Khyargas Lake

Khyargas Nuur is a big saline lake in the Great Lakes depression, fed by the Zavkhan river and with no outlet, so like the other lakes of the basin it concentrates salt. Its distinctive feature is Khetsuu Khad, a rock outcrop rising from the water near the northern shore where great cormorants, gulls and other birds nest in large colonies, and the noise and smell of the colony carry a long way. Hot springs rise near the shore at one point and are used by locals. The shoreline is stony and open, with cliffs in places and long shallow beaches in others, and the water is warm enough in late summer for swimming despite the salt. Herders bring livestock down to the surrounding pasture in summer, and fishing for the salt-tolerant osman happens where the river enters.

What you actually see

• Khetsuu Khad - the nesting rock with its cormorant and gull colonies.
• The salt lake - a large open water with stony and sandy shores.
• Hot springs - thermal water near the shore used by locals.
• Summer pasture - herding camps around the lake margins.

When to go

June to September; late summer gives the warmest water. Breeding season at the nesting rock runs through early summer and the colony should be watched from a distance. Wind is a constant on the open lake.

Honest expectations

Facilities are nonexistent beyond the occasional ger camp. Approaching the nesting rock closely disturbs the birds and should be avoided. The salt water leaves a crust on skin and gear. Tracks around the lake are rough and distances deceptive.

Nearby

Uvs Lake lies north; Zavkhan province and Otgontenger are southeast.