Üüreg Lake, Saline lake in Sagil sum, Uvs province, Mongolia
Üüreg Lake is a saline lake in western Mongolia, set within a closed basin in the Altai mountain range. Several mountain streams flow into it from the surrounding peaks, keeping the water level relatively steady across the seasons.
The basin holding Üüreg Lake was shaped over a long period by mountain rivers, including the Khari, which carried water and sediment from the Altai. This closed geological formation allowed the area to support human life and pastoral activity for centuries.
The shores and valleys around Üüreg Lake have been used for generations as seasonal grazing land by nomadic families. Traces of this way of life, such as yurt sites and livestock paths, are still visible around the lake today.
The lake water is saline and not safe to drink, so bring enough fresh water for your stay, as the nearest supplies can be far away. The terrain around the lake is open and exposed, so warm and windproof clothing is useful regardless of the season.
The lake is one of the few places in Mongolia where the Mongolian grayling lives, a fish that has adapted to saline water. The slopes surrounding the lake are among the areas in Mongolia where snow leopards are still occasionally spotted by herders and visitors alike.
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