Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Khoton Nuur Region
This is one of the most beautiful regions in the park, with the scenery growing more
spectacular the further west you travel. The area is best explored on foot or horseback.
Kazakh families living around Khoton Nuur in summer can rent you horses.
Khoton Nuur
LAKE
The southern shore along Khoton Nuur has excellent camping spots, especially around
Ulaan Tolgoi
, the spit of land that juts majestically into the lake. The northern tip of the
lake is marked by
Aral Tolgoi
(Island Head), a unique hill surrounded by verdant pas-
tureland and rocky escarpments. A border station at the northern end of the lake will
check to see if your border permit is in order.
Coming around the southern shore of Khoton Nuur, you can camp in secluded coves
or explore the valleys that lead towards China. There are some difficult river crossings on
your way back to Syrgal.
Khurgan Nuur
LAKE
The shoreline of Khurgan Nuur is dry and exposed. Few people travel along its southern
shore, but if you are going this way there is a stupa-like construction and several burial
sites. Nearby is a
balbal
(GPS: N 48°32.006', E 88°28.549')
.
Archaeological Sites
HISTORIC SITES
Numerous archaeological sites dot the region. Mogoit Valley contains a moustachioed
balbal
(GPS: N 48°44.099', E 88°38.930')
and a Kazakh cemetery with an interesting
beehive-shaped mausoleum about 2km to the north. Another
balbal
(GPS: N 48°39.506', E
88°37.863')
can be found south of Mogoit Valley, on the way to Khurgan Nuur. More in-
teresting Kazakh cemeteries and ancient burial mounds are easily spotted from the road.
Rashany Ikh Uul Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS
(GPS: N48°55.655', E88°14.288'; admission US$10)
About 25km northwest of Khoton Nuur
you can visit Rashany Ikh Uul, an area of 35 hot springs. The springs are only just luke-
warm.
Khoton Nuur to Tavan Bogd
TREKKING
Northwest of Khoton Nuur the mountains close in and there's some fine hiking possibil-
ities. For experienced backcountry walkers, it is even possible to travel up river to Tavan
