Khoton lake

When you travel to Altai Mountains in Mongolia, you will find this dazzling beauty. The two connected lakes, home to several species of fishes, some of them are only in western Mongolian basin, surrounded by magnificent snow capped peaks and ancient historical remaining.

Area: 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi)

Elevation: 2,000 metres (6,600 ft)

Maximum depth: 8.58 metres (28.1 ft)

Location: Bayan Ulgii Province, West Mongolia

The landscape around the lakes is stunning: with forests and the snow-capped Altai Mountains. Khoton and Khurgan lakes are home to the grayling (thymallus arcticus) and the lenok (brachymystax lenok). The lakes are located in an intermontane tectonic depression in the northern portion of the Mongolian Altai Region. The lakes themselves, as well as the mountain rivers which feed the lakes, offer excellent sport fishing in a rugged and virtually unpopulated area. Khoton lake has one Island which is covered by woods. The system of Khoton and Khurgan lakes, connected by a wide channel, is the source of the Hovd river which drains the whole Mongolian Altai. The Lake Khoton was formed by glacial blockages. Khurgan Lake is the lowest point of Altai Tavan Bogd National park.