Khorgo Volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake in Mongolia
Day 11 of 17 – Mongolia Road Trip
Day eleven was largely a driving day, covering significant distance as we continued north. The landscape gradually shifted once again, becoming more open and expansive, with long stretches of empty road and distant mountain ridges.
Our main stop would be Khorgo Volcano, before spending the night overlooking the vast Great White Lake.
Climbing the Khorgo Volcano
The dormant Khorgo Volcano rises distinctly above the surrounding steppe. While impressive within the Mongolian landscape, coming from volcano-rich Indonesia it felt modest in scale. Still, it offered a welcome opportunity to stretch our legs after hours in the minibus.
The hike to the crater rim is relatively short but rewarding. From the top, the view opens across hardened lava fields and toward the shimmering waters of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake in the distance.
The crater itself is clearly defined, a reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped this region thousands of years ago.
Lava Fields and Wide Horizons
Surrounding the volcano are scattered lava formations — dark, jagged rocks spread across the grasslands. The contrast between black volcanic stone and bright green summer vegetation creates a striking landscape.
Compared to the desert terrain earlier in the trip, this felt cooler, softer, and more elevated. The air carried a freshness we had not felt in days.
Great White Lake
A short drive from the volcano brought us to the shores of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, also known as Great White Lake. The lake was formed when lava flows from the Khorgo eruption blocked the Suman River, creating this vast body of water.
We stayed in a tourist ger camp overlooking the lake. While more structured than nomadic stays, the setting itself made up for it — wide open views across calm water framed by distant hills.
As evening approached, the lake reflected the soft northern light, giving the entire area a quiet, almost Scandinavian feel. I went for a late afternoon walk up the hill behind our camp, where a large herd of horses roamed freely across the steppe.
Traditional Mongolian Barbecue
That evening we were treated to one of the best meals of the trip: a traditional Mongolian barbecue known as khorkhog.
Raw meat, vegetables, and spices are sealed together with heated stones inside a metal container and cooked slowly for about an hour. The hot stones trap heat and infuse the meat with a deep, smoky flavor.
Simple ingredients, prepared in a traditional way — but absolutely unforgettable.
After a long day of driving and hiking, it was the perfect ending.
