Home › Destinations › Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park

Mongolia, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

Mongolia, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar, is Mongolia's premier wildlife conservation success story and one of the world's most important reintroduction sites for the endangered Przewalski's horses (takhi). Established in 1993, this 50,620-hectare protected area represents the successful return of the world's last truly wild horses to their native steppes after being extinct in the wild for nearly 40 years. The park's rolling grasslands, rocky outcrops, and birch forests provide a pristine habitat that showcases Mongolia's natural beauty at its finest. Beyond its famous wild horses, Mongolia offers visitors an authentic Mongolian wilderness experience with diverse wildlife including red deer, wild boar, lynx, and over 200 bird species. The park's landscape of endless steppes dotted with traditional ger camps provides an ideal setting for experiencing nomadic culture while contributing to conservation efforts. Visitors can witness the daily drama of wild horse herds, explore ancient burial sites, and immerse themselves in the timeless rhythm of the Mongolian countryside.

Top Hustai National Park

Przewalski's Horse Observation

Experience the thrill of observing the world's last truly wild horses in their natural habitat during early morning or evening viewing sessions. These stocky, tan-colored horses with dark manes represent one of conservation's greatest success stories, having been reintroduced to the wild after existing only in captivity for decades.

Booking Tip: Visit during early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (5-7 PM) when horses are most active. Park entrance fees are around $10-15 USD, and guided tours cost $30-50 per person. Book through the park's visitor center or reputable Ulaanbaatar tour operators who specialize in wildlife viewing.

Traditional Ger Camp Stay

Sleep under the vast Mongolian sky in authentic felt yurts (gers) and experience traditional nomadic hospitality. Enjoy home-cooked Mongolian meals, learn about herding culture, and participate in daily activities like milking animals or helping with livestock.

Booking Tip: Ger camps range from $40-120 per night including meals. Book 2-3 weeks in advance during summer months (June-August). Look for camps that employ local families and contribute to conservation efforts. Three Camel Lodge and Hustai Ger Camp are highly recommended options.

Steppe Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore the park's diverse ecosystems on foot through guided hikes across rolling grasslands, rocky hills, and birch forests. Discover ancient petroglyphs, burial mounds, and enjoy panoramic views while learning about the area's unique flora and fauna from knowledgeable local guides.

Booking Tip: Guided hikes cost $20-40 per person for half-day excursions. Bring sturdy hiking boots, sun protection, and layers as weather can change quickly. Best hiking months are May through September. Private guides can be arranged through the park's visitor center for $60-80 per day.

Bird Watching and Photography

Discover over 200 bird species including golden eagles, black vultures, and various songbirds in the park's diverse habitats. The area's pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a photographer's great destination, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

Booking Tip: Bring telephoto lenses and binoculars for best results. Photography permits may be required for professional equipment. Spring migration (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best birding opportunities. Local guides familiar with bird locations cost $40-60 per day.

Cultural Heritage Exploration

Visit ancient burial sites, stone monuments, and petroglyphs that date back thousands of years, providing insight into Mongolia's rich archaeological heritage. Learn about the spiritual significance of the landscape and the deep connection between Mongolian people and their natural environment.

Booking Tip: Cultural site visits are typically included in park entrance fees, but hiring a knowledgeable guide ($30-50 per day) greatly enhances the experience. Respect sacred sites by following local customs and guidelines. Best combined with horse observation tours for a full-day experience.

Getting There

Mongolia is accessible by road from Ulaanbaatar, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the capital. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours by car or organized tour vehicle along a mix of paved and dirt roads. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators in Ulaanbaatar, with day trips costing $80-150 per person including transport, guide, and park fees. Private vehicle rental with driver costs around $100-150 per day. Public transportation is limited, making organized tours or private transport the most practical options for international visitors.

Getting Around

Within Mongolia, movement is primarily by 4WD vehicles due to the rough terrain and vast distances between viewing areas. The park provides guided vehicle tours as the most effective way to locate wildlife and navigate the steppe landscape safely. Walking is encouraged in designated areas near the visitor center and ger camps, but longer distances require vehicular transport. Horse riding can be arranged through some ger camps for a more traditional experience, though this requires advance booking and basic riding skills.

Where to Stay

Three Camel Lodge (luxury eco-lodge)
Hustai Ger Camp (traditional accommodation)
Mongolian Ger Camp (mid-range option)
Mongolia Guesthouse (budget-friendly)
Camping areas (basic facilities)
Day trip from Ulaanbaatar hotels

Food & Dining

Dining in Mongolia centers around traditional Mongolian cuisine served at ger camps and the park's visitor facilities. Expect hearty meals featuring mutton, beef, dairy products, and traditional dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk). Most ger camps include all meals in their accommodation packages, featuring family-style dining with locally sourced ingredients. The park's restaurant near the visitor center offers simple Mongolian and international dishes for day visitors. Vegetarian options may be limited, so inform operators of dietary requirements in advance.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

DeQuattro by Rosewood

4.5 /5
(990 reviews) 2

Naadam Bar & Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.5 /5
(552 reviews)
bar

Namaste Baga toiruu

4.5 /5
(434 reviews) 2

Namaste Olympic Street

4.6 /5
(424 reviews)

Sakura Bakery Cafe

4.6 /5
(404 reviews) 2

Hutong Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.6 /5
(327 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Mongolia is from May through September when temperatures are mild and wildlife is most active. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, making them ideal for photography and extended outdoor activities, though this is also peak tourist season. Spring (May) and autumn (September) provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities with fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures. Winter visits (October-April) are challenging due to harsh weather conditions, though the park remains open for hardy travelers seeking a unique experience of Mongolia's extreme climate.

Insider Tips

Bring layers of clothing as steppe weather can change dramatically from morning to evening, even in summer
Download offline maps and carry a GPS device as cell phone coverage is spotty throughout the park
Pack high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses as the high altitude and open steppe provide little protection from intense UV rays

Activities in Hustai National Park