Mongolia Northern Top Attractions

Huvsgul Lake-This is the second largest freshwater lake in the World, known as blue pearl of Mongolia. Lake Huvsgul is a 100 miles long pristine alpine lake located in the north of Mongolia about 900kms/559 miles from Ulaanbaatar, close to the Siberian border. The lake lies at an altitude of 1645m and is a rift valley some 262m deep; 136kms/85miles long 36.5km wide and have an area of 2760km2. The Lake is a protected as a National Park and is sacred to Mongolians who call it "Dalai Ej" the "Mother Sea". Lake Huvsgul is the second largest freshwater lake in Central Asia. Huvsgul water is crystal fresh and clear that you can drink the water and see points at as deep as 24.5m. About a hundred rivers and streams pour into Huvsgul lake, but only the Egiin River exits the lake. Entire lake is frozen from January to May. Lake Huvsgul inhabited by nine species offish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Taiga fauna and flora, taiga forest dwellers, Tsaatan, practicing rain-deer breeding are the main attractions for tourists. The lake attracts over 200 species of birds such as Baikal teal, bar-headed goose, black syork and Altai snowcock. The surrounding mountains are home to 68 species of mammal including musk deer, brown bear, lynx, marten, beaver, elk, reindeer, moose, argali, ibex and wolf. This is a wonderful place for walking and riding, fishing or simply sucking in the fresh air and spectacular views.

Darkhad Valley-This is the Mongolia's most impressive and remote scenery, in the far Northwestern remote village of Renchinlkhumbe of Darhad valley-this is the Land of the Tsaatan people. Although often rains here in the summer, this only adds to the lushness of the scenery, which consists of crystal-clear lakes and rivers, Taiga Siberian forest of larch and pine, and rich, green meadows. There are only 60 Tsaatan families, spread over of 100,000 sq km of northern Mongolia. They are truly nomadic, often moving from one place to another looking for special types of grass and most loved by the reindeer. They do not use Gers, but prefer Tents made from reindeer skin. Tsaatan practice shamanism.

Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Natural Park-is a National Protected Area in the Bulgan Province of Mongolia. It is located about 60kms/37miles directly west of Bulgan city around the extinct volcanoes Uran Togoo, Tulga Togoo, and Jalavch Uul. The area is situated in the Khutag-Öndör district of Bulgan Province. A smaller area was initially protected in 1965 by State Great Khural Resolution No. 17. In 1995, it was designated as a monument by Parliament Resolution No. 26 with an area of 5,800 hectares.

Amarbayasgalant monastery-is located in Selenge Province in northern Mongolia. The nearest town is Erdenet which is about 60kms/37miles to the southwest. Amarbayasgalant monastery was originally built in 1737 by the Manchurian king Kansu, who dedicated it to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor, Zanabazar. In the 1930s and were destroyed 10 of the 37 temples and statues. The monastery was restored between 1975 and 1990 with the help of UNESCO. You're welcome to watch the 30 resident monks conduct their daily ceremonies, compared to over 2000 in 1936. The temples were built inside 175m wide 207m long walls on three-staged land. Ceremonies are usually held at 10am, so arrive early or stay overnight to see them. A couple of new monuments – a golden Buddhist statue and a stupa – are situated on the hills behind the monastery. You could continue hiking up the mountains for even better views of the valley.