Khar Us Lake National Park

Khar Us Nuur, the black water lake, is the second-largest freshwater lake in Mongolia and among the shallowest, which is why it is nearly filled with reedbeds; the open water is fringed and broken by kilometres of reeds that shelter enormous numbers of breeding and migrating birds. Species include relict gull, Dalmatian pelican, bar-headed goose, swan goose and many ducks and waders, and the lake is a Ramsar site of international importance. Muskrat and wild boar live in the reeds. The park also covers neighbouring Khar and Durgun lakes and part of the Jargalant Khairkhan massif, where snow leopards and argali live. Access is by vehicle from Khovd, and boats through the reed channels are the way to see the birds properly, arranged with rangers or local herders.

What you actually see

• Reedbeds - kilometres of reed channels and islands.
• Breeding waterbirds - pelicans, geese, gulls and ducks in numbers.
• Boat channels - the way through the reeds to the open water.
• Jargalant Khairkhan - the mountain block in the park with argali and ibex.

When to go

May to September for birds; spring and autumn migrations bring the largest numbers. Summer is the breeding season with high activity. The lake freezes in winter and the park empties.

Honest expectations

There are no hides or visitor facilities; birding is done from the shore or by boat arranged informally. Mosquitoes in summer are severe around the reeds. Tracks are rough and 4x4 is needed. Bring your own optics and expect distances to be large.

Nearby

Khovd city is west; Khoid Tsenkher cave lies south.