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Blue and green lakes surrounded by steep rocky slopes in the Ikh Bogd mountains. — AI-generated autumn illustration

Bayanhongor

Oyu Nomin Lakes

Two blue and green mountain lakes in the Ikh Bogd massif of Bayankhongor Province.

Plan this route
Elevation
Best season
Jun · Jul · Aug
Duration
Varies
Difficulty
challenging

Bayanhongor

About this place

Oyu and Nomin Lakes (Оюу, Номин нуур) lie in the Ikh Bogd mountains of Bayankhongor Province. The lakes are known for their contrasting blue and green water beneath steep mountain slopes. The Jinst soum administration describes their formation after landslides blocked valleys during the 1957 earthquake. Plan the mountain approach with a local guide and leave time to explore on foot.

Best time to visit

Plan a summer visit when the mountain approach is accessible. Confirm snow, weather and track conditions with a local guide before departure; access is not guaranteed by the season alone.

Getting there

The linked route starts at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and shows a partial vehicle approach toward the Ikh Bogd region. The available driving network stops well short of the supplied lake location. It does not establish a continuous route to the lakes or a trailhead. Arrange the final approach with an experienced local driver and guide; do not follow a straight line from the road endpoint to the lakes.

What to know

Allow extra time for the mountain approach and walking. Stay on established tracks and paths, respect local land use, and take all waste with you. The map pin is the editor-supplied location for the lake destination; the driving overlay does not map the final approach.

Safety

Prepare for steep, loose terrain and rapidly changing mountain weather. Carry sturdy footwear, warm layers, water and offline navigation. Confirm vehicle suitability and the final walking route locally before entering the mountains.

Nearby

Discuss other Ikh Bogd viewpoints and Orog Lake with a local guide when planning the wider Bayankhongor itinerary.