Mongolia's natural beauty. Uvs aimag, Khyrgas soum, Khyrgas lake, Khetsuu Khad nearly; Shutterstock ID 2011478780; your: Barbara Di Castro; gl: 65050; netsuite: digital; full: poi
2011478780

Shutterstock / Zuugii

Khetsuu Khad

Top choice in Western Mongolia


The lake's main attraction Khetsuu Khad, an enormous rock sticking out of the water that attracts migratory cormorants. The birds arrive in April and hatch their young in large nests built on the rock. When the chicks hatch, their squawking is constant and deafening. The aura created by the white cliffs, shrill birds, and waves hitting the rocks in windy conditions – not to mention the prevailing smell of guano – makes you feel as if you’ve arrived at the ocean.

By mid-September the cormorants are off, migrating back to their wintering grounds in southern China.


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Nearby Western Mongolia attractions

1. Khyargas Nuur National Park

10.91 MILES

Khyargas Nuur National Park (3328 sq km) is an area of springs and rocky outcrops encompassing Khyargas Nuur, western Mongolia's second largest lake and…

2. Cold Spring

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On the northwestern side of Khyargas Nuur, this cold spring bubbles out of the mountain. Locals say drinking from it has health benefits.

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