6-Day Hustai National Park Tour

Hustai National Park (HNP) is located on the borders of Altanbulag, Argalant, and Bayankhangai soums of Töv Province, approximately 70 km west of Ulaanbaatar, between 105°40′–106°37′ East longitude and 47°35′–47°52′ North latitude.

By Resolution No. 83 of the State Great Khural (Parliament of Mongolia) in 1993, 50,000 hectares of the Hustai Mountain range were placed under State Special Protection as a Nature Reserve. In 1998, under Resolution No. 115, its protection status was upgraded to a National Park.

In 2002, Hustai National Park was included in UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

The Hustai National Park Trust, a non-governmental organization, manages the park under an agreement with Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.

Hustai – Home to the World's Largest Population of Takhi

In addition to protecting the ecosystem of Hustai National Park, the Hustai Centre has successfully reintroduced the Takhi (Equus przewalskii)—the world's only remaining wild horse—back into its native habitat. As part of the reintroduction programme for the Takhi, which became extinct in the wild during the middle of the last century, the first 15 horses were brought to Hustai on 5 June 1992. Their population has continued to increase, reaching more than 300 individuals by 2013.

Besides monitoring the adaptation, biology, ecology, and behaviour of the reintroduced Takhi, the Hustai Centre conducts extensive ecosystem research in cooperation with national and international scientific institutions and universities.

Mammals of Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park is home to 46 species of mammals, including Red Deer, Roe Deer, Mongolian Gazelle, Argali Sheep, Wild Boar, Gray Wolf, Eurasian Lynx, Red Fox, Corsac Fox, Pallas's Cat, Badger, and Marmot.

The populations of wild animals within the park and its surrounding buffer zone continue to increase every year. Argali sheep, which were once only occasionally seen, have now become permanently established, with their population exceeding 30 individuals by 2013. The park is also home to more than 1,000 Red Deer and 500 Mongolian Gazelles.

Visitors to Hustai have the opportunity to observe many wildlife species that have become increasingly rare elsewhere.

Flora and Vegetation of Hustai National Park

A total of 499 species of vascular plants, belonging to 246 genera and 65 families, have been recorded in Hustai National Park.

Among them are 7 species listed in the Red Book of Mongolia, 17 edible plant species, 219 medicinal plants, and 236 nectar-producing plant species.

In addition, 85 species of lichens, 33 species of fungi, 90 species of mosses, and 69 species of algae have been recorded from the park's rivers and streams. Of these, 7 plant species are included in the Red Book of Mongolia.

If you are interested in wildflowers, the illustrated guidebook "Flowers of Hustai" will serve as an excellent companion.

Birds of Hustai National Park

To date, 223 bird species belonging to 40 families and 16 orders have been recorded in Hustai National Park.

Among them are six globally rare bird species listed in the Red Book of Mongolia, including the Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), Great Bustard (Otis tarda), and Hooded Crane (Grus monacha).

Of these bird species:

• 48 species are resident birds;
• 124 species breed in the park during summer;
• 22 species are passage migrants;
• 7 species occur only during the winter season.

Highlights

The World's Only Wild Horse – Takhi: Visit the world's most successful reintroduction site for the Takhi, the Asian wild horse that became extinct in the wild during the last century, and observe these magnificent animals grazing freely in their native habitat.

Rich Mammal Diversity: Observe 46 species of mammals, including Red Deer, Argali Sheep, Roe Deer, and Mongolian Gazelle, thriving naturally in one of Mongolia's finest protected areas.

A Paradise for Rare Birds: Enjoy the opportunity to observe more than 200 bird species, including rare Red Book species such as the Black Stork, Bar-headed Goose, and Great Bustard.

A Valuable UNESCO Site: Discover the pristine wilderness of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where an ecosystem of nearly 500 plant species has been carefully preserved.

Experience Nomadic Life: Visit a traditional herding family, experience Mongolia's legendary hospitality, and enjoy an unforgettable horseback ride across the vast steppe.

An Ideal Destination for Photography: Capture stunning photographs of wild animals, rolling mountains, open grasslands, and Mongolia's spectacular natural landscapes.