Khar-Us Lake
Lake Large western Mongolian lake supporting waterfowl
In western Mongolia’s Khovd Province, Khar‑Us Lake is a broad freshwater basin valued for migratory waterfowl, fishing and remote lakeside camps.
Khar-Us Lake (Khar-Us Nuur) is a large lake in western Mongolia’s lake region, located within Khovd Province. It is part of a chain of lakes that characterise the region’s steppe and basin landscape.
The lake and its surrounding wetlands are ecologically significant for migratory birds and local fisheries, and they are used seasonally by pastoral communities. Recreational infrastructure is limited and most visitation is local or for fieldwork.
The lake sits in the Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia and is accessed from provincial centres in Khovd; the surrounding landscape is largely steppe and semi-arid plains with scattered hills.
- Important bird and wetland area: Part of Mongolia's western lake system and the Great Lakes Depression, the lake and surrounding wetlands support migratory waterfowl and local fishing communities.
Tips for Visiting Khar-Us Lake #
- Visit in midsummer (July-September) when the lake is unfrozen and waterbird activity and wetlands are at their peak for birdwatching.
- Use Khovd city as the usual staging point and arrange local transport (4x4 or boat) through a guide or operator there - much of the shoreline and reedbeds are reached via rough tracks.
- Plan dawn or dusk outings for the best bird activity around the shallows; many independent visitors miss the reedbed colonies that require a short boat trip or a local guide to access.
Best Time to Visit Khar-Us Lake #
Visit in summer (June-August) when the lake is thawed and access/activities are easiest.
Weather & Climate near Khar-Us Lake #
Khar-Us Lake's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -27°C to 24°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
