🏞️ Khoton Lake
The Jewel of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Explore Khoton Lake – Trekking, Nomadic Life & Mountain Scenery
Khoton Lake (Khoton Nuur) is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, located in Bayan-Ölgii Province of western Mongolia. Nestled at an elevation of around 2,100 meters, Khoton Lake lies at the foot of the Five Sacred Peaks, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, green summer pastures, and pristine wilderness.
Together with nearby Khurgan Lake, Khoton Lake forms the scenic heart of the park and is a key destination for trekking, horse riding, camping, and cultural travel.
🏞️ Landscape & Natural Beauty
Khoton Lake is a freshwater alpine lake fed by glacial meltwater from the surrounding Altai Mountains.
- 🌊 Deep blue to turquoise water depending on light and season
- 🏔️ Dramatic backdrop of snow-covered peaks and glaciers
- 🌾 Open meadows and steppe along the shoreline
- 🌅 Spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and night skies
The lake’s calm surface often reflects the surrounding mountains, making it one of the most photogenic locations in Mongolia..
🌊 Connection to Khurgan Khurgan Lake
Khoton Lake is naturally connected to Khurgan Lake by a short, narrow channel.
- Together they form the Khoton–Khurgan Lake system
- Ideal base area for multi-day treks
- Easy walking and riding routes between the two lakes
Many travelers camp between the lakes, enjoying panoramic views and peaceful isolation.
🐎 Nomadic Life & Cultural Experience
During summer months, the shores of Khoton Lake become home to Kazakh nomadic families who migrate here with their livestock.
Visitors can experience:
- 🛖 Traditional ger (yurt) stays
- 🐎 Daily nomadic life with horses, yaks, sheep, and goats
- 🍲 Homemade Kazakh and Mongolian dishes
- 🫖 Warm hospitality and cultural exchange
Staying with a nomadic family near Khoton Lake is often described as one of the most meaningful experiences in the Altai.
🐾 Wildlife & Birdlife
The Khoton Lake area supports diverse wildlife thanks to its clean water and rich pastureland:
- 🦅 Golden eagles and other raptors
- 🦆 Water birds and migratory species
- 🦊 Foxes, marmots, and small mammals
- 🐟 Fish species supporting local fishing
Wildlife is most active early in the morning and near quiet shoreline areas.
🥾 Activities Around Khoton Lake
Khoton Lake is a central hub for outdoor adventure within Altai Tavan Bogd National Park:
- 🥾 Hiking & trekking (lakeside and mountain routes)
- 🐎 Horse trekking to nearby valleys and passes
- 🏕️ Camping in pristine nature
- 🎣 Fishing (seasonal, with permission)
- 📸 Landscape & cultural photography
- 🧭 Base for trips to glaciers and mountain viewpoints
The terrain around the lake is suitable for moderate fitness levels, making it accessible yet adventurous.
🚙 Access & Travel Style
- Access via Ölgii town in Bayan-Ölgii Province
- Long off-road drives inside the park
- 4WD vehicles required
- Accommodation: Camping & nomadic homestays only
Khoton Lake is usually visited as part of multi-day Altai Tavan Bogd expeditions, often combined with:
- Eagle hunter family visits
- Baga Turgen Waterfall trekking
- Petroglyph sites
⭐ Why Visit?
✔ One of the most scenic lakes in Mongolia
✔ Set beneath the Five Sacred Peaks
✔ Authentic Kazakh nomadic culture
✔ Ideal for trekking, riding & camping
✔ Peaceful, remote, and unspoiled
📅 Best Time to Visit Khoton Lake
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| June – August | Best weather, nomadic life, trekking |
| September | Autumn colors, clear skies, photography |
| October – May | Cold, limited access, frozen landscapes |
- 👉 Best overall: July–August
- 👉 Best for photography & quiet travel: September
