Khustain Nuruu Travel Guide: Explore the Wild Home of Mongolia’s Przewalski Horses

Welcome to Khustain Nuruu National Park, a sweeping landscape of steppe, forest, and rolling hills just 100 km west of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. Known worldwide for its successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse—called Takhi in Mongolian—Khustain Nuruu is a symbol of conservation and Mongolian ecological pride.
 

This protected area is not just about wildlife—it’s a place where nature, traditional nomadic culture, and history intersect. From camping under the stars to tracking herds of Takhi on foot or horseback, Khustai (as it's often called) is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and explorers.

📍 Where Is Khustain Nuruu?

Country: Mongolia

Province: Töv Aimag

Distance from Ulaanbaatar: ~100 km (~2-hour drive west)

Located on the southern fringe of the Khentii Mountain range, Khustain Nuruu spans over 50,000 hectares of protected land, and serves as a prime location for wildlife viewing and eco-tourism.

🌟 Why Visit Khustain Nuruu?

✅ See the Rare Takhi (Przewalski's Horse)

Only place in the world to see wild Takhi roaming freely

Reintroduced after extinction in the wild during the 1960s

One of Mongolia’s proudest conservation successes

✅ Wildlife Watching in Natural Habitat

Home to deer, marmots, red foxes, lynx, and over 200 bird species

Best times: early morning and sunset

✅ Accessible Wilderness Near Ulaanbaatar

Perfect for short trips and day tours

Can be combined with nomadic stays or cultural tours

✅ Rich Nomadic Culture

Interact with herder families living near the park

Experience traditional ger stays, horse riding, and Mongolian cuisine

🐾 Top Things to Do in Khustain Nuruu

1. Takhi Watching

Best done in early morning or evening

Use binoculars to observe herds on distant ridges

Quiet approach increases your chances of spotting them up close

Fun Fact: Takhi are the only true wild horses left on Earth—not descended from domesticated breeds.

2. Wildlife Photography & Birdwatching

Khustai’s grasslands and riverbanks attract:

Golden eagles

Cinereous vultures

Eurasian kestrels

Steppe eagles

Perfect for nature photographers and bird lovers

3. Hiking the Steppe and Hills

Trails range from 2–8 km

Explore open valleys, rocky outcrops, and forested slopes

Panoramic views from ridge tops

4. Visit the Park Museum

Learn about:

The Takhi reintroduction project

Flora and fauna of the park

Nomadic lifestyles and conservation efforts

5. Stay in a Ger Camp

Sleep in traditional Mongolian gers

Enjoy local meals like khorkhog or buuz

Listen to folk songs under the stars

🛖 Where to Stay

1. Eco Tourist Ger Camps

Located near the park entrance

Facilities include:

Private gers

Dining halls

Shower and bathroom blocks

Popular camps:

Khustai Camp

Steppe Nomads Camp

2. Homestays with Nomadic Families

Deeper cultural immersion

Help with daily chores, cook with the family, and join horseback rides

Available via local tour agencies

3. Camping

Permitted in designated zones

Must bring all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles

🚗 How to Get There

🚙 By Car (Most Common)

2-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar

Roads are mostly paved, with gravel inside the park

🚌 By Public Transport

Not recommended—public buses don’t reach the park entrance directly

Arrange private transfer or join a tour

🐎 Guided Tours

Most tour operators in Ulaanbaatar offer:

Day trips

2–3 day packages

Combo tours with Elsen Tasarkhai dunes or Karakorum

📆 Best Time to Visit Khustain Nuruu

🧳 What to Pack

🧘 Tips for Responsible Travel

Keep noise low near wildlife areas

Stay on trails and don’t chase animals

Do not feed or touch wild animals

Ask before photographing local people

Leave the land as you found it—take trash with you

🗺 Sample 2-Day Itinerary in Khustain Nuruu

📍 Day 1:

Morning: Depart Ulaanbaatar, arrive at park entrance

Afternoon: Visit park museum and begin short trek

Evening: Takhi observation at sunset, ger stay with dinner

📍 Day 2:

Early morning: Wildlife spotting hike

Breakfast at camp

Optional horseback ride or visit nearby herder family

Return to Ulaanbaatar by afternoon

🧠 Did You Know?

The Takhi can reach speeds of up to 64 km/h

Takhi are shorter and stockier than domesticated horses and never tamed

Khustain Nuruu is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The park’s name means "Birch Mountains" in Mongolian

🎉 Local Events & Cultural Highlights

Naadam Festival (July): Traditional games like wrestling, archery, and horse racing in surrounding provinces

Takhi Festival (occasional, varies by year): Celebrates the return of the wild horse with tours, music, and environmental awareness

🌄 Final Thoughts

Khustain Nuruu is more than just a national park—it’s a living success story of wildlife preservation and a window into Mongolia’s timeless relationship with the natural world.

From spotting the elusive Takhi to sipping tea in a ger under the open sky, this region offers the perfect combination of nature, culture, and history. Whether you have one day or a weekend, Khustai invites you to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the wild heart of Mongolia.