Hustai National Park: Where Mongolia’s Wild Horses Roam Free
Hustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu National Park) is one of Mongolia’s most remarkable conservation success stories. This protected area, located just 100 kilometres west of Ulaanbaatar, is home to the world’s only remaining population of truly wild horses — the Takhi (Przewalski’s horse). Once declared extinct in the wild, these magnificent animals now roam freely across the park’s rolling steppe hills, presenting one of the most inspiring wildlife recovery stories in modern conservation. Beyond the horses, Hustai offers beautiful hiking, diverse wildlife, and a chance to experience pristine Mongolian steppe landscape just a short drive from the capital.
A Brief History of Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park was established in 1993 with a specific mission: reintroduce the Takhi (Przewalski’s horse) to its native homeland. The Takhi, known in Mongolian as “Takhi” meaning “spirit” or “worthy of worship,” is considered the last surviving subspecies of truly wild horse — never successfully domesticated. By the 1960s, the Takhi had become extinct in the wild, surviving only in zoos worldwide. Through an ambitious international breeding and reintroduction program, the first Takhi were released into Hustai in the mid-1990s. Today, the park is home to over 400 Takhi living in multiple free-roaming herds. The park also protects the traditional nomadic herding lifestyle, with local herder families maintaining their way of life alongside the reintroduced wild horses. In 2002, Hustai was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its unique combination of conservation and sustainable development.
Cost Breakdown: Visiting Hustai National Park
Hustai is very affordable and easily accessible as a day or overnight trip from Ulaanbaatar.
Budget per person per day:
- Day Trip (from UB): $50–80
- Overnight Stay: $50–90
Sample Costs:
- Park entry fee: $5
- Guide for horse spotting: $15–25
- Ger camp accommodation: $20–30 per night
- Transport from UB (round trip): $60–80 per vehicle
- Meals: $5–10
- Hiking: free
Top Attractions in Hustai National Park
1. Takhi Wild Horse Observation – The Stars of Hustai
The main reason to visit Hustai National Park is to see the magnificent Takhi in their natural habitat. These stocky, dun-coloured horses with their distinctive dark mane and tail are the last truly wild horses on Earth. The best times for observation are dawn and dusk when the herds are most active, grazing across the rolling steppe hills. Park rangers and guides know exactly where the various harems are likely to be found.
Location: Throughout the park, but especially in the central and eastern areas.
Highlights:
- Seeing wild Takhi horses in their natural habitat
- Family herds led by a dominant stallion
- Dawn and dusk observation for best activity
- Guided tours with expert ranger trackers
- Photography opportunities of a lifetime
2. Park Hiking Through Steppe and Hills
Hustai’s beautiful landscape of rolling hills, open steppe, and rocky outcrops offers excellent hiking opportunities. The park has several marked trails ranging from easy valley walks to more challenging ridge hikes. Along the way, you’ll encounter not only Takhi but also red deer, Mongolian gazelles, and a variety of bird species.
Location: Trailheads near the park visitor centre and ger camps.
Highlights:
- Rolling steppe landscapes with panoramic views
- Wildlife spotting along hiking trails
- Wildflower meadows in summer
- Peaceful solitude away from vehicle traffic
- Varied terrain suitable for different fitness levels
3. Red Deer and Other Wildlife
Hustai is not just about horses. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife including the magnificent red deer (maral), Mongolian gazelles, wild boar, grey wolves, and over 200 species of birds. The park’s position as a transition zone between steppe and forest creates a rich ecosystem that supports this remarkable biodiversity.
Location: Throughout the park, with red deer most commonly spotted in the forested northern areas.
Highlights:
- Red deer with impressive antlers (best in autumn)
- Mongolian gazelles on the open steppe
- Bird watching — golden eagles, vultures, and more
- Small mammals including marmots and pikas
- Rare chance to see wolves (very fortunate!)
4. Bird Watching in the Steppe
With over 200 recorded bird species, Hustai is a paradise for bird watchers. The park’s diverse habitats — open steppe, rocky hills, river valleys, and forest patches — attract an impressive variety of species. Golden eagles, saker falcons, cinereous vultures, and demoiselle cranes are among the highlights.
Location: Various habitats throughout the park.
Highlights:
- Golden eagles and saker falcons
- Cinereous vultures soaring overhead
- Demoiselle cranes in summer
- Steppe eagles and buzzards
- Seasonal migratory species
5. Nomad Family Visits
Hustai National Park is unique in that it supports both wildlife conservation and traditional nomadic herding. Approximately 30 herder families live within the park boundaries, maintaining their traditional lifestyle alongside the reintroduced Takhi. Visiting one of these families offers a genuine glimpse into nomadic life.
Location: Several herder families within the park welcome visitors through arranged visits.
Highlights:
- Authentic nomadic hospitality experience
- Learnabout traditional dairy production
- See felt-making and other crafts
- Try airag (fermented mare’s milk)
- Understand modern conservation-herding coexistence
6. Moltsog Els Sand Dunes
A surprising feature within Hustai National Park is the Moltsog Els sand dunes — a pocket of desert landscape surrounded by the green steppe hills. These golden sand dunes create a striking contrast with the surrounding landscape and offer a unique photo opportunity. The dunes are relatively small but provide a fascinating glimpse of the Gobi Desert ecosystem within the steppe zone.
Location: South-eastern part of Hustai National Park.
Highlights:
- Golden sand dunes contrasting with green steppe
- Perfect spot for picnic lunches
- Great photo opportunity
- Unique micro-ecosystem
- Peaceful and less visited than other park areas
Disclaimer: Hustai National Park is a protected conservation area. Follow all park rules, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, and do not feed animals. This guide is for general reference only.