Achit Lake: Everything you need to know about it

Achit Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Uvs province, Mongolia. It is 28 km long, 16 km wide, and 10 m deep. The lake has several rivers flowing into it and its coast is mostly hilly with some swampy areas on the northwest and northeast corners.

WHERE IS ACHIT LAKE

Achit lake, or Achit Nuur, is situated in the Altai mountain range in northwest Mongolia between the Uvs and Bayan-Ölgii provinces. Perched between two mountains at approximately 1435m above sea level, this area is the birthplace of several rivers, including The Tsagaan, Khatuugiin, Bukhmurun and Uliastai.

There is a particularly well- kept path running through natural reserves by the lake which leads to Khovd river and Dewel Island. Because it falls under protected status, no commercial establishments are allowed in the area but recreational and nomadic activities are fair game. In wintertime some small-scale fishing takes place but only with authority permission.

THINGS YOU CAN DO THERE

It offers stunning sunsets and sunrises and good fishing. In summertime ,the Achit Lake is a great place for swimming, boating and water sports. The lake is a beautiful place with geese, eagles, and other bird species. However, during the summer months, mosquitoes are very plentiful. Some camping spots have more mosquito activity than others, so be sure to ask around before setting up camp. Locals say that they are almost tolerable by October.
In wintertime, you can go for ice fishing in the wonderful Achit Lake. There are also many hiking and trekking trails around the Achit Lake. The lake freezes over from November to May, and as a result of the droughts in recent years, its water level is lower.

The Achit Lake is an ideal place for wildlife to breed, with a diverse population of mammals, fish and birds. Even endemic species of fish have been found in the lake. This area is also home to endangered species like the swan goose and pallas’s fish eagle, which are specific to the region between Southeastern Russia, Mongolia and Northern China. Recently, beavers known as Mongolian Castor have been reintroduced to Dewel island nearby and are thriving.

LEGEND OF ACHIT LAKE

Soon after Galdan Prophet narrowly escaped the Manchu army and arrived in Hovd, a drought hit. All the livestock perished and crops were depleted, so the soldiers had to search for food in groups. One spring, a group of troops crossedthe White Riverand came acrossa lake. The fatigued soldiers dispatched one person to collect water from the still lake water using a wooden bucket. To their delight, many fish fell into their bucket when they stirred the water before bringing it back.

The grateful soldiers named the lake “Achit,” meaning Generous, because it was Achit Lake that saved them from starvation.

Another legend exists about the origins of the lake’s name. In ancient times, people were running from their enemies and they came across a large lake while searching for grass and other plant life. They were exhausted, starving, and struggling when they saw that a fish’s fin was poking out of the bottom of the frozen lake. The story goes that these people cut it open and ate it, after which they cried out “Oh my dear Generous Lake”. Since then, the Achit has been known by this name.