Driving the wild unpaved road to Santyn Davaa in Mongolia
Santyn Davaa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,063m (6,768ft) above sea level, located in the Khövsgöl Province of northern Mongolia. Situated within the Khovsgol Nuur National Park, this route offers one of the most authentic and challenging wilderness drives in the country.
The pass, also known as Ikh Santyn Davaa, is located on the remote eastern shore of Lake Khövsgöl, often called the "Blue Pearl of Mongolia." The landscape is a breathtaking mix of taiga forest and alpine meadows. At the summit, travelers will find a traditional ovoo—a shamanistic collection of stones and offerings—where it is customary to stop and show respect for the mountain spirits, a practice similar to the prayer flags found in Tibetan passes.
| Road facts: Santyn Davaa | |
|---|---|
| Location | Khövsgöl Province, Mongolia |
| Elevation | 2,063 m (6,768 ft) |
| Length | 165 km (102 miles) |
| Surface | Totally Unpaved / Deep Mud & Water |
| Best Time | Spring and Late Summer |
How challenging is the road to Santyn Davaa?
The journey over the pass is a massive undertaking, spanning 165 km (102 miles). The road runs north-south, connecting Khankh, near the Russian border, to Khatgal on the southern tip of Lake Khövsgöl. This is a totally unpaved track that represents the rawest side of Mongolian travel. The road is prone to forming massive, deep water pools and thick mud traps that can swallow wheels. These "mud lakes" can stay on the track for weeks after a storm, requiring a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with excellent traction. There are no bridges or drainage systems, so drivers must be prepared to navigate around large boulders and deep ruts.
What is the best time to visit Santyn Davaa?
Timing is everything in northern Mongolia. The best time to visit the area is spring, when rainfall is lower, although temperatures remain brutally cold and snow will still cover large sections of the ground. The summer months attract more travelers but bring frequent rains that can make the unpaved surface nearly impassable due to the lack of drainage. Winter in the Khövsgöl region is amazingly cold, with temperatures often dropping below -40°C. Travelers must be fully self-sufficient, as this is one of the most remote "high roads" in the province, with very little traffic and no services along the 165 km stretch.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez
Pic: undrakhbold (mapio pic)