Lake Khoton is a high-altitude lake situated at 2,080 meters, north of the Mongolian Altai mountain range, within the Altai Tavan Bogd massif. Connected to Lake Khurgan by a short channel, it extends across approximately 50 km² at the heart of a 1,341 km² glacial cirque surrounded by snow-capped peaks and moraines. It is one of Mongolia's most remote lakes, at the country's far western edge, in Bayan-Ölgii province.

Why visit Lake Khoton

Lake Khoton offers a rare landscape in Mongolia: a large freshwater lake framed by high peaks, larch forests and alpine meadows. Its average depth reaches 26 meters, and its waters remain frozen for much of the year, with winter ice thickness reaching 1.7 meters.

The site's appeal lies in several elements:

• a pristine mountain setting, in immediate proximity to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park;
• diverse birdlife nesting in the dense forest bordering the shoreline;
• a small wooded island emerging in the middle of the lake, covered with trees and shrubs;
• the seasonal presence of Kazakh and Tuvan encampments in the surrounding valleys;
• fish-rich waters, the lake being renowned for fishing due to the abundance of species living there.

What to see and do

The lake and its hydrology

Lake Khoton is fed by around a dozen rivers, including the Chuluut, Zagastai and Black Khovd (Kara Khovd), which originates in the Altai glaciers. Khoton's waters then drain into the neighboring Lake Khurgan, together forming a major hydrographic system in the Khovd basin.

In late spring, melting ice and snow raise water levels and open up the landscape. In winter, the frozen surface takes on the characteristic greenish and gray hues of high-altitude lakes.

The wooded island and shorelines

A small island covered with trees and shrubs emerges in the middle of the lake. The banks are lined by dense forest, primarily composed of larches, which serves as habitat for several species of waterfowl and forest birds. It is one of the rare forested areas in western Mongolia, generally dominated by open steppe.

Fishing and hiking

Spin fishing is practiced here for char, pike and Altai char. The shorelines are also suitable for hiking and horseback trekking, particularly on the Khoton–Khurgan route, accessible in 1 to 2 days depending on the itinerary.

When to visit Lake Khoton

The visiting window is narrow. The area remains accessible mainly between June and early September, when trails are passable and temperatures permit camping. July and August offer the most stable conditions, with cool nights at altitude.

In winter, trails become impassable for standard vehicles and access is reserved for guided expeditions. In spring, marked by snowmelt, many rivers become uncrossable.

Practical information

• Altitude: 2,080 m
• Lake surface area: approximately 50 km²
• Average depth: 26 m
• Setting: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Bayan-Ölgii province
• Accommodation: seasonal ger camps, camping under canvas, homestays with Kazakh herders
• Permit: entry to the national park is subject to a modest fee, payable at the ranger station

Pack complete equipment: cool nights even in summer, frequent wind, no mobile network and no shops on site.

How to reach Lake Khoton

Access is from Ölgii, capital of Bayan-Ölgii province, itself connected to Ulan Bator by domestic flight (approximately 3 hours, several flights per week). From Ölgii, allow 8 to 10 hours of rough track in a 4x4 heading southwest via Tsengel to reach the lake shore. The road is unpaved and crosses several fords.

A local guide and driver familiar with the region are essential: signage is non-existent and trails change from season to season.

What to see in the region

Lake Khoton naturally combines with other sites of interest in Mongolia to extend your journey:

• Lake Khagiin Khar, another high-altitude lake in a forested setting;
• The Turkish memorials of Khöshöö Tsaidam, testimonies to the history of the steppes;
• Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulan Bator, a typical stop on the return;
• Gunj Temple, for contrast with eastern monastic architecture.

On site, in the west, the lake fits naturally into a circuit with the Altai petroglyphs and the Tavan Bogd peaks, accessible from the same axis.

Plan your trip to Mongolia

Lake Khoton is one of the finest objectives in an itinerary through the Mongolian Altai, to combine with an encounter with Kazakh herders and their hunting eagles. To build a tailor-made stay including this remote region, explore our journeys through Mongolia.