Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park is one of three locations selected for the reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse, or Takhi, since 1992. It is located 90 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The park features a diverse landscape, encompassing both desert and mountainous zones, with the Tuul River running through it.

The park is known by two names:

1. Khustain Nuruu National Park – meaning “the range of birches.”
2. Hustai – which translates to “place with birch trees.”

Management and Conservation

Hustai National Park is managed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) and is entirely self-financed, without any state subsidies. To support its conservation efforts, the park has developed a range of ecotourism initiatives, including entrance fees, accommodations, souvenir sales, and donations. All revenue directly contributes to the Przewalski’s horse reintroduction program, as well as other conservation and research projects within the park.

Best Time to See Wild Horses

For the best chance to see wild horses, we recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset. During the heat of the day, the horses retreat to the mountaintops, making them harder to spot. However, as the sun sets, they descend to the foothills, allowing for closer observation.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In addition to its rich wildlife and landscapes, Hustai National Park is home to historical sites of significant conservation value. The park contains ancient deer stones, burial sites, and stone carvings that date back to the Bronze Age and the 7th-century Turkic period.

History of Hustai National Park

• 1977 – Three Dutch charities established the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Wild Horse.
• 1988 – The foundation identified a suitable 24,000-acre steppe reserve in Mongolia for the reintroduction of wild horses.
• 1990 – The reintroduction project began.
• 1992 – The first group of 16 horses was transported to Mongolia.
• 1993 – Hustai National Park was designated a Specially Protected Area, one year after the reintroduction program began.
• 1994–2002 – Additional transports of horses continued, bringing more to the park. Horses were carefully selected for genetic diversity, raised in semi-reserves in the Netherlands, and transported to Mongolia once they had formed stable social herds.

Facts About Takhi (Przewalski’s Wild Horse)

Takhi wild horses live in two types of social groups:

• Family groups – Typically consist of one stallion, three or four mares, their foals, and yearlings.
• Bachelor groups – Comprised of stallions only, usually led by older males.

The Story of the Takhi Wild Horse

• 1878 – Russian explorer Colonel Nicolai Przewalski returned from an expedition to Central Asia with the skin and skull of a wild horse. He presented his findings in St. Petersburg, confirming the existence of wild horses in southwest Mongolia. The species was later named the Przewalski’s horse. He noted that the horses were highly alert, with acute hearing, excellent eyesight, and a strong sense of smell.
• Late 19th Century – News of the discovery spread across Europe and America. Wealthy landowners and collectors launched expeditions to capture wild horses.
• 1897 – The first capture attempt failed.
• 1898 – Two foals were caught but could not be successfully raised. Later, seven more foals were captured, with the help of local herders who provided domestic mares as surrogate mothers. These captured horses were distributed among European zoos and private reserves. Today, all living Przewalski’s horses descend from just 13 of these original ancestors.
• Pre-WWII – The wild population remained stable.
• Post-WWII – The number of wild horses declined sharply.
• 1967 – The last wild herds disappeared from southwest Mongolia.
• Zoo Breeding Challenges – Breeding Przewalski’s horses in captivity was difficult due to limited genetic exchange, which led to diseases and declining birth rates.
• 1977 – Three Dutch charities founded the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Wild Horse. At that time, only 300 individuals remained in captivity.

Attractions in Hustai National Park

Ungut Monument

One of the park’s key historical sites is the Ungut Monument, a 7th-century Turkic Khaganate site. It is the largest collection of man stones (carved stone figures) in Mongolia and Central Asia.

The site is enclosed by a 55-meter by 38-meter earth mound. Archaeologists have determined that Ungut Monument was an offering site for a nobleman. Excavations uncovered:

30 man stones, each depicting a figure with hands placed on the chest as a sign of respect.

13 wooden pole bases and building materials, including roof tiles.

Over 550 balbal stones, extending 2 kilometers eastward in the direction of sunrise.

Ungut Monument is within a day-trip distance from Ulaanbaatar. Visitors can combine a visit to the monument with a wild horse observation tour in Hustai National Park.