Khustain Nuruu National Park Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Khustain Nuruu National Park, including a list of places to visit, outdoor activities, food and drink scene, accommodation options, and cultural aspects.


Introduction to Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustain Nuruu National Park is a national park located in Central Mongolia, East Asia. The park covers an area of over 50,000 hectares and is known for its vast grasslands, wildlife, and stunning mountain peaks. The park was established in 1992 to protect the wild horse, also known as Przewalski’s horse, which is indigenous to Mongolia. Since then, the park has become a popular destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to experience Mongolia’s unique cultural traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustain Nuruu National Park is home to many culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top places to visit in the park:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Takhi Museum: This museum is dedicated to the wild horse and its conservation. The museum showcases the history of the wild horse, its DNA, behavior, and the efforts to protect it.
  2. Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur (Black Heart Blue Lake): A site of spiritual importance, the lake is considered sacred by the locals, who believe it has healing powers.
  3. Khar Bukh Balgas: A 9th century Turkic monument, the ruins of the fortress are located on a mountain overlooking the park.

Natural Attractions of Khustain Nuruu National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Przewalski’s Horse Reserve: This is the primary reason Khustain Nuruu National Park was established. Visitors can see the wild horses in their natural habitat.
  2. Wildlife Watching: Khustain Nuruu National Park is home to many other species of wildlife, including deer, wolves, foxes, and marmots. Visitors can participate in guided wildlife watching tours.
  3. Hiking and Scenic Views: The park has many hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The most popular hiking trail is the one that leads to the Takhin Tal waterfall.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustain Nuruu National Park offers many opportunities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. There are several hiking trails in the park that lead to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. The most popular one is the hike to Takhin Tal waterfall. Visitors can also rent bikes in the park and explore the grasslands and forests on their own. A popular biking route is the one that goes around the Takhi Khad Peak.

Best Things to Do in Khustain Nuruu National Park: Activities and Tours

  1. Horse Riding: Visitors can enjoy horse riding tours in Khustain Nuruu National Park, usually accompanied by a local guide.
  2. Camping: The park offers several campsites where visitors can set up tents and enjoy a night under the stars.
  3. Local Herder Family Visit: Visitors can learn about Mongolian culture by visiting local herder families and experiencing their traditional way of living.

Week-Long Itinerary for Khustain Nuruu National Park

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for those planning a trip to Khustain Nuruu National Park:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, settling in at hotel/hebergement near the park, and visit the Takhi Museum
Day 2 Wildlife watching tour and hike to Takhin Tal waterfall
Day 3 Horse riding tour and visit to a local herder family
Day 4 Biking tour around the park and picnic lunch
Day 5 Visit Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur (Black Heart Blue Lake) and Khar Bukh Balgas fortress
Day 6 Camping in the park and stargazing
Day 7 Departure from the park

Food and Drink Scene of Khustain Nuruu National Park

Mongolian cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes and dairy products. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Khustain Nuruu National Park:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Khorkhog: This is a traditional Mongolian dish of goat or mutton cooked with vegetables and hot rocks.
  2. Buuz: These are dumplings filled with meat and served hot.
  3. Airag: This is fermented mare’s milk—the national drink of Mongolia.

Local Beverages

  1. Suutei Tsai: This is a salty tea, made from tea leaves, milk, and salt.
  2. Shimiin arkhi: This is a distilled beverage made from fermented milk.

Where to Stay in Khustain Nuruu National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The park offers several accommodation options, including guesthouses, yurts, and campsites for those who want to immerse themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the park.

Best Accommodation Options

  1. Gobi Erdene Ger Camp: This is a popular ger (yurt) camp inside the park with clean, comfortable accommodation and traditional Mongolian meals.
  2. Steppe Nomads Ger Camp: This is another ger camp located near the park and offers horse riding and cultural tours.

What to Buy in Khustain Nuruu National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tourists can buy local products and souvenirs from vendors at the park entrance or from the souvenir shops in nearby villages. Some popular souvenirs include:

  1. Traditional Mongolian clothing: dels, traditional Mongolian costume including boots and hat.
  2. Handmade woolen products: scarves, socks, and gloves.
  3. Przewalski’s horse toys and souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Khustain Nuruu National Park

Mongolian culture is unique and deeply rooted in tradition. Visitors to Khustain Nuruu National Park can experience Mongolian culture in several ways, including:

  1. Visiting local herder families and experiencing their traditional way of living.
  2. Participating in a Mongolian archery tournament.
  3. Watching traditional Mongolian dancing and music performances.

Best Time to Visit Khustain Nuruu National Park

The best time to visit Khustain Nuruu National Park is from June to September, when the weather is mild, and the grasslands are lush green. The park experiences extreme winter weather, so it’s best to avoid visiting during the winter months (November-February).

Do’s and Don’ts of Khustain Nuruu National Park

Do:

  1. Respect the local culture and customs.
  2. Carry enough water and food during hikes and tours.
  3. Follow the park’s guidelines for safety and wildlife watching.

Don’t:

  1. Litter the park or disturb the wildlife.
  2. Use fireworks or start campfires.
  3. Enter restricted areas without permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustain Nuruu National Park is generally safe for visitors. Nevertheless, visitors should take the following precautions:

  1. Carry a first aid kit during outdoor activities.
  2. Use a local licensed guide when going on wildlife watching tours.

Health in Khustain Nuruu National Park

Visitors should take the following precautions to stay healthy and avoid illness:

  1. Drink bottled water only.
  2. Wash hands regularly to avoid food-borne illnesses.
  3. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun’s harmful rays.

Getting to Khustain Nuruu National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khustain Nuruu National Park

The nearest airport to Khustain Nuruu National Park is in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, which is approximately 90 km away. From Ulaanbaatar, visitors can rent a car, take a bus, or hire a private driver to reach the park.

Bus Stations Near Khustain Nuruu National Park

The most convenient bus station near Khustain Nuruu National Park is in Ulaanbaatar. Visitors can take a bus from Ulaanbaatar to Khustain Nuruu National Park or nearby villages.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private driver or rent a car to reach the park. It’s best to arrange this transportation in advance.

How to Get Around in Khustain Nuruu National Park

The best way to get around Khustain Nuruu National Park is by hiring a local licensed guide or renting a bike. Visitors can also walk or take a horse riding tour to explore the park.

Where to Go Next from Khustain Nuruu National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many other exciting destinations to visit near Khustain Nuruu National Park, including:

  1. Terelj National Park: This is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and horse riding, located approximately 70 km from Ulaanbaatar.
  2. Hustai National Park: This is another national park located approximately 120 km from Ulaanbaatar, known for its conservation efforts for the wild horse population.
  3. Karakorum: This ancient capital of the Mongolian Empire is rich in history and culture and is located approximately 380 km from the park.

Conclusion

Khustain Nuruu National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to experience Mongolia’s unique cultural traditions. Visitors can hike, bike, camp, and explore this beautiful national park while learning about Mongolian culture and tradition. With its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Khustain Nuruu National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression on all those who visit.

Takhi Takhi