Khustai National Park

About the Site

The takhi, or Przewalski's horse, is the wild horse of the Mongolian steppe. The last one seen in its native habitat was a single stallion in 1969, and the species was classed as extinct in the wild for more than thirty years.

In 1992, 16 horses bred in zoos were released in the Khustai mountains by the Zoological Society of London and Mongolian scientists. The area was declared a Specially Protected Area in 1993 and became a national park in 1998.

The park covers 506 km² across Altanbulag, Argalant and Bayankhangai soums. About 44 mammal species have been recorded, including Altai wapiti, Mongolian gazelle, wolf and lynx, and 217 bird species. In 2002 it joined UNESCO's world network of biosphere reserves.

What to See

• Takhi herds on the open steppe
• Wapiti, gazelles and birds of prey across the steppe and hills
• Walks and drives in the Khustai mountains

Visiting

• About 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar, an easy day or overnight trip from the capital.
• Visits are best arranged in advance; keep to the tracks and keep your distance from the horses.

Distances and travel times are approximate. Check local conditions, opening hours and permits before you travel.