Once hunted to extinction in the wild, Przewalksi's horse (or takhi in Mongolian) is now thriving in the protected environment of Khustai National Park, close to Ulaanbaatar. These horses have the unique distinction of being truly wild - all other 'wild' horses are merely feral populations of domestic horses.
Khustai (officially Khustai Nuruu National Park) is just a two hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, but a world away from the crowds and traffic of the big city. A highlight for many is the chance to see Przewalski's horse. These magnificent equines became extinct in the wild in the 1960s, but were re-introduced to Mongolia in the 1990s from overseas captive populations. Khustai is the only easily accessible area where wild Przewalski's horses can be seen.
Other rare species of wildlife also make their home in the park, including elk, wolves, gazelle and lynx. Hiking is a great way to spot these elusive beasts. The best time to see the horses and other wildlife is in the evening when they come down to water-holes to drink.
Your trip to Khustai starts with a pick-up from your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar in the morning. Once we find our way past the sprawling suburbs of the city we head west across the endless rolling green steppe for which Mongolia is famous.
Your driver will take you deep in to the park where there are beautiful hiking trails, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. Dinner will be served at a local ger camp, leaving enough time to head out to spot game in the evening. Finally you will be driven back to your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar.
Overnight trips can also be arranged. This allows you to be in the park at the best times to view wildlife - dusk and dawn.
