Mongolia might be known for its Gobi desert, nomadic way of living, or starry nights but have you ever heard of Blue Pearl Ice Festival? In this article, We will lead you through one of the coolest Ice festivals in the world.
Every year the first week of March Mongolia celebrates the "Blue Pearl" Ice Festival on frozen Khuvsgul Lake. Khuvsgul Lake is the second-most voluminous freshwater lake in Asia and holds almost 70% of Mongolia's fresh water and 0.4% of all the fresh water in the world. This crystal clear lake will reveal unusual sights during the winter, you see can rock in the bottom and meters-long ice cracks which will make you feel like you are walking on water.
There are tons of activities you could enjoy during the festival such as ice skating on a crystal clear lake, horse sledding, horse riding along the lake, partying next to a frozen lake, etc there are just endless fun things to do. Or just wander around stalls that will be selling unique Mongolian products such as dried curds, and traditional winter clothing. Or simply enjoy traditional meals at food stalls and try some hot dishes.
Also, the frozen lake creates otherworldly colors and shapes of the ice.
First and foremost driving on this frozen lake is extraordinary experience.
Imagine you are driving for 3 hours continuously not on the paved road but on the meters-thick ice of the frozen lake. For the first time, it is quite an exhilarating and same time spine-chilling feeling. However, once you’re on it for 5 minutes you will not know the difference if you are driving on a paved asphalt road or on the frozen lake. But it does not mean that it is doable for everyone it is always better to have a local experienced driver as an escort on the frozen lake. In our case, we always travel in groups of 3 or 4 vehicles, and in front of the line, there is always a local driver who travels frequently on the lake.
The ice festival itself is truly unique and demonstrates different perspective of Mongols.
Usually, most people travel to Mongolia in summer. This means most people have no idea what is winter like in Mongolia. Nonetheless, the way of living of Mongolians is extremely different. Simply everything is different as it is a different country. And the ice festival is an incredible way of showing it off.
Take a look at the below photos by Celine Jentzsch
Interestingly it is not that cold
When we say Ice festival first thing that would come into your mind might be “Oh it is gonna be so cold” Actually it is not that cold. The beginning of the march is already the beginning of spring in Mongolia which means bone-freezing cold days are over. The average temperature during March would be -15 to -1 or it could be even warmer.
Once again this amazing festival is celebrated every year first week of March to be specific mostly between 2nd of March till 4th.
For your information, we also organize an annual 5-day Ice Festival tour of Khuvsgul Lake and northern Hanh town. Check out our Ice festival tours in 2024 March by clicking below link.
