Har Us Nuur National Park

Har Us Nuur National Park (Khar-Us Nuur) is a protected area in Khovd Province in western Mongolia that conserves lakes, wetlands and surrounding steppe. The park protects inland lake systems within the Great Lakes Depression and associated shore habitats.

Shorelines, reedbeds and shallow bays support a diversity of waterbirds and wetland plants, and the lakes are used seasonally by migratory species. The landscape combines open water, wet meadows and steppe, offering wildlife observation rather than developed visitor services.

The national park was established to conserve lake and wetland ecosystems and the fauna they support, with management aimed at protecting water quality and breeding habitat for birds. The area is important for regional biodiversity and traditional pastoral uses in surrounding areas.

Har Us Nuur NP lies in western Mongolia’s Great Lakes region in Khovd Province, occupying lake basins and surrounding steppe in an inland, semi-arid part of the country.

• Important bird habitat: Recognised for its lakes and wetlands that provide staging and breeding habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds in western Mongolia.

Reaching Har Us Nuur generally requires travel to the provincial capital Khovd followed by multi‑hour trips by 4x4 along unpaved roads. Many visitors hire guides in Khovd who combine the journey with visits to other western Mongolian lakes and nomadic camps.

• Hire a local driver and guide in Khovd province - roads are rough and seasonal; a local driver knows which routes are passable and where nomadic camps can host overnight stops.
• Bring insect repellent and lightweight rain gear in summer: mountain lakes can produce sudden flurries and an astonishing number of mosquitoes.
• If birding, plan visits for early morning or late afternoon when shorebirds and waterfowl concentrate on the shallow lakes.