Khustai

Khustai National Park, also known as Hustai Nuruu, is one of Mongolia's most significant protected areas. It gained worldwide fame through the reintroduction project of the Takhi, the world's last truly wild horses, which had gone extinct in the wild by the 1960s. Today, hundreds of these majestic animals roam the rolling steppe landscape once again. Visitors primarily arrive in the early morning or at dusk to observe the horses drinking at the water holes. The park's landscape is diverse, ranging from wide grasslands to birch forests in the higher elevations of the Hustai Mountains. In addition to the wild horses, the park is home to red deer, gazelles, marmots, and a variety of birds of prey, such as golden eagles. This biological diversity makes Khustai a premier destination for nature photographers and ecotourists. Near the park entrance, an information center provides a clear explanation of the Takhi's history and the region's ecology. Khustai is located about 100 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar and is accessible in about two hours via a well-maintained road. The infrastructure in the park includes comfortable ger camps that blend traditional living with modern amenities. Culinarilly, guests can enjoy classic Mongolian dishes like buuz (meat dumplings). The best time to visit is between May and September, with early summer being particularly beautiful when the meadows are in bloom and the wild horse foals are born.

Nearby cities

Züünmod

Züünmod is located just 40 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, separated by the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.

Khutul

Khutul is a major center for the building materials industry.

Darkhan

Darkhan was built in 1961 with massive Soviet support as an industrial hub in the north.

Sharyn Gol

Sharyn Gol is a classic Soviet coal-mining town nestled in a valley.

Züünkharaa

Züünkharaa is a bustling railway town in the scenic Kharaa River valley.

Mandalgovi

Mandalgovi is the capital of the Middle Gobi province and forms the transition between the steppe and the actual Gobi Desert.

History & landmarks

Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)

Turtle Rock is an imposing granite rock formation in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park that has naturally taken the shape of a giant turtle.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a picturesque granite rock massif that rises abruptly from the flat steppe of the Middle Gobi.

More places

Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park is the most important protected area for the successful reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, also known as Takhi.

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Aglag Buteel Monastery

The Aglag Buteel Monastery is a unique spiritual center and museum nestled in the rugged granite mountains.

Khushigt Valley Economic Zone

A new development center around Ulaanbaatar's international airport, designed to consolidate logistics and trade.

Bogd Khan Uul Forest

The world's oldest officially recognized nature reserve offers a dense mosaic of Siberian cedars and larches just south of the capital.

Manzushir Monastery

The ruins of Manzushir Monastery are nestled in the scenic valleys of the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.

Salkhit Wind Farm

Mongolia's first large wind farm, representing an important step towards renewable energy.

Aryabal Meditation Temple

The Aryabal Meditation Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, picturesquely built into a steep mountainside.

Asralt Khairkhan

The highest mountain of the Khentii Mountains is a challenging destination for mountaineers near the capital.