Welcome to beautiful Lake Khuvsgul in northern Mongolia. Having driven from Murun earlier in the day, where we first stopped at the Uushigiin Uver Deer Stones, my tour guide and I arrived at Lake Khuvsgul around midday. This spectacular freshwater lake is surrounded by forests, mountains and vast open landscapes that make it one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
One of the highlights of my trip around Mongolia was taking a 90-minute cruise on beautiful Lake Khuvsgul, often called the ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia’. If you’re planning a visit to Lake Khuvsgul National Park, a boat cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate the sheer size and natural beauty of the lake.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: LAKE KHUVSGUL BOAT CRUISE
- Where is Lake Khuvsgul?
- How Do I Book a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
- How Much is the Ticket for a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
- How Long is the Cruise on Lake Khuvsgul?
- What Will I See on the Cruise on Lake Khuvsgul?
- Is the Lake Khuvsgul Cruise Worth Doing?
- What Should I Take for a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
- Is the Water Rough on a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Khuvsgul?
- Can I Visit Lake Khuvsgul Independently?
- Where Should I Stay near Lake Khuvsgul?
- Conclusion
| 📌 QUICK FACTS FOR YOUR LAKE KHUVSGUL CRUISE | |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location: Northern Mongolia, close to the Russian border | 🎟️ Ticket Office: In the town of Khatgal |
| 💰 Ticket Price: 40,000 tugrik (around US$12) | ⏰ Cruise Duration: Around 90 minutes |
| 🚢 Cruise Route: Circular route to and from Khatgal | ⭐ Worth Visiting? An absolute highlight of a trip to Mongolia |
If you’re planning a visit to Lake Khuvsgul National Park, a boat cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate the sheer size and natural beauty of the lake. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Where is Lake Khuvsgul?
Lake Khuvsgul is in northern Mongolia, close to the Russian border, around 100 kilometers northwest of Murun. Stretching approximately 136 kilometers from north to south, it is Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake by volume and contains around 70% of the country’s fresh water.
Surrounded by the Khuvsgul Mountains and dense pine forests, the lake forms the centerpiece of Lake Khuvsgul National Park and attracts visitors looking for spectacular scenery, hiking, horseback riding and boating.
How Do I Book a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
Most visitors book their cruise through their tour company, hotel or ger camp. If you’re traveling independently, it’s usually possible to arrange a cruise directly at the main tourist area near Khatgal during the summer season.
Several boats operate on the lake, with departures depending on weather conditions and passenger demand. There is a ticket office on site at Khatgal and you can buy tickets reasonably easily. However, it is best to buy tickets in advance just to make sure that you get your preferred date and time, especially during the peak summer season.
What we did was arrive about 90 minutes before the start of the cruise. My tour guide bought tickets for us and then we went to relax with some coffee just down the road from the ticket office.
How Much is the Ticket for a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
At the time of my visit, tickets cost 40,000 tugrik per person, approximately 12 US dollars. As prices can change, it’s worth confirming the current price at the ticket office before your cruise.
How Long is the Cruise on Lake Khuvsgul?
The standard sightseeing cruise lasts around 90 minutes, providing plenty of time to leave the shoreline behind and experience the tranquility of Mongolia’s most famous lake. The leisurely pace allows passengers to relax, take photographs and admire the stunning mountain scenery reflected in the incredibly clear water. I was surprised at just how clear the water is and the stunning beauty of this part of Mongolia.
The boat cruises in a circular route, heading north from Khatgal before returning to the same point at which you embarked on the boat.
What Will I See on the Cruise on Lake Khuvsgul?
The main attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful clear water of Lake Khuvsgul, followed by the scenery surrounding the lake. Towering mountains rise from the shoreline while forests stretch almost to the water’s edge. On calm days, the lake becomes almost mirror-like, creating beautiful reflections that photographers will love.
Depending on the weather, you may also spot water birds along the shoreline, traditional wooden boats and the occasional horseback rider exploring the surrounding countryside.
Although the boat cruise doesn’t include major sightseeing stops, the constantly changing views make the journey enjoyable from beginning to end.
Is the Lake Khuvsgul Cruise Worth Doing?
Absolutely. While it’s possible to admire Lake Khuvsgul from the shore, being out on the water provides a completely different perspective. The vast size of the lake becomes much more apparent once you’re away from land, and the peaceful surroundings create an experience that’s difficult to forget.
For many visitors, as for me, the cruise will become the highlight of your time in northern Mongolia.
What Should I Take for a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
Even during summer, temperatures on the lake can feel noticeably cooler than on shore, especially if there’s a breeze. It was a beautiful sunny day when I did the cruise but I still had a long-sleeved shirt under my golf shirt. I found it to be warm enough for shorts.
For your cruise on Lake Khuvsgul, I recommend taking a light jacket or windbreaker, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat (since you will be on deck for quite some time on the cruise), drinking water and your camera or smartphone.
Is the Water Rough on a Lake Khuvsgul Cruise?
Weather on Lake Khuvsgul can change quickly. On calm days the cruise is extremely smooth, but stronger winds can create noticeable waves. Cruise operators monitor conditions carefully and may delay departures if the weather becomes unsuitable.
We were lucky on the day that we did the cruise in that the weather was sunny and quite warm. However, the following day was cold and miserable, so much so that we just stayed at the Double Lakes Resort for the day rather than venturing out in that weather.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, you may wish to bring medication, although many cruises take place in relatively calm conditions.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lake Khuvsgul?
The best time to enjoy a Lake Khuvsgul cruise is during the warmer months from June through September. Summer offers the most reliable boat services, comfortable temperatures and long daylight hours. July and August are the busiest months, while June and September often provide fewer crowds and equally beautiful scenery.
Can I Visit Lake Khuvsgul Independently?
While many visitors arrive on organized tours to Lake Khuvsgul, independent travelers can also reach Khatgal and arrange accommodation, cruises and other activities locally.
Having your own transport offers greater flexibility, although many roads in northern Mongolia remain untarred and can be challenging after heavy rain.
Where Should I Stay near Lake Khuvsgul?
Most visitors stay in either Khatgal or one of the nearby lakeside ger camps. Staying close to the lake allows you to enjoy peaceful early mornings, beautiful sunsets and easy access to cruise departures. Many accommodations can also arrange additional activities, including horseback riding, hiking and kayaking.
When I stayed near Lake Khuvsgul, I chose to stay at the quite lovely Double Lakes Resort right on the edge of the water. While a little more expensive than a ger camp, I particularly enjoyed its lakeside setting, peaceful atmosphere and comfortable rooms, especially after staying in so many other yurt camps around Mongolia on my travels.
Conclusion
A 90-minute cruise on Lake Khuvsgul is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience one of Mongolia’s greatest natural treasures. The scenery is breathtaking, the atmosphere is peaceful and the views from the water provide a perspective that simply isn’t possible from the shoreline.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a longer Mongolian itinerary or making the journey specifically to experience Lake Khuvsgul National Park, I highly recommend adding the cruise to your plans. It’s a relaxing experience that showcases why Lake Khuvsgul is known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia and was one of the highlights of my trip to Mongolia.
Find the Ticket Office for the Lake Khuvsgul Cruise on Google Maps.
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)