As part of the expansion of the annual ice festival "Blue Pearl" and to support the tourism sector, the construction of the ice village "Wonderful Khuvsgul" is planned with a total budget of ₮150 million. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
🤩 Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Mongolia's Blue Pearl at the Ice Festival!
The Ice Festival "Blue Pearl," initiated in 2000 to protect Lake Khuvsgul and develop winter tourism, has become the largest and most impressive ice event in Mongolia since 2001. This year, the event will take place on March 2-3, providing participants with unique winter experiences.
🌊 The festival, held on Mongolia's largest freshwater lake, which is considered one of the oldest in the world (approximately 2 million years old), offers visitors unique ice sculptures, sledding, and even ice sumo wrestling.
🧊⛸️ The frozen lake transforms into a dynamic playground, allowing tourists to enjoy the ice festival surrounded by rare Mongolian reindeer and learn about the traditional lifestyle of reindeer herders.
In recent years, interest in the festival has significantly increased. It is expected that in 2024, around 50,000 people from both Mongolia and abroad will attend, which is five times more than in previous years.
💎 Khuvsgul: The Pearl of Winter Tourism in Mongolia
Lake Khuvsgul, located in Khuvsgul Aimag, is the deepest lake in Mongolia and a popular vacation spot year-round. Given the growing appeal of the region, the government declared it a tourism development zone in 2024. Here, in addition to stunning natural views, lives the spirit people known as Tsaatan, famous as the "people with reindeer."
🦌 Reindeer are considered a vulnerable species according to the IUCN Red List, and about 2,400 individuals live in Mongolia.
In conclusion… The presence of reindeer, along with the natural beauty of the lake and vibrant festival events, makes Khuvsgul a unique cultural and ecological destination, and its untapped potential could further strengthen winter tourism in Mongolia.
