Overview
A Khustai National Park private day tour from Ulaanbaatar takes you through one of the wildest natural ecosystems in Central Mongolia. Here, you'll see globally endangered Takhi wild horses (Przewalski's horses), which made the Park instantly famous. Although all Takhi horses were completely eradicated in Mongolia in the 1960s, Przewalski's horses living in foreign zoos were returned to Mongolia in 1992 through the efforts of Dutch conservationist Jan Bouman. Today, more than 400 Przewalski's horses breed freely in the Khustai Mountains — the largest population of truly wild horses in the world.
Located about 100km west of Ulaanbaatar, the National Park sits in the forest-steppe zone bordering the great steppe of Mongolia. It also features sand dunes where you can find rare Gobi vegetation.
Itinerary
Day program
- Our guide and driver pick you up from your hotel or homestay at 9am.
- Drive to Khustai National Park (approximately 2 hours), the homeland of Przewalski's wild horses (Takhi).
- On arrival, visit the Park's visitor center and museum for a brief introduction to the history of Khustai National Park and the remarkable story of the Takhi reintroduction.
- Lunch included at a tourist Ger camp inside the National Park.
- Drive to the habitat of Przewalski's horses for wildlife observation and photography — the best opportunity to see these endangered horses up close in their natural environment.
- Walk among the Moltsog Els sand dunes, a surprising patch of Gobi Desert landscape hidden within the steppe.
- Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Tour ends at your hotel or homestay at approximately 6-7pm.
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Ulaanbaatar
- English-speaking professional guide and driver
- All entrance and admission fees listed in the itinerary
- Lunch at the Tourist Ger camp
- Complimentary bottled water
- All taxes and service charges
Excluded
- Tipping (optional but appreciated)
- Soft drinks and alcohol
- Optional activities Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your tour)
- Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
Notes
- This is a private tour for your group only. No other travelers will join you.
- Bring binoculars if possible, as Takhi wild horses are sometimes spotted at a distance.
- Don't forget your camera for photos of the Przewalski's horses and stunning steppe landscapes.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as steppe weather can change quickly.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are recommended, especially in summer.
- Bring cash for any personal expenses at the Ger camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour is available all year round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild and wildlife is most active. June to August is peak season, when the steppe is green, the weather is warm, and Przewalski's horses are most frequently spotted. Winter tours (November to March) are possible and offer a unique experience, but temperatures can drop to -30°C.
Meals included in the tour are listed in the Included section. We select restaurants and Ger camps that offer both authentic Mongolian cuisine and European dishes to suit all tastes. Please inform us of any dietary requirements or food allergies before your tour.
The official currency is the Tugrug (MNT, symbol ₮). Commonly used banknotes are 1,000₮, 5,000₮, 10,000₮ and 20,000₮. ATMs and currency exchange offices are widely available in Ulaanbaatar. Outside the city, ATMs are rare or unavailable, so we recommend bringing sufficient cash before departing Ulaanbaatar. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and major stores in the city.
