Mongolia is blessed with vast natural beauty. From open plains where wild horses roam, to stunning mountains of golden sand dunes, to rolling green hills with gentle streams winding their way through the countryside. Perhaps, however, no place comes close to the natural beauty of Lake Khuvsgul in northern Mongolia, close to the border with Russia.
Few places capture that spirit better than Double Lakes Resort, nestled on the shores of Lake Khuvsgul in the country’s far north. Often called the ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia’, Lake Khuvsgul is one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes by volume, and the deepest lake in Mongolia. While the lake itself is stunning, it is the serene setting of Double Lakes Resort, between two glacial lakes connected to Lake Khuvsgul, that delivers a truly relaxing experience.
As part of my extensive tour around Mongolia, I spent one evening in Murun, staying at the quite lovely 50 100 Hotel. The following morning, after visiting the Uushigiin Uver Deer Stones and the 50N 100E marker, my Mongolian tour guide and I drove to Lake Khuvsgul for the afternoon cruise on the lake.
After we had enjoyed the boat cruise on Lake Khuvsgul we headed to Double Lakes Resort, a drive of around one hour from Khatgal to the resort located on the western shores of Lake Khuvsgul. When I was planning my trip around Mongolia, I specifically requested that my tour guide book the Double Lakes Resort. Having seen Double Lakes Resort on TripAdvisor, I was looking forward to the two nights that I would be spending at the resort.
Double Lakes Resort is intentionally simple yet warmly inviting. Guests can choose between traditional Mongolian yurts and modest cabins, both designed to blend with the natural environment. Having stayed in yurts for most of my tour around Mongolia so far, I was looking forward to staying in a traditional ‘hotel room’ with modern amenities.
The yurts at Double Lakes Resort are spacious, sitting on solid bases right alongside the water. Inside, they’re cozy and comfortable, with thick felt insulation and handcrafted furnishings that reflect nomadic heritage. However, the cabins are slightly more modern but still connected to the outdoors through large windows and natural wood interiors with good views over Lake Khuvsgul.
The heart of the stay at Double Lakes Resort, and the reason for your visit to this part of Mongolia, is Lake Khuvsgul. The lake’s clarity is legendary: you can easily see deep into its turquoise depths on a calm morning. Kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming are favorite activities when the weather permits. During summer, cool breezes make lake exploration invigorating, while autumn’s misty mornings create a peaceful, reflective mood that invites contemplation. In winter, when the entire region freezes into a crystal landscape, activities shift to ice skating, long-distance skiing and horse sledding, offering a completely different way to experience Mongolia’s winter wilderness. My tour guide was telling me that in winter he is able to drive his 4X4 Land Cruiser onto the frozen lake, reflecting just how cold it gets in this part of Mongolia during the winter months.
Dining at Double Lakes Resort reflects Mongolia’s hearty culinary traditions with fresh local ingredients. My tour guide and I were served a three-course meal: fresh salad, chicken and rice and a cream cake for dessert. Before dinner, upon our arrival at the resort, we enjoyed an afternoon cocktail while enjoying the stunning location of the resort alongside Lake Khuvsgul.
The real magic of Double Lakes Resort is its stillness. The resort is one of the last resorts on the western side of Lake Khuvsgul, giving it a feeling of isolation, away from other tourist resorts further south along the shores of the lake. With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is beautiful in its clarity: stars, meteors and the Milky Way stretching overhead like a luminous tapestry. Whether you’re seeking solitude, adventure or cultural depth, this hidden gem on Lake Khuvsgul’s shores offers one of Mongolia’s most immersive travel experiences.
What I really enjoyed, on the afternoon that we arrived and before the miserable weather of the following day, was just sitting on the deck over the lake and admiring the expansive views, transfixed on the beautiful blue sky and crystal-clear water. Even the beautiful multi-colored Adirondack chairs contrasted nicely with the blue of the water and the orange kayaks tempting you for an afternoon paddle on the lake.
For the second day of our stay my tour guide and I were planning to do another boat cruise on Lake Khuvsgul, this time with a smaller, private boat. However, the weather that day was overcast, rainy and cold so I decided not to venture out in that weather, so we just relaxed around the resort after a hearty breakfast.
While I generally enjoyed my stay at the resort, I feel that the price charged cannot be justified. As I explained on my TripAdvisor review of Double Lakes Resort, there are a few issues that need to be rectified before the resort could be considered truly great. However, all things considered, if I was to return to Lake Khuvsgul, I would likely choose to stay at Double Lakes Resort again, if only for the serenity of the location and the stunning views over Lake Khuvsgul.
Two Lakes Resort is not about extravagance or five-star indulgence. It’s about location, atmosphere and authenticity. When you are traveling through Mongolia and want to experience the country’s natural beauty in a peaceful and meaningful way, this hidden retreat between two lakes is well worth the journey.
Find Double Lakes Resort on Lake Khuvsgul on Google Maps.
Search for your accommodation on Lake Khuvsgul by clicking in the box below.
My visit to Mongolia, outside of the capital, was coordinated by Molomjamts Naranzul, someone who I now consider a good friend. Find Molomjamts Naranzul on Instagram, from where contact may be started by direct message.
Consider reading the other posts on Mongolia by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in June 2025)