A Memorable Road Trip to Tolbo Lake
Tolbo Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 2,080m (6,824ft) above sea level, located in the center of Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia.
Where is Tolbo Lake?
The freshwater lake is located about 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Ölgii, in the western part of the country. It is also known as "100 Kazan" (100 Pots) Lake because it has 100 deep areas that resemble pots. The lake covers 185 square kilometers (71.43 square miles). Most visitors go there in mid-July, as the water is at its warmest during that time. Tolbo Lake was also the site of the Battle of Tolbo Lake (1921) during the Russian Civil War. The west side of the lake features numerous inlets and peninsulas.
How Long is the Road Through Tolbo Lake?
The road passing by Tolbo Lake is fully paved. It is part of Asian Highway 4 (AH4) and stretches 213km (132 miles), running north-south from Ölgii (the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Aimag, on the banks of the Khovd River) to Khovd (also known as Kobdo or Khobdo, the capital of Khovd Province).
Is the Road Through Tolbo Lake Subject to Snowfalls?
Set high in the Altai Mountains, the road passes along glaciers, and in winter, it is even possible to travel over the frozen lake. Tolbo Lake remains frozen from October to May. The road is prone to heavy snowfalls in winter and can be closed at any time.