🏞️ Dayan Lake
A Remote Alpine Lake on the Edge of Mongolia’s Highest Mountains
A Peaceful Gateway to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Dayan Nuur is a beautiful high-altitude freshwater lake located inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, in Bayan-Ölgii Province of western Mongolia. Situated at approximately 2,200 meters above sea level, Dayan Lake lies north of the famous Khoton–Khurgan lake system and closer to the Five Sacred Peaks of the Mongolian Altai.
Because of its location on the main access route into the park, Dayan Lake often serves as the first scenic introduction to Altai Tavan Bogd, while still remaining peaceful, uncrowded, and untouched.
🏞️ Landscape & Natural Beauty
Dayan Lake is renowned for its wide-open alpine setting and constantly changing colors.
- 🌊 Clear blue water reflecting surrounding mountains
- 🏔️ Snow-capped peaks visible on clear days
- 🌾 Rolling steppe and summer pastures around the lake
- 🌅 Spectacular sunrises, sunsets, and star-filled night skies
The lake’s open shoreline and broad horizons give travelers a strong feeling of space and solitude, characteristic of the high Altai.
🐾 Wildlife & Birdlife
Dayan Lake and its surrounding wetlands support a range of wildlife:
- 🦅 Golden eagles and birds of prey
- 🦆 Migratory water birds
- 🦊 Foxes, marmots, and small mammals
- 🐟 Fish species used by local herders
The lake is particularly attractive for birdwatching during spring and autumn migration seasons.
🥾 Activities
Dayan Lake is a versatile base for outdoor exploration:
- 🏕️ Lakeside camping
- 🐎 Horse trekking to nearby valleys and passes
- 🥾 Gentle hiking along the shoreline
- 🎣 Fishing (seasonal, with permission)
- 📸 Landscape & cultural photography
- 🧭 Starting point for trips deeper into Altai Tavan Bogd
The terrain around Dayan Lake is relatively gentle compared to the inner mountain valleys, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
🧭 Gateway to Altai Tavan Bogd
Dayan Lake plays an important logistical and scenic role:
- 🔗 Easily combined with Khoton Lake, Khurgan Lake, and glacier treks
- 🚙 Located on the main 4WD route into the national park
- 🏔️ Often the first or last campsite of Altai Tavan Bogd journeys
- 🧳 Ideal acclimatization stop before higher-altitude trekking
🐎 Nomadic Life
During summer months, Kazakh nomadic families migrate to the pastures around Dayan Lake with their livestock.
Visitors can experience:
- 🛖 Traditional ger (yurt) stays
- 🐎 Daily nomadic life with horses, yaks, sheep, and goats
- 🍲 Homemade Kazakh and Mongolian cuisine
- 🫖 Warm hospitality and cultural exchange
Many Altai Tavan Bogd itineraries include overnight stays near Dayan Lake, making it an excellent place to rest and acclimatize.oton Lake.
🚙 Access & Travel Style
- Access via Ölgii town in Bayan-Ölgii Province
- Long off-road driving required
- 4WD vehicles essential
- Accommodation: Camping & nomadic homestays only
Dayan Lake is typically visited as part of multi-day Altai Tavan Bogd expeditions, not as a standalone destination.
✨ Glance
- 📍 Location: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- 🌊 Lake type: Freshwater alpine lake
- ⛰️ Elevation: ~2,200 m
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Camping & nomadic stays
- 🚙 Access: 4WD only
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| June – August | Nomadic life, warm days, camping |
| September | Clear skies, autumn colors |
| October – May | Cold, frozen landscapes, limited access |
- 👉 Best overall: July–August
- 👉 Best for photography: September
⭐ Why Visit?
- ✔ One of the most scenic alpine lakes in western Mongolia
- ✔ Authentic Kazakh nomadic culture
- ✔ Peaceful, uncpoiled environment
- ✔ Ideal camping & acclimatization spot
- ✔ Gateway to Mongolia’s highest mountains