Things to Do in Khustain Nuruu National Park

The world's last wild horses roam free just 100 kilometers from Mongolia's capital. Khustain Nuruu National Park protects 50,000 hectares where takhi—Przewalski's horses—graze after being successfully reintroduced following extinction in the wild. This rolling steppe and forested hills harbor red deer, wolves, and over 200 bird species alongside the famous horses. The wildlife draws you here. But watching these stocky, tan horses with dark manes feels like time travel—you're witnessing something genuinely rare across grasslands that haven't changed in centuries. The park also preserves nomadic herding culture through ger stays and hands-on experiences with traditional practices.

Food centers on traditional Mongolian cuisine at ger camps. Expect communal meals of mutton, beef, dairy products, and hearty soups built for steppe weather—meat dumplings, noodle soups, milk tea. Many camps make their own airag and offer fermented dairy tastings, though vegetarian options stay limited even with advance notice.

Visit May through September. July and August bring warmest weather but maximum crowds and higher prices—late spring offers wildflowers and active wildlife while early autumn delivers clear skies with fewer visitors. Winter visits demand serious cold preparation with temperatures hitting -30°C, though snow-covered takhi make striking subjects.