Once thought to be lost forever, the small, powerful horse known as the takhi now runs freely once more across the Mongolian steppe. Officially recognised as the Przewalski’s horse, it is the world’s only true wild horse, a species that has never been domesticated or bred by humans. Its story represents one of the most inspiring recoveries in wildlife history.
Hustai National Park stands at the centre of this achievement. Created specifically to protect and reintroduce the takhi, Hustai National Park now provides a thriving habitat where wild herds live much as they did centuries ago. Within its rolling grasslands and river valleys, the park has become a cornerstone of Przewalski’s Horse Conservation, guided by collaboration between scientists, local communities, and conservationists.
Today, visitors to Hustai National Park can witness this success firsthand. Seeing these resilient horses grazing in the open plains is a reminder of what careful planning and dedication can achieve. The return of the takhi is not only a triumph for science but also a living reflection of Mongolia’s deep respect for nature and its enduring connection to the wild.
The Przewalski’s horse, or takhi, is the world’s only true wild horse, a species that has never been domesticated or bred for human use. Unlike mustangs or brumbies, which descend from domestic horses that returned to the wild, the takhi has remained genetically untouched by human influence. Its existence offers a rare link to the horses that once roamed the ancient steppes of Central Asia.
Compact and muscular, the takhi has a sandy coat, short upright mane, and powerful build suited to extremes of Mongolia’s climate. It survives the freezing winters and dry summers by relying on endurance rather than speed. These adaptations make it perfectly at home in the open grasslands that define Hustai National Park.
For centuries, wild herds moved freely across the region. But by the mid-1900s, hunting, livestock competition, and harsh winters wiped them out in the wild. The last recorded sighting was in 1969. Only a small group survived in European zoos, all descended from twelve founders.
It was from these few that hope for revival began. Decades later, Hustai National Park became the chosen site for their reintroduction, offering the open steppe, water sources, and protection they needed to thrive. Within the park’s vast landscape, the takhi found a secure home and a second chance at survival.
Today, Hustai National Park is central to Przewalski’s Horse Conservation, providing the ideal conditions for research, breeding, and monitoring of the herds. Rangers, scientists, and local communities work together within Hustai National Park to protect both the horses and their ecosystem. Visitors who come to Hustai National Park can now see these remarkable animals grazing freely, living proof that careful planning and commitment can restore life where it was once lost.
The disappearance of the wild takhi once symbolised the loss of a species that had shared the steppe with humans for millennia. Its absence left a deep void in Mongolia’s natural and cultural heritage. Decades later, through collaboration and dedication, this remarkable animal found its way home.
In 1992, the Hustai National Park Project began with a clear mission: to restore Przewalski’s horse to its ancestral habitat. The area now known as Hustai National Park was carefully chosen for its sweeping grasslands, river valleys, and hills, which together provided the perfect conditions for the takhi to thrive. It was here that Przewalski’s Horse Conservation would become one of the world’s greatest success stories.
That same year, the first 18 horses were transported from European zoos under an organised program by the Foundation for the Preservation and Protection of the Przewalski Horse in the Netherlands. These individuals represented a mix of bloodlines to strengthen the genetic base for a wild population. Once in Hustai National Park, the horses were released into large fenced adaptation areas where they learned to graze naturally and adapt to Mongolia’s extreme seasons. Rangers, scientists, and veterinarians closely monitored their health, while local herders were invited to participate in training and awareness sessions to build community support for the project.
By 1998, the first foals born on Mongolian soil signalled the success of the reintroduction. These births proved that the species could not only survive but also reproduce naturally in the wild. Four years later, in 2002, the herds were considered self-sustaining, no longer dependent on human assistance for food or medical care. That same year, Hustai National Park was granted full pro
tection status under the management of the Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment, cementing its role as a cornerstone of Przewalski’s Horse Conservation.
Today, the park supports more than 350 wild horses living freely across its 50,000 hectares. Ongoing research in Hustai National Park focuses on herd dynamics, habitat use, and interactions with other species, including red deer and wolves. These studies provide vital data for future Przewalski’s Horse Conservation efforts across Mongolia.
The success of Hustai National Park has inspired other rewilding programs around the world. It stands as living proof that with scientific care, local collaboration, and long-term vision, species once thought lost can reclaim their place in the wild
For travellers, Hustai National Park offers one of Mongolia’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. It’s the only place where visitors can observe the Przewalski’s horse living freely within its ancestral range. The sight of a herd moving across the open plains of Hustai National Park brings a sense of connection to a landscape that has changed little in centuries.
Hustai National Park is open throughout the year, though the most comfortable months for exploring are May to October. In spring, particularly May and June, visitors can often see newborn foals with their mothers in the valleys. During July and August, the grasslands of Hustai National Park turn green, and wildlife activity increases as herds graze near the Tuul River. Autumn, from September to October, transforms the park into a mosaic of gold and brown, creating ideal conditions for photography and quieter exploration.
The best times for viewing the takhi are early morning and late afternoon when the herds descend from the hills to drink. In the midday heat, they move to higher ground where the air is cooler. Guides from Hustai National Park help locate the herds while ensuring that both visitors and animals remain safe.
Since Hustai National Park serves as a centre for Przewalski’s Horse Conservation, visitors are asked to follow respectful viewing guidelines. Maintain a distance of at least three hundred metres from any herd, stay on marked tracks, and move quietly to avoid startling the horses. Feeding or attempting to approach them is not permitted.
All excursions in Hustai National Park are accompanied by trained local guides who explain the ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts underway. Limiting visitor numbers in sensitive zones helps protect both the takhi and the delicate steppe ecosystem that supports them. By following these principles, every visit contributes to the continued success of Hustai National Park and the global story of Przewalski’s Horse Conservation.
Hustai National Park is more than a protected area. It’s a living model of how conservation and community can thrive together. Every visit to Hustai National Park directly supports local livelihoods, education, and long-term environmental care.
Revenue from entrance fees, guided tours, and eco-camp stays within Hustai National Park is reinvested into wildlife monitoring, ranger patrols, and habitat restoration. This structure allows Hustai National Park to remain financially independent while maintaining a sustainable model for Przewalski’s Horse Conservation.
Local communities surrounding Hustai National Park are active participants in this effort. Many residents now work as rangers, guides, or camp staff inside Hustai National Park, replacing livestock dependence with steady, conservation-based income. The presence of Hustai National Park has also improved access to education and introduced environmental programs in nearby schools, inspiring future stewards of Mongolia’s natural heritage.
For travellers, choosing to visit Hustai National Park is a meaningful contribution. Every responsible journey strengthens the future of Hustai National Park, ensuring the takhi continue to roam freely. The success of Przewalski’s Horse Conservation here demonstrates that when people and nature work together, protection becomes progress, and progress sustains life across Hustai National Park for generations to come.
Hustai National Park tells a story of renewal and resilience. Across Hustai National Park, the takhi roam freely, symbolising Mongolia’s connection to nature. Visitors to Hustai National Park can see how dedication restored what was nearly lost. Guided by Przewalski’s Horse Conservation, Hustai National Park remains a living symbol of balance between people and wildlife. Every visit to Hustai National Park supports local communities and protects wild herds.
Join Crooked Compass to experience Hustai National Park and witness Mongolia’s wild spirit thrive. Discover more about our Mongolia tours.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
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This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
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With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
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