Khustain Nuruu National Park
Töv
Khustain Nuruu National Park, located in the Khustai Mountains of Töv Province, Mongolia, spans approximately 506 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems including steppe and forested areas. The Tuul River flows through the park, enriching its habitats. Established as a Specially Protected Area in 1993, the park is globally recognized for the reintroduction of the Takhi, or Przewalski's horse, the last wild horse species, which had been extinct in the wild. The park hosts a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including 459 species of vascular plants, 44 species of mammals such as Altai wapiti, Mongolian gazelle, and Eurasian lynx, and 217 bird species including golden eagle and whooper swan. The park is a UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve and a designated Important Bird Area. Managed by the Hustai National Park Trust since 2003, the park balances conservation, research, and ecotourism. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness Mongolia's natural heritage and the thriving population of Takhi horses in their native habitat.
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Tip: The best time to visit Khustain Nuruu National Park is during late spring to early autumn when wildlife is most active and weather is favorable. Visitors are encouraged to book guided tours in advance through the park's official channels to ensure access and support conservation efforts. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Prepare for variable weather and bring appropriate gear for outdoor activities. Respect park regulations to help preserve its delicate ecosystems.
Interesting facts
- •Khustain Nuruu National Park was the first protected area in Mongolia managed by a non-governmental organization.
- •The park is home to the last species of wild horse, the Takhi, successfully reintroduced after extinction in the wild.
- •A new species of soil insect, Epidamaeus khustaiensis, was discovered in the park.
- •The park contains over 217 species of birds, making it an Important Bird Area recognized by BirdLife International.
- •The Tuul River, which runs through the park, is a vital water source supporting diverse wildlife.
History
Khustain Nuruu National Park was designated as a Specially Protected Area by the Mongolian Government in 1993, coinciding with the initiation of the Takhi horse reintroduction project.
Over the following decades, the park became a model of conservation success, leading to its certification by UNESCO as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2007.
Management transitioned to the Hustai National Park Trust in 2003, an NGO dedicated to ecosystem protection, research, and sustainable tourism development.
Since its establishment, the park has hosted several international conservation projects supported by the Dutch Government, focusing on biodiversity conservation and community development in the buffer zones.
Place Guide
Takhi Reintroduction Area1993
This area showcases the successful reintroduction and thriving population of the Przewalski's horse, the last wild horse species, which had been extinct in the wild before conservation efforts began in 1992.
Biodiversity Zones
Explore diverse habitats within the park including steppe, forest, and riverine ecosystems supporting a wide range of plant and animal species, such as Altai wapiti, Mongolian gazelle, Eurasian lynx, and over 200 bird species.
Visitor and Research Center2003
The center provides educational exhibits on the park's ecology, conservation projects, and offers guided tours to enhance visitor understanding and engagement.
