TWO SOUMS KHOVSGOL - taeve-supertramp.de
1
TWO SOUMS, or towns, lie within the park: Khatgal at the south end of the lake, and Khankh at the north end. Both were once busy with trade between the Soviet Union and northern Mongolia. Goods moved in both directions across the nearby border. Most of that trade ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The border crossing is still used, but is open only to Mongolian and Russian citizens. The economy of Khatgal, which serves as the main entry point to the national park, is increasingly based on tourism. In contrast, Khankh is extremely remote, and despite its beautiful natural setting, sees very little traffic. There is no scheduled boat service, and the single-track road from Khatgal is notoriously rough and boggy, due in part to the seasonal freezing and thawing of permafrost soils. Renchinlhumbe and Tsagaan Nuur are both in the Darhat Valley, outside the park. It is possible to drive to either town from Mo- ron. The trip takes about two days or longer, depending on water levels at river and stream crossings, many of which do not have bridges. Renchinlhumbe offers services similar to those of Khatgal: lodging, meals, post office, telephone, and small shops. Travelers making the Jigleg loop from Khatgal often include Renchinlhumbe as a rest stop and chance to re- supply. Tsagaan Nuur is a smaller community, and location of a commercial fishing operation. From there, trails lead north into the Sayan Mountain borderlands, home of the Dukha reindeer herders. From a visitor’s point of view, the western shoreline is perhaps the most appealing section of the park. Beaches of pebbles, delightful coves, flower meadows mixed with open stands of larch forest, good side-trip opportunities into the moun- tains above the lake, a famous medicinal mineral spring, and easy traveling on a smooth path all combine to make this an area of prime interest. A road follows the west shore for about 40 kilome- ters, passing tourist camps along the way. It is pos- sible to walk, ride, or drive the first section; beyond the road, travel is by horse or foot only. A day trip by foot or horse can be made by following the shoreline trail north from Khatgal until it meets the jeep road coming down to the lake from Jankhai Davaa pass. The road can be fol- lowed back to Khatgal, making a worthwhile loop. The classic tour of Khovsgol involves a loop trip up the lakeshore some 60 kilometers to Jigleg Gol, then over Jigleg Pass to the town of Renchin- lhumbe in the Darhat Valley, and back via one of the routes through the Khoridol Saridag Strictly Protected Area. The trip can be done in either di- rection. It takes ten days or more on horseback, and samples a broad range of Khovsgol landscapes. It is possible to follow the west shore trail past Jigleg Gol, all the way to the town of Khankh. The eastern shore is less visited, and quite differ- ent in character. An extremely rough road goes up the east shore of the lake to Khankh (driving time 10 to 12 hours) but does not follow the shoreline closely. The middle section of the eastern shore is a restricted access area, where any use beyond the road corridor requires special permits from the park. Hiking opportunities away from the lakeshore are as varied as the landscape, but challenging. Terrain can be rugged or boggy to the point of being impassible. There are virtually no foot- bridges, and river crossings during the wet season are sometimes a problem even on horseback. High mountain slopes can offer pleasant rambling through pristine tundra flowers, but even these slopes can be too wet for easy walking. Route selection is important. Major travel routes (like the Jigleg Pass trail) are marked by well-used and easily followed trails. Other routes require careful navigation. In general, horse travel and a local guide are recommended. Many of the park’s mountains can be climbed without specialized equipment, although inexperi- ence or poor judgement can turn any mountain into a dangerous one. It is important to remember that in Khovsgol, weather can change in a matter of minutes. Drenching rain, snow, hail, strong wind, and lightning are a concern even in sum- mer. The park has no rescue service. Mountain peaks often climbed near Khatgal include: Ikh Uul (2961 m) west of Hirbisteg Gol and Hirbist Uul (2515 m) just south of Ikh Uul. Munkh Sari- dag (3491m), the highest mountain in the Eastern Sayan, and also the park’s highest point, can be climbed from Khankh. A graceful pyramid that dominates the view at the north end of the lake, it is also called Buren Khan. The summit offers views into the adjoining Tunkinsdiya National Park in Siberia. Other area excursions include the Alag Tsar river mouth, an excellent bird habitat on the southeast corner of the lake about 30 kilometers from Khatgal. Farther east toward the soums of Chandaman Ondor and Tsagaan Oor, places of interest include two medicinal hot springs: Bolnain Rashaan and Ooriin Erhnii Rashaan; also the ruined (and perhaps soon to be recon- structed) Arig Monastery. Archeologic sites are scattered throughout northern Mongolia. Travelers driving north from Moron, particularly to the Darhat Valley, can find khereksurs (stone monuments), and oc- casional deer stones. One of the most impressive sites is Uushigiin over, 20 kilometers west of Moron. Information on these and other excursions is available at the visitor center in Khatgal. MAP AND GUIDE LAKE KHOVSGOL NATIONAL PARK 60 0000 66 0000 5 70 0000 5 64 0000 5 58 0000 54 0000 Khar Us Mineral Spring 4 A group of springs on the west shore of Lake Khovsgol provide abundant water valued for medicinal qualities. The water also supplies a lagoon fre- quented by waterfowl. Lake Khovsgol 2 The pure clear waters of Lake Khovsgol are an angler’s dream, where Siberian grayling and lenok are among the nine species of fish in the lake. Khoridol Saridag 3 Dramatic rock formations and the towering peaks of the Khoridol Saridag can be explored by horseback from Khatgal. Renchinlhumbe 5 The main town in the Darhat Valley has lodging, meals, petrol, post office, telephone, and medical clinic. Driving time from Moron is two days or more depending on river levels at crossings. Lake Khovsgol Visitor Center 1 Located in Khatgal, the park visitor center provides permits, maps, books and displays on the lake’s rich cultural and natural heritage. Darhat Valley 6 The Darhat Valley is one of three par- allel grabens, or rift valleys, created by the Baikal Rift System in northern Mongolia. Khovsgol Lake occupies the graben to the east. The Darhat once held a large lake. It is now an open land- scape of steppe, forest, and wetland. Lake Khovsgol and the Khoridol Saridag Range A computer-generated image combining Landsat photography and elevation data reveals the rugged topography of the Khoridol Saridag Range separating the basin of Lake Khovsgol from the Darhat Valley, itself a former lake bed. 0 5 10 kilometers N Renchinlhumbe Map Legend Road Trail Park boundary National boundary Khoridol Saridag boundary Restricted Area boundary (see note in box at right) Soum = small town/village Uul = mountain Gol = river Nuur = lake CONSERVATION INK is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Its mission is to support conservation efforts and environmental awareness in natural areas through the production and sale of published educa- tional materials, particularly in developing countries where the very survival of parks is threatened by a lack of funding; where a small amount of money from the sale of interpretive materials can make a big dif- ference; and where such materials do not currently exist. All proceeds from the sale of this map are donated to conservation in the national parks of Mongolia. Produced with the help of the National Geographic Society, the Canada Fund, and private donors. Special thanks to David Edwards for additional photographs; Jocelyn Slack, Hannah Hinchman, and September Vhay for artwork; Impact Photographics for production assistance; Kent Madin of Boojum Expeditions; Dr. Clyde Goulden of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences; and the staff of Lake Khovsgol National Park. Text, photographs, design, editing, and production by Jeremy Schmidt and Ted Wood. CONSERVATION INK PO Box 7494 Jackson, Wyoming 83002 USA Website: www.conservationink.org Email: [email protected] conservation ink Baikal versus Khovsgol Lake Khovsgol and its Russian neighbor Baikal are often called sister lakes. They occupy the same geologic structure (the Baikal Rift). They are both long, narrow, and deep. Their waters are clean and cold. But there are many differences, beginning with the fact that Khovsgol lies at the top of the watershed. Its water flows into Baikal. While Baikal is renowned for its clean water, Khovsgol’s water is more pure. A comparison: Baikal Khovsgol Altitude at surface 454.5 m 1645 m Length 636 km 136 km Maximum width 81 km 36.5 km Surface area 31,722 km 2 2760 km 2 Depth 1642 m 262.4 m Volume 23,615 km 3 380.3 km 3 World’s fresh water 20 % 0.33 % Age 25 million years 2 to 5 million years Watershed size 571,000 km2 4920 km2 Fish species 50 9 Taimen Taimen, the largest member of the salmon family, do not live in Lake Khovsgol, but thrive in the Egiin Gol and in the rivers of the Darhat Valley. Mongolian tai- men can grow to 1.5 meters in length, and 35 kilograms in weight. They run even larger in the big rivers of Siberia, historically reaching 95 kilograms and 2 meters in length. Fierce predators, taimen feed on mice, ducks, ground squirrels, and other fish. They are currently on the endangered species list for Russia and Mongolia. Visiting Lake Khovsgol LAKE KHOVSGOL NATIONAL PARK is 900 kilome- ters northwest of Ulaanbaatar, on the Russian border. Most visits begin at Khatgal, at the south end of the lake. Khatgal offers lodging, petrol, restaurants, post office and telephone, medical clinic, several small shops, and the park visitor center. In addition to entrance per- mits, the visitor center provides information, publications, and exhibits covering the natural history and culture of the region. Getting there: MIAT and Aero Mongolia pro- vide service to Moron, the capital of Khovs- gol aimag. MIAT offers continuing flights to Khatgal. By vehicle, roads lead north from Moron. Driving time from Moron to Khatgal is three to four hours. Horseback: Guides and horses for short rides or long wilderness excursions can be hired locally at various points around and in the park. The visitor center provides a list of local guides. Boats owned by tourist camps are sometimes available for charter; ask in Khatgal at the visi- tor center or Nature’s Door Guesthouse. Lodging: Tourist camps on the southwest lake shore provide meals, lodging, showers, and other services. Lodging can also be had in Khatgal, Khankh, and Renchinlhumbe. Equipment: Good raingear is essential. Take your own camping gear for backcoun- try excursions (tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, compass, mosquito repellent, and special food items). Climate: Summer can bring hot sunny days, drenching rain, strong wind, and below-freez- ing cold – sometimes all in one day. Because permafrost keeps water from soaking into the ground, it helps create wetlands, ponds, and boggy areas that can make summer travel difficult. Spring and autumn are drier but temperatures drop well below freezing. Winter can be dangerously cold. Park Permits: Permit fees, required by law, help pay for the operating costs of the park. In addition, a portion of fee income is shared with local governments. Fees are payable at the entrance station, the visitor center at Khatgal, or to a park ranger. • Mongolian National = 100 MNT per day Vehicle = 300 MNT per day • Foreign National = 1000 MNT per day Vehicle = 3000 MNT per day Park Regulations: Regulations are designed to protect the envi- ronment and beauty of Khovsgol. Violations can result in fines or expulsion from the park. • All visitors must have permits. • Leave no trash or waste in the park; carry out everything you carry in. • Extinguish all fires before leaving camp. Use existing fire rings whenever possible. Building a new fire ring within 50 meters of an existing one is a violation. Burn only dead wood from fallen trees. • Protect Khovsgol’s pristine water by not using soap or chemicals within 50 meters of lakes, rivers, streams, or springs. • Grasslands are fragile, and slow to recover from damage. Drive only on established roads and tracks. Do not drive cross-country. Do not park more than 50 meters from an established road or track. Avoid driving in wet conditions. • Camping is limited to 14 days, unless special permission is obtained from the park director. • Equipment or vehicles may not be left unat- tended more than 24 hours without permission from the park director. • No hunting or firearms are allowed in the park. • Fishing requires a permit available at the visitor center in Khatgal. Limits and other regulations apply, and are designed to con- serve fish populations. • Gathering plants and insects is prohibited un- less by special permit from park authorities. Restricted Access Areas: Lake Khovsgol National Park includes eight special zones (designated on map by white dashed boundaries) where access is restricted and special regulations apply. Fishing is prohibited in these zones. In some, all access is prohibited. In others, travel is permitted on designated trails or vehicle tracks. Any other use requires special permission. Those wishing to visit these areas must register with park authorities. Khoridol Saridag Strictly Protected Area is closed to all access except along corridor trails marked on the map. Travelers wishing to use corridor trails must register in advance. For more information, contact: Khovsgol National Park Administration Khatgal, Khovsgol Aimag Mongolia or: Ministry for Nature and Environment Government Building No. 3 Baga Toiruu - 44 Ulaanbaatar 11 Mongolia On the web: www.un-mongolia.mn/archives/ wildher/khovsgol.htm Copyright 2004 Conservation Ink Lake Khovsgol National Park Ulaanbaatar Russia China Uvs Nuur Hövsgöl Nuur Hu-lun Ch'ih D z a v h an Gol Onon Y e n ise y U l u n g u r Selenge O r h o n H er len A u gu n' 0 0 100 100 200 200 300 mi km MONGOLIA Darhat Valley and Jigleg Pass A computer-enhanced satellite photograph shows the much-traveled route from Renchinlhumbe to Lake Khovsgol along Arsayn Gol and over Jigleg Pass . Sites and Soums Arsayn Gol Jigleg Pass Renchinlhumbe Khar Us Khovsgol Lake Khankh Tsagaan Nuur Jigleg Gol Egiin Gol Ikh Horoo Gol Jarayn Gol Arsayn Gol Ongolog Gol Hirbisteg Gol Khankh Gol Hotny Gol Alag Tsar Gol Heeg Tsar Gol Ikh Dalbayn Gol Turag Gol Noyon Gol Sevsuuliyn Gol Ikh Horoo Gol Ovor Hachim Gol 2 1 2792m 2593m 2548m 3018m 3021m 3193m Ikh Uul 2961m Munkh Saridag 3491m Khatgal Khatgal 3 4 5 6 Eastern Sayan Mountains Formed before the rift faulting that created the Khovsgol Basin, the Sayan stretch across northern Mongolia to meet the Altai Range at the country’s westernmost point. Modon Khuis 2431m 2358m 2081m 2367m 3093m 3107m Hirbisteg Gol Alag Tsar Gol Khar Us Lake Khovsgol Arsayn Gol Arsayn Gol Hirbist Uul 2515m Ikh Uul 2961m Hirbist Uul 2515m Map Imagery: The aerial photographs used for this map were taken by the Landsat 7 satellite on September 22, 2002. Launched in 1999, Landsat 7 sup- plies continuous high-resolution images of the earth from an altitude of 438 miles. Though the Khovsgol region is normally wet and green throughout the summer, September 2002 was unusually dry, turning the steppes and valley bottoms brown in these images.
Transcript of TWO SOUMS KHOVSGOL - taeve-supertramp.de
TWO SOUMS, or towns, lie within the park: Khatgal at the south end of the lake, and Khankh at the north end. Both were once busy with trade between the Soviet Union and northern Mongolia. Goods moved in both directions across the nearby border. Most of that trade ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. The border crossing is still used, but is open only to Mongolian and Russian citizens.
The economy of Khatgal, which serves as the main entry point to the national park, is increasingly based on tourism. In contrast, Khankh is extremely remote, and despite its
beautiful natural setting, sees very little traffi c. There is no scheduled boat service, and the single-track road from Khatgal is notoriously rough and boggy, due in part to the seasonal freezing and thawing of permafrost soils.
Renchinlhumbe and Tsagaan Nuur are both in the Darhat Valley, outside the park. It is possible to drive to either town from Mo-ron. The trip takes about two days or longer, depending on water levels at river and stream crossings, many of which do not have bridges. Renchinlhumbe offers services similar to those of Khatgal: lodging, meals, post offi ce, telephone, and small shops. Travelers making the Jigleg loop from Khatgal often include
Renchinlhumbe as a rest stop and chance to re-supply. Tsagaan Nuur is a smaller community, and location of a commercial fi shing operation. From there, trails lead north into the Sayan Mountain borderlands, home of the Dukha reindeer herders.
From a visitor’s point of view, the western shoreline is perhaps the most appealing section of the park. Beaches of pebbles, delightful coves, fl ower meadows mixed with open stands of larch forest, good side-trip opportunities into the moun-tains above the lake, a famous medicinal mineral spring, and easy traveling on a smooth path all combine to make this an area of prime interest. A road follows the west shore for about 40 kilome-ters, passing tourist camps along the way. It is pos-
sible to walk, ride, or drive the fi rst section; beyond the road, travel is by horse or foot only.
A day trip by foot or horse can be made by following the shoreline trail north from Khatgal until it meets the jeep road coming down to the lake from Jankhai Davaa pass. The road can be fol-lowed back to Khatgal, making a worthwhile loop.
The classic tour of Khovsgol involves a loop trip up the lakeshore some 60 kilometers to Jigleg Gol, then over Jigleg Pass to the town of Renchin-lhumbe in the Darhat Valley, and back via one of the routes through the Khoridol Saridag Strictly Protected Area. The trip can be done in either di-rection. It takes ten days or more on horseback, and samples a broad range of Khovsgol landscapes.
It is possible to follow the west shore trail past Jigleg Gol, all the way to the town of Khankh. The eastern shore is less visited, and quite differ-ent in character. An extremely rough road goes up the east shore of the lake to Khankh (driving time 10 to 12 hours) but does not follow the shoreline closely. The middle section of the eastern shore is a restricted access area, where any use beyond the road corridor requires special permits from the park.
Hiking opportunities away from the lakeshore are as varied as the landscape, but challenging. Terrain can be rugged or boggy to the point of being impassible. There are virtually no foot-bridges, and river crossings during the wet season
are sometimes a problem even on horseback. High mountain slopes can offer pleasant rambling through pristine tundra fl owers, but even these slopes can be too wet for easy walking. Route selection is important. Major travel routes (like the Jigleg Pass trail) are marked by well-used and easily followed trails. Other routes require careful navigation. In general, horse travel and a local guide are recommended.
Many of the park’s mountains can be climbed without specialized equipment, although inexperi-ence or poor judgement can turn any mountain into a dangerous one. It is important to remember that in Khovsgol, weather can change in a matter of minutes. Drenching rain, snow, hail, strong
wind, and lightning are a concern even in sum-mer. The park has no rescue service. Mountain peaks often climbed near Khatgal include: Ikh Uul (2961 m) west of Hirbisteg Gol and Hirbist Uul (2515 m) just south of Ikh Uul. Munkh Sari-dag (3491m), the highest mountain in the Eastern Sayan, and also the park’s highest point, can be climbed from Khankh. A graceful pyramid that dominates the view at the north end of the lake, it is also called Buren Khan. The summit offers views into the adjoining Tunkinsdiya National Park in Siberia.
Other area excursions include the Alag Tsar river mouth, an excellent bird habitat on the southeast corner of the lake about 30 kilometers
from Khatgal. Farther east toward the soums of Chandaman Ondor and Tsagaan Oor, places of interest include two medicinal hot springs: Bolnain Rashaan and Ooriin Erhnii Rashaan; also the ruined (and perhaps soon to be recon-structed) Arig Monastery.
Archeologic sites are scattered throughout northern Mongolia. Travelers driving north from Moron, particularly to the Darhat Valley, can fi nd khereksurs (stone monuments), and oc-casional deer stones. One of the most impressive sites is Uushigiin over, 20 kilometers west of Moron.
Information on these and other excursions is available at the visitor center in Khatgal.
MAP AND GUIDE
LAKEKHOVSGOL
NATIONAL PARK
600000 660000
5700000
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Khar Us Mineral Spring 4A group of springs on the west shore of Lake Khovsgol provide abundant water valued for medicinal qualities. The water also supplies a lagoon fre-quented by waterfowl.
Khar Us Mineral Spring Khar Us Mineral Spring 44Lake Khovsgol 2The pure clear waters of Lake Khovsgol are an angler’s dream, where Siberian grayling and lenok are among the nine species of fi sh in the lake.
Lake Khovsgol Lake Khovsgol 2 Khoridol Saridag 3Dramatic rock formations and the towering peaks of the Khoridol Saridag can be explored by horseback from Khatgal.
Khoridol Saridag Khoridol Saridag 3 Renchinlhumbe 5The main town in the Darhat Valley has lodging, meals, petrol, post offi ce, telephone, and medical clinic. Driving time from Moron is two days or more depending on river levels at crossings.
Renchinlhumbe Renchinlhumbe Lake Khovsgol Visitor Center 1Located in Khatgal, the park visitor center provides permits, maps, books and displays on the lake’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Lake Khovsgol Visitor Center Lake Khovsgol Visitor Center 1Darhat Valley 6The Darhat Valley is one of three par-allel grabens, or rift valleys, created by the Baikal Rift System in northern Mongolia. Khovsgol Lake occupies the graben to the east. The Darhat once held a large lake. It is now an open land-scape of steppe, forest, and wetland.
Darhat Valley Darhat Valley
Lake Khovsgol and the Khoridol Saridag RangeA computer-generated image combining Landsat photography and elevation data reveals the rugged topography of the Khoridol Saridag Range separating the basin of Lake Khovsgol from the Darhat Valley, itself a former lake bed.
0 5 10
kilometers
N
Renchinlhumbe
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Map Legend
RoadTrailPark boundaryNational boundaryKhoridol Saridag boundaryRestricted Area boundary (see note in box at right)Soum = small town/villageUul = mountainGol = riverNuur = lake
CONSERVATION INK is a non-profit 501(c)3 charity based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Its mission is to support conservation efforts and environmental awareness in natural areas through the production and sale of published educa-tional materials, particularly in developing countries where the very survival of parks is threatened by a lack of funding; where a small amount of money from the sale of interpretive materials can make a big dif-ference; and where such materials do not currently exist.
All proceeds from the sale of this map are donated to conservation in the national parks of Mongolia.
Produced with the help of the National Geographic Society, the Canada Fund, and private donors.
Special thanks to David Edwards for additional photographs; Jocelyn Slack, Hannah Hinchman, and September Vhay for artwork; Impact Photographics for production assistance; Kent Madin of Boojum Expeditions; Dr. Clyde Goulden of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences; and the staff of Lake Khovsgol National Park. Text, photographs, design, editing, and production by Jeremy Schmidt and Ted Wood.
CONSERVATION INK PO Box 7494
Jackson, Wyoming 83002USA
Website: www.conservationink.orgEmail: [email protected]
conservation ink
Baikal versus Khovsgol
Lake Khovsgol and its Russian neighbor Baikal are often called sister lakes. They occupy the same geologic structure (the Baikal Rift). They are both long, narrow, and deep. Their waters are clean and cold. But there are many diff erences, beginning with the fact that Khovsgol lies at the top of the watershed. Its water fl ows into Baikal. While Baikal is renowned for its clean water, Khovsgol’s water is more pure. A comparison:
Baikal KhovsgolAltitude at surface 454.5 m 1645 mLength 636 km 136 kmMaximum width 81 km 36.5 kmSurface area 31,722 km2 2760 km2
Depth 1642 m 262.4 mVolume 23,615 km3 380.3 km3
World’s fresh water 20 % 0.33 % Age 25 million years 2 to 5 million yearsWatershed size 571,000 km2 4920 km2Fish species 50 9
TaimenTaimen, the largest member of the salmon family, do not live in Lake Khovsgol, but thrive in the Egiin Gol and in the rivers of the Darhat Valley. Mongolian tai-men can grow to 1.5 meters in length, and 35 kilograms in weight. They run even larger in the big rivers of Siberia, historically reaching 95 kilograms and 2 meters in length. Fierce predators, taimen feed on mice, ducks, ground squirrels, and other fi sh. They are currently on the endangered species list for Russia and Mongolia.
V i s i t i n g L a k e K h o v s g o lLAKE KHOVSGOL NATIONAL PARK is 900 kilome-ters northwest of Ulaanbaatar, on the Russian border. Most visits begin at Khatgal, at the south end of the lake. Khatgal offers lodging, petrol, restaurants, post offi ce and telephone, medical clinic, several small shops, and the park visitor center. In addition to entrance per-mits, the visitor center provides information, publications, and exhibits covering the natural history and culture of the region.Getting there: MIAT and Aero Mongolia pro-vide service to Moron, the capital of Khovs-gol aimag. MIAT offers continuing fl ights to Khatgal.By vehicle, roads lead north from Moron. Driving time from Moron to Khatgal is three to four hours.Horseback: Guides and horses for short rides or long wilderness excursions can be hired locally at various points around and in the park. The visitor center provides a list of local guides.Boats owned by tourist camps are sometimes available for charter; ask in Khatgal at the visi-tor center or Nature’s Door Guesthouse.Lodging: Tourist camps on the southwest lake shore provide meals, lodging, showers, and other services. Lodging can also be had in Khatgal, Khankh, and Renchinlhumbe.Equipment: Good raingear is essential. Take your own camping gear for backcoun-try excursions (tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, compass, mosquito repellent, and special food items). Climate: Summer can bring hot sunny days, drenching rain, strong wind, and below-freez-ing cold – sometimes all in one day. Because permafrost keeps water from soaking into the ground, it helps create wetlands, ponds, and boggy areas that can make summer travel diffi cult. Spring and autumn are drier but temperatures drop well below freezing. Winter can be dangerously cold.
P a r k P e r m i t s :Permit fees, required by law, help pay for the operating costs of the park. In addition, a portion of fee income is shared with local governments. Fees are payable at the entrance station, the visitor center at Khatgal, or to a park ranger.
• Mongolian National = 100 MNT per day Vehicle = 300 MNT per day
• Foreign National = 1000 MNT per day Vehicle = 3000 MNT per day
P a r k R e g u l a t i o n s :Regulations are designed to protect the envi-ronment and beauty of Khovsgol. Violations can result in fi nes or expulsion from the park.
• All visitors must have permits.• Leave no trash or waste in the park; carry out everything you carry in. • Extinguish all fi res before leaving camp. Use existing fi re rings whenever possible. Building a new fi re ring within 50 meters of an existing one is a violation. Burn only dead wood from fallen trees.• Protect Khovsgol’s pristine water by not using soap or chemicals within 50 meters of lakes, rivers, streams, or springs.• Grasslands are fragile, and slow to recover from damage. Drive only on established roads and tracks. Do not drive cross-country. Do not park more than 50 meters from an established road or track. Avoid driving in wet conditions. • Camping is limited to 14 days, unless special permission is obtained from the park director.• Equipment or vehicles may not be left unat-tended more than 24 hours without permission from the park director.• No hunting or fi rearms are allowed in the park.• Fishing requires a permit available at the visitor center in Khatgal. Limits and other regulations apply, and are designed to con-serve fi sh populations.• Gathering plants and insects is prohibited un-less by special permit from park authorities.
R e s t r i c t e d A c c e s s A r e a s :Lake Khovsgol National Park includes eight special zones (designated on map by white dashed boundaries) where access is restricted and special regulations apply. Fishing is prohibited in these zones. In some, all access is prohibited. In others, travel is permitted on designated trails or vehicle tracks. Any other use requires special permission. Those wishing to visit these areas must register with park authorities.Khoridol Saridag Strictly Protected Area is closed to all access except along corridor trails marked on the map. Travelers wishing to use corridor trails must register in advance.
For more information, contact:Khovsgol National Park AdministrationKhatgal, Khovsgol AimagMongoliaor:Ministry for Nature and EnvironmentGovernment Building No. 3Baga Toiruu - 44Ulaanbaatar 11Mongolia
On the web: www.un-mongolia.mn/archives/wildher/khovsgol.htm
Copyright 2004 Conservation Ink
Lake KhovsgolNational Park
Ulaanbaatar
R u s s i a
C h i n a
UvsNuur
HövsgölNuur
Hu-lunCh'ih
Dzavhan Gol
Onon
Yenisey
Ulu ngur
Selenge
O rhon
Herlen
Augun'
0
0
100
100
200
200 300
mi
km
MONGOLIA
Darhat Valley and Jigleg Pass A computer-enhanced satellite photograph shows the much-traveled route from Renchinlhumbe to Lake Khovsgol along Arsayn Gol and over Jigleg Pass .
khoridol saridag
strictlylyl protected area
S i t e s a n d S o u m s
Arsayn Gol Jigleg Pass
Renchinlhumbe
Khar Us
Khovsgol
Lake
Khankh
Tsagaan Nuur
Jigleg Gol
Egiin
Gol
Ikh Horoo Gol
Jarayn Gol
Arsayn Gol
Ongolog Gol
Hirbisteg Gol
Khankh Gol
Hotny Gol
Alag
Tsa
r Gol
Heeg Tsar Gol
Ikh Dalbayn Gol
Turag Gol
Noyon Gol
Sevsuuliyn Gol
Ikh Horoo Gol
Ovor Hachim Gol
2
1
2792m
2593m
2548m3018m
3021m
3193m
Ikh Uul2961m
Munkh Saridag3491m
Lak e Khovsgo l
Na t i ona l Park
Khatgal
Khatgal
3
4
5
6
Eastern Sayan Mountains Formed before the rift faulting that created the Khovsgol Basin, the Sayan stretch across northern Mongolia to meet the Altai Range at the country’s westernmost point.
Modon Khuis
2431m
2358m
2081m
2367m
3093m
3107m
Hirbisteg Gol
Alag
Tsa
r Gol
Khar Us Lake
Khovsgol
Arsayn Gol
Arsayn Gol
Hirbist Uul 2515m
Ikh Uul2961m
Hirbist Uul 2515m
Map Imagery: The aerial photographs used for this map were taken by the Landsat 7 satellite on September 22, 2002. Launched in 1999, Landsat 7 sup-plies continuous high-resolution images of the earth from an altitude of 438 miles. Though the Khovsgol region is normally wet and green throughout the summer, September 2002 was unusually dry, turning the steppes and valley bottoms brown in these images.
