National Parks in Mongolia
Explore breathtaking nature and unique wildlife in Mongolia's National Parks
National Parks in Mongolia
Altai Tavan Bogd
Altai Tavan Bogd is the tallest mountain in Mongolia reaching 4374 metres at its highest point, Khuiten peak. Famous for its massive glaciers (Potanin Glacier etc) and vast lakes, this picturesque mountain has become climbers’ favorite, both locally and internationally. Since first explored by Mongolian cilmbers back in 1956, over 700 people has climbed the mountain.
Location: Between Tsengel and Ulaankhus soum, Bayan-Olgii province.
Gobi Gurvansaikhan
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park consists of Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauties) massif including Baruunsaikhan, Dundsaikhan, Zuunsaikhan mountains. This national park has diverse and stunning nature and you can explore famous attractions such as Yol Valley, Khongor Sand Dunes, Khermen Tsav etc. Dinosaur fossils often found in the area, it is a home to rare animals including argali sheep, siberian ibex, snow leopard, beech marten, manul cat, lynx, and gobi camel.
Location: Dalanzadgad soum, Omnogovi province
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Located east to Ulaanbaatar, 50km away from the city, this is the closest National Park to the capital city of Mongolia. Beautiful green area and fascinating rock formations with numerous ger camps, hotel and restaurants, Terelj is the top destination for tourists. Main attractions include Turtle Rock and Khagiin Khar Lake. You can rent horses and camels as well as visit buddhist temples.
Location: Erdene soum, Tov province
Dariganga National Park
Established to protect Ganga Lake from desertifaction Dariganga National Park also includes attractions such as Shiliin Bogd Mountain, Altan-Ovoo Mountain, Steppe Cave, and Moltsog Sand Dunes. Known for its kurgan stelae (anthropomorphic stone stelae) this area has natural and historical value to it.
Location: Dariganga soum, Sukhbaatar province
Ikh Bogd Mountain
Ikh Bogd is the tallest mountain of the Gobi-Altai mountain range with its height reaching 3957 metres. Although located in gobi desert, this mountain shows great diversity with natural composition and has rich fauna and flora. You can experience all 4 seasons at the mountain in same day as it snows on top, rains downhill, heats over 30 degrees in the foothill. Also there’s two beautiful lakes created by earthquake that draws travelers’ attraction.
Location: Bogd soum, Bayankhongor province
Onon Balj Basin
Established to reserve Onon-Balj river this is the only area that has mixed forest with larch and pine. The river is a home to rare species such as lampreys, crayfish and pearl oyster as well as many roundfish. You can visit a couple of historical places near the river that related to Genghis Khan.
Location: Between Khentii and Dornod province
Orkhon Valley
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape sprawls along the banks of the Orkhon River. This area represents evolution of nomadic traditions over the last 2000 years with precious monuments. Main attractions include Orkhon inscriptions, Ruins of Khar Balgas, Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Tuvkhun Monastery, Ulaan Tsutgalan (Red Waterfall), and Remains of Mongol palace considered to be Ogodei Khan’s residence.
Location: Between Ovorkhangai and Arkhangai province
Khan Khukhii – Khyargas Lake
Known for its rich fauna and flora, Khan Khukhii mountain is worshipped because it is believed to prevent droughts when worshipped according to the history. As for Khyargas Lake, it has picturesque area including Khetsuu Khad which is a home to many migratory birds. Although ideal for bird watching, you can also enjoy medical spa on the northern shore.
Location: Uvs province
Khangai Mountains
Khangai Mountains is entirely lush forest-steppe area and it is a source to big rivers such as Orkhon, Selenge, Ider, and Zavkhan. Features include Otgontenger Khairkhan sacred mountain, Suvarga Khairkhan sacred mountain, and lots of springs. Rich with flauna and flora, you can spot deer, boar, skunk, manul cat, falcon and eagles.
Location: Across Arkhangai, Ovorkhangai, Bayankhongor, and Zavkhan province
Khar Us Lake
Protected due to its increasing shrinkage, Khar Us Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Mongolia. Surrounded by prairie, steppe, gobi desert, and snowy mountains, this area oozes beauty. The lake hosts wild ducks, geese, wood grouse, partridges, and other rare sea birds and it’s great for bird watching.
Location: Khovd province
Khovsgol Lake Basin
Established around Mongolia’s largest fresh water lake, Khovsgol Lake Basin National Park includes vast forest and Tsaatan (reindeer families), a dying breed with unique culture. The lake is rich with eurasian perch, lenok, burbot, and Hovsgol grayling, and one of the main fishing spots of Mongolia. Also during winter time, locals host an annual ice festival including ice sculpting, ice anklebone shooting, sumo wrestling on ice, horse sled races, skate competition, and reindeer race etc.
Location: Khovsgol province
Khugnu Tarna National Park
Due to its historical and cultural value, Khugnu Tarna natural reserve became national park in 2003. Main attractions include Khugnu Khan sacred mountain, Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes, Khugnu Tarni Monastery, and Shireet Tsagaan Lake. You can explore bronze age rock paintings near Khugnu Khan mountain and ride a camel through the sand dunes.
Location: Between Bulgan and Ovorkhangai province
Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
This national park consists of extinct volcano and freshwater lake. Khorgo volcano erupted 8000 years ago and changed its surroundings once and for all. Rich flora grew from under the ashes of lava field. As for the lake, it hosts several migratory birds, black goose being the main visitor. The area is a wonderful place to camp, swim, fish, and hike.
Location: Tariat soum, Arkhangai province
Khustain Nuruu
Khustai National Park was created to reserve Takhi (Przewalski's horse) and the last remaining wild horse species introduced to Mongolia back in 1992. They are considered to be the ancestors of Mongolian horses. Although went extinct in 1960, Takhi was reintroduced and now there are over 250 of them roaming the Khustai mountains.
Location: Between Altanbulag, Argalant, and Bayankhangai soum, Tov province
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