good for you

Mongolia is simply beautiful. The vast natural beauty and diversity of wildlife of this Central Asian country will take your breath away. And if you plan to explore further than Ulaanabator, then make sure Hovsgol Lake 700 km northwest of the capital is on your itinerary.

This 2,700 square kilometre lake is one of the most pristine mountain lakes anywhere in the world and the setting for the stunning Toilogt ger camp. Flanked by mountains and surrounded by larch and spruce forests, the scene is simply other worldly.

The camp was established on the northwest side of the lake and is made up of 20 traditional "gers" or "yurts". These tent-like structures consist of a circular frame covered with layers of felt and canvas and have been keeping Mongolians warm for centuries. You'll also find eight wooden cabins, a restaurant and a bar here but it's guaranteed you won't find many other people.

good for mongolia

The camp is owned, managed and run by Mongolians and is the first of its kind in the area. The camp is committed to preserving the national environment and is also the first tourist camp in Mongolia to use solar energy.

The company behind Toilogt ger camp, Hovsgol Travel, are working with local and international partners to protect Hovsgol National Park and promote it as an eco-tourism destination. They have established an ultra marathon race (100km), the Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset Marathon that starts and finishes at the Toilogt ger camp. All proceeds and donations generated by the event go towards supporting and protecting Hovsgol national Park and, in particular, the Hovsgol National Park Litter Education & Control Project.

Rooms

Food

Meals are taken in the restaurant that stands in the middle of the camp. This large wood cabin has plenty of room for diners and dancers (there are regular traditional folk performances in the evening) and is decorated with colourful murals.

Mongolian and other dishes are prepared daily by on-site cooks. Expect meals such as grilled leg of lamb, beef dumplings and lots of hearty stews - vegetarians might go a bit hungry.

Features & Facilities

• Tea & coffee making facilities
• Sauna
• Showers with plenty of hot water
• Satellite TV
• Satellite Phone
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Full range of activities

See Local Info for more on activities.

Local Info & Activities

Nature enthusiasts will love the setting alongside Hovsgol lake and not surprisingly, all activities are organised around the great outdoors. Horse riding and camel riding are included in the rates, all other activities are charged at a fee.

Kayaking & Canoeing: The camp has kayaks and canoes for guests to use on Hovsgol Lake. They also have a boat that can fit 60 for longer water-based excursions where you can fish, visit islands and cross to the other side of the lake.

fishing:

The camp offers fly and spin fishing between June and October and you can hire equipment. Guided fishing tours can take place by boat, jeep or horse, or you may like to walk to Hovsgol lake and cast your line there. Hovsgol lake and the neighbouring small lakes are rich in Lenok, Grayling and Perch. The camp chef can cook up your catch for you.

visits to local families:

Many ethnic groups live in Hovsgol; Mongols, Darhad, Hotgoid, Urianhai, Buriyad, and the 'Tsaatans', otherwise known as the Reindeer Families. The camp can organise visits to nomadic families near the camp where you can practice your Mongolian and drink traditional Yak milk tea. You'll see how Mongolians milk sheep and goats, make tea and dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese and dried curds.

hiking & horse riding:

The camp can organise guided hiking and horse riding trips around Hovsgol lake and the National Park. Look out for wildlife that includes elk, maral, reindeer, argali sheep, and musk deer.

Cultural Performances: A professional folk singing and dancing roup, "Dalai Eej" performs regularly at the camp and include traditional "Hoomi" throat singing in their repertoire.

insider tips

The average temperature in winter is minus 18 to minus32C so not surprisingly the camp is closed between October and April. The summer months see temperatures sore to between 15-30C but it can still be chilly at night so pack accordingly.

There is absolutely nothing around you once you arrive at Toilogt ger camp so make sure to pack everything you need - including any medications - before setting off.

Sustainability

Toilogt ger camp is unique in that it is owned, managed and run by Mongolians. What's more it claims to be the first tourist resort in Mongolia to use solar power.

In order to protect Hovsgol National Park and Hovsgol Lake, Hovsgol Travel, the folk behind Toilogt ger camp, have established an annual Ultra marathon that starts and finishes at the camp. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset marathon (100km) aims to promote the area as an eco-tourism destination and all donations and revenues generated by the race go towards supporting and protecting Hovsgol National Park.

The park has two small Mongolian towns as well as scores of local nomadic groups and families, and therefore any conservation efforts must go hand in hand with these local users of the park. The event therefore aims to contribute as much as possible to the local economy and to raise awareness among locals that standards of living can best be raised by preserving the park and the local culture. Hovsgol Travel has tried to achieve this by engaging the local community in the event. This can range from hiring help to setting the course to hiring local doctors to supervise aid stations. Locals are also actively encouraged to participate in the race.

In setting the course, Hovsgol Travel has sought to minimise the impact on the natural environment and they use bio-degradable green paint to mark the course.

They have also sought to use local resources to the greatest extent possible - such as locally produced food products.

awards

• 2005 Mongolian Grand Quality Award

Getting There

Toilogt is located near Khatgal Village on the northwest side of the Hovsgol Lake. There is a train station at Khatgal village for those arriving by train; the camp can arrange transfers.

You can also fly from Buyant-Ukhaa airport at Ulaanbaatar to Khatgal or Moron (1hr 20 mins). You must then travel by car along the main road towards Khatgal village and then the camp. The Camp is happy to arrange transfers.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

• Prices are in US Dollars per person sharing a ger and include three meals a day.
• The camp is closed from October through April.
• Prices include camel and horse riding. All other activities are charged at an extra fee.

accommodation

US$55 per person per night, full board

Children aged 0-3 free of charge

Children aged 3-12 age 50% of the full price.

booking & cancellation policy

• A 60% deposit is required to confirm the reservation.
• The outstanding bill can be settled after arrival either by cash, credit card or travellers' cheques.
• Cancellations received 15 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 20% of entire cost of stay.
• Cancellations received 7 days prior to arrival will incur a cancellation fee of 70%.
• Cancellations received 1 day or less prior to arrival will result in 100% of stay being charged.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.