The Most Attractive Destination
Stunning “Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiyn Tsagaan Lake” National Park is located 165 kilometers away from Tsetserleg. This protected area nestled in the Khangai Mountains can be accessed by taking a picturesque westbound road that winds past beautiful lakes, through gorges, and high mountain valleys to Tariat. This is the starting point for a visit to the national park, which is a must-see destination for those traveling to northern Mongolia via Tosontsengel.
Terkhiyn Tsagaan Lake
Most travelers come to the national park for the breathtaking Terkhiyn Tsagaan Lake, also known as the Great White Lake, and the Khorgo Volcano Mountain, both of which are around 7200 years old. The Terkhiyn Tsagaan Lake is located at an altitude of 2020 meters and stretches for sixteen kilometers in length and five kilometers in width.
The north shore of the lake is flanked by towering mountains, while the south shore and the east and west sides feature a flat plain. Anglers, in particular, love the lake’s abundance of pike, though this has decreased over the years. The lake is easily accessible, very clean, and perfect for a refreshing swim. For tourists, Terkhiyn Tsagaan Lake is one of the most impressive natural wonders of Mongolia, and it is ideal for camping.
Khorgo Volcano Crater
One of the highlights of the national park is the approximately five-kilometer route that circles the upper rim of the crater. This two-hour hike can be easily done without a guide and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The starting point for the hike is a parking lot on the west side below the volcanic cone, and it takes only ten minutes to walk up to the crater rim.
Lava Field
The surface of the lava field is riddled with cracks, and several lava tunnels or caves can be seen, indicating a lava flow below the surface. The main crater is about 50 meters deep and 800 meters in diameter. At the eastern foot of the extinct volcano, you can see black “heaps” of lava ash next to the road to the tourist camps, making for a popular photo opportunity.
