkhangai province.

By plane: There is no functioning airport in Tariat soum.

Do

Visitors climb the volcano and upon reaching the top, walk along the volcano rim with outstanding views of surrounding areas; a small village can be seen from the volcano as well as a bird's eye view of Terhkiin Tsagaan Lake.

There are some local family-run guest gers and ger camps (available between early June and late September) along the northern and eastern shores of the lake.

It is amazing to see the nomads settled on the slopes of the mountains in the south overlooking the beautifully calm lake. The national park is packed with nomads and their fenceless grazing herds of livestock including countless yaks.

Afternoon swimming in the lake, trekking, mountain climbing, fishing (need a permit), bird watching, motor boating, horse trekking, and nomad life experiences are the possibilities in the national park.

Buy

Nearby tour camps small sell various souvenirs and handicrafts that produced by locals. Jewellers that made of volcano's stone.

Eat

Tour camps offer traditional Mongolian dishes and some locals offer other unique products.

Sleep

Bringing your own tent and sleeping almost anywhere in the area is possible.

Go next

Go to Ugii Lake