Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes)

A Chain of Alpine Lakes High in the Khangai Mountains

High in the Khangai range at roughly 2,400 metres elevation, Naiman Nuur — meaning “Eight Lakes” — is a cluster of volcanically formed alpine lakes protected since 1992 as part of the wider Khangai Nuruu National Park. Framed by larch and Siberian pine forest and alpine meadow, the lakes rank among the most remote and least-visited scenic destinations in central Mongolia.

Eight Lakes, Interconnected

The lakes — most commonly named Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Khuis, Onon, Doroo and Bayan Uul — sit between 500 metres and 3 kilometres apart, connected by underground water channels. Shireet is generally considered the largest and most beautiful of the group, though some local accounts count as many as nine lakes in the chain.

Reachable Only the Hard Way

True to its remote character, Naiman Nuur has no road access from the north; the approach from that direction is on foot or horseback only. Vehicles must instead loop around via Bat-Ölzii, roughly 130 kilometres, or the longer route via Khujirt at 260 kilometres, making this one of the more committed excursions in the Khangai region.

A High-Altitude Wilderness

The 11,500-hectare protected area sits within a landscape of alpine meadow and dense conifer forest, cool even in midsummer and prone to snow as early as August. Many multi-day treks combine Naiman Nuur with a visit to Tövkhön Monastery, roughly 35 kilometres northwest near the Orkhon Waterfall.

Gallery

• Trek or ride horseback between eight interconnected alpine lakes
• Camp in genuinely remote, rarely-visited high country
• Combine with a visit to Tövkhön Monastery en route
• Spot wildlife across pine forest and alpine meadow terrain