Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park (also Khustain Nuruu National Park) is a protected area in Töv Province, central Mongolia, approximately 90 km south-west of Ulaanbaatar. Established in 1993 primarily for the reintroduction of the Przewalski's horse (takhi) — the world's last surviving wild horse species — the park covers about 50,600 hectares of rolling steppe and forested mountain slopes in the Khustain Nuruu (Birch Mountains) range.

The Przewalski's horse became extinct in the wild in the 1960s, surviving only in zoos. Between 1992 and 2000, 84 captive-bred horses were reintroduced to Hustai, and the population has since grown to several hundred free-roaming animals. The park's success has made it a global model for species reintroduction.

The climate is continental: winters are cold (-15 to -25°C) with snow cover, and summers are warm (15-25°C). The best time to visit is May through September, with the peak takhi viewing season in July and August when the foals are born.

By Plane

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, about 100 km north-east of the park.

By Car / Road

From Ulaanbaatar, drive west on the main road towards Lun, then follow signs to Hustai. The journey takes 2-3 hours by car via paved and gravel roads. A 4WD vehicle is recommended but not essential in dry conditions. Hired taxis from Ulaanbaatar cost approximately 80,000-120,000₮ round trip. Tour operators run day trips from Ulaanbaatar.

The park has a network of gravel roads. A vehicle is required for exploring the park. Guided tours from the visitor centre provide transport to takhi viewing areas. Walking is permitted on marked trails only.

• Przewalski's Horses (Takhi) — The park's main attraction. The horses graze on the open steppe, often visible from the park roads. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best viewing.

• Hustai Museum — A small museum at the visitor centre with exhibits on the reintroduction project, Mongolian wildlife, and local ecology.

• Khustain Nuruu Mountains — A scenic range of birch-covered hills with panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.

• Red Deer and Other Wildlife — Hustai also supports red deer, Mongolian gazelle, wild boar, wolves, and over 200 bird species including golden eagles.

• Takhi Viewing — The signature experience. Join a guided tour or drive the park's roads with binoculars. The horses are wild and should not be approached on foot.

• Hiking — Several marked trails start from the visitor centre, offering walks through birch forests and up to viewpoints.

• Overnight Horse Trek — Multi-hour horse rides can be arranged through the visitor centre.

• Park Restaurant — The visitor centre has a restaurant serving Mongolian and international dishes. Meals 8,000-15,000₮.
• Ger Camp Restaurant — Accommodation ger camps have their own dining facilities with set menus.

Suutei tsai and bottled water are available at the visitor centre. Airag may be available from local herders outside the park boundary.

• Mid-range — Ger camp accommodation within the park: comfortable gers with shared facilities, 80,000-120,000₮ per night including meals. Book through Hustai's visitor centre in advance.
• Budget — Basic ger near the park entrance: 25,000-40,000₮.
• Upscale — A few luxury tour camps operate outside the park boundary; inquire at the Ulaanbaatar tourist office.

• Park Visitor Centre — Sells souvenirs, books about the takhi, postcards, and maps.
• Ulaanbaatar — All shopping is better done in the capital.

• Ulaanbaatar (100 km north-east) — Mongolia's capital for museums, dining, and onward travel.
• Elsen Tasarkhai (140 km west) — Sand dunes on the edge of the Mongol Els, with camel riding.
• Karakorum (300 km west) — The ancient Mongol capital, with Erdene Zuu Monastery.
• Hustai's surrounding landscape is also within reach of a day trip to the Orkhon Valley further west.