Khustai to Chinggis: Two National Parks and the World's Tallest Equestrian Statue
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle short hikes (1–3 miles) and a few hours in vehicle each day; comfortable walking over uneven ground.
Overview
Drive from Ulaanbaatar into grassland and granite—searching for reintroduced Przewalski horses in Khustai, sleeping in a tourist camp, then exploring Terelj’s rock formations and the colossal Chinggis Khan statue. This two-park loop pairs wildlife watching with sweeping steppe views and Mongolian cultural encounters.
Khustai to Chinggis: Two National Parks and the World's Tallest Equestrian Statue
Select participants and date
Morning light slices across the Mongolian steppe as your van leaves Ulaanbaatar and the city’s blocky silhouette recedes. The road unfurls—95 km of open country to Khustai Nuruu—where wind pushes low clouds across rolling grass, and the air carries a faint dusting of dried grass and horsehair. You step out into a landscape that behaves like an old friend: blunt, indifferent, and honest about its scale.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring binoculars and a tele lens
Takhi and many birds are best viewed from distance—bring 8–10x binoculars and a 200mm+ lens for clear photos.
Dress in layers for temperature swings
Days warm quickly but nights in the camp get cold; a midlayer and windproof shell will keep you comfortable.
Respect wildlife distances
Do not approach takhi or nesting birds; use your zoom and let animals move naturally to avoid stress.
Bring cash for small purchases
Souvenirs, extra snacks, or costume photos at the statue complex often require cash in local currency.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Przewalski horse (takhi)
- Steppe bird species such as Demoiselle crane and saker falcon
History
Khustai was established as a protected area in the 1990s to restore the Przewalski horse; the Chinggis Khan complex memorializes Mongolia’s imperial history while also serving contemporary tourism and national identity.
Conservation
Khustai represents a successful rewilding project, but human presence must be managed—stay on paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Ulaanbaatar
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and grip for short hikes across grassland, rocky tors, and uneven campsites.
Binoculars or monocular
Essential for spotting takhi, birds, and distant herds without disturbing them.
Layered clothing and wind shell
Steppe weather changes quickly—layers let you adapt from cold mornings to sunny afternoons.
Daypack with water reservoir
Carry water, snacks, camera gear, and a light first-aid kit for daytime outings.