Khyargas Lake

Khyargas is a saltwater lake amidst semi-desert in the Great Lakes Depression/Ikh Nuuruudiin Khotgor on the territory of Naranbulag, Tsagaan Khairkhan, Malchin, and Khyargas soum of Uvs province. The lake and its surrounding 332.800 ha protected area were established as a nature reserve in 2000. The lake is 75 km long, 31 km wide with a surface area of 1481 км². The average depth is 50 m and 80 m at its deepest. The lake is a magnet for migratory birds including its island. The lake’s main attraction is Khetsuu Khad rock on the eastern shore of the lake. Khetsuu Khad is a 5-7 km long underwater rock. Some parts of the rock sticks out of the water, look like islands where countless migratory cormorant birds attracted and nest. Khetsuu Khad rock is a favorite spot for photographers and local travelers.