One of the Top Destinations in the west
Khyargas Lake is located in the Uvs Valley, at an altitude of 1030 meters above sea level. The lake covers an area of 1407 square kilometers and is situated 90 kilometers southeast of Ulaangom, with a rocky bank in the south of Lake Uvs. The salt lake is 16 kilometers long, nine kilometers wide, and nine meters deep. It stretches amid the desert steppe, which dominates here despite the Zawkhan River due to the low rainfall. Lake
Khyargas is the fourth largest lake in Mongolia and an ideal place to relax, walk, fish, or swim for a few days after a long overland trip. The eastern bank is flat, a bit muddy, and covered with reeds, the other banks offer sand, gravel, and rocks. It is very suitable to swim on the northern bank. There is also a small spring here, on the edges of which some green sprout. Sometimes you can find a very good surface here to pitch your tent. In the distance, you can see the Turgen mountain range, which marks the beginning of the Altai Mountains.
The region around the lake has extreme ranges between the highest temperatures in summer and the lowest temperatures in winter. The water is quite pleasant in summer with mostly 21 degrees. The small Airag Lake (Airaq Lake) to the south is connected to the Khyargas Lake by a ten-kilometer-long canal. If you have a boat with you, you can paddle the distance in about four hours. For the tour through the desert steppe, you start on the northern-west bank of the lake. And you can see many cormorants along the way. The lake has been losing more and more water for several years. The reason is the construction of a hydropower plant. Despite the WWF’s advice that the ecosystem is being damaged, the facility still exists.
“Khetsuu Khad” Cliff
Located 230 kilometers south-east from the center of the province and 60 kilometers away from Zavkhan Sum, lies an awe-inspiring natural wonder that is sure to leave any traveler in amazement. Known as Hetsuu Khad, this 20-meter-high cliff extends over 5-7 kilometers underwater and can be found in the eastern part of Khyargas Lake. The top of the rocks that protrude out of the water resemble beautiful islands and are a haven for waterfowl to build their nests and lay their eggs.
According to a Russian tourist named A.V. Burdukov, who wrote in his diary, Hetsuu Khad is second only to Mongolia in terms of its unique natural formations and beauty. The lake itself is home to a variety of fish species such as Altai carp, Mongolian grayling, and sardines, which serve as the main food source for the birds that have built their nests on the Hetsuu rock. All in all, this natural wonder is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to witness the beauty of nature at its finest.
