White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur)

Mongolia's Volcanic Lake Beside the Dormant Khorgo Crater

Set within the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park in Arkhangai Province, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur — the “Great White Lake” — is the largest freshwater lake in the Khangai Mountains. Formed roughly 4,930 years ago when lava from the nearby Khorgo volcano dammed the Chuluut River, the lake and its surrounding volcanic landscape rank among central Mongolia’s most visually striking destinations.

Born From Fire

The 200-metre-tall Khorgo volcano last erupted around 8,000 years ago, and its lava field — now covered in larch forest on its northern slope — dammed the valley to create the 16-kilometre-long lake. A hiking trail leads to the rim of Khorgo’s crater, roughly 200 metres wide and 70 to 80 metres deep, with sweeping views back across the lake below.

A Ramsar Wetland of International Importance

Despite its modest size, the park contains over 6,000 hectares of wetlands recognised under the Ramsar Convention since 1997, supporting significant populations of migratory waterfowl. The lake itself reaches depths of up to 20 metres, though much of it is shallow enough to freeze solid through the long Mongolian winter, giving the lake its name.

Basalt Formations and Legend

Along the shoreline, distinctive basalt rock formations known locally as “basalt yurts” mark where ancient lava cooled into geometric columns. Mongolian folklore explains the lake’s formation more simply: legend tells of a giant who hurled a rock that gouged out the valley, leaving behind a gleaming white surface.

Gallery

• Hike to the rim of the dormant Khorgo volcano crater
• Camp beside the lake for sunset views over the water
• Spot migratory waterfowl in the Ramsar-listed wetlands
• Explore the basalt "yurt" rock formations along the shore