Khustai & Terelj National Parks with Chinggis Khan Statue — Two-Day Wildlife and Culture Tour from Ulaanbaatar
Trade Ulaanbaatar’s bustle for two days of wide steppe, reintroduced Przewalski’s horses, and the towering Chinggis Khan statue. This private, guided loop blends wildlife viewing, short hikes among granite formations, and a night in a tourist camp for a compact introduction to Mongolia’s landscapes and culture.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens
Takhi are often observed at a distance; optical gear increases your chance of close-up photos without disturbing them.
Layer for temperature swings
Steppe days can be warm while mornings and nights are cold—pack a warm midlayer and windproof shell.
Cash for small purchases
Souvenir stalls, tea houses, and small vendors often accept only cash; carry small Mongolian tögrög notes.
Respect wildlife viewing etiquette
Stay in the vehicle or on marked paths when instructed; sudden movements upset skittish animals like takhi.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Small riverside teahouses in Terelj where nomadic families sell dairy snacks
- •Low-traffic observation points in Khustai’s western meadows at dawn
Wildlife
- •Przewalski’s horse (takhi)
- •Steppe birds such as larks and harriers
Conservation Note
Khustai’s management focuses on habitat restoration and controlled tourism to protect takhi; visitors are asked to minimize disturbance and follow guide instructions.
Khustai was a key site for an international reintroduction program that brought the takhi back from extinction in the wild; the Chinggis Khan statue at Tsonjin Boldog is a contemporary monument commemorating Mongolia’s most famous historical figure.
Photographer's Notes
- • Open meadows near Khustai viewing platforms for takhi
- • Granite outcrops in Terelj for framed landscapes
- • Horse’s head elevator at the Chinggis Khan statue for panoramic steppe shots
What to Bring
Sturdy hiking bootsEssential
Support and traction for uneven trails and granite boulder sections in Terelj.
Binoculars or telephoto lensEssential
Essential for respectful wildlife observation and better photography of distant takhi.
Windproof jacket and thermal midlayerEssential
Steppe winds and cold nights require warm, packable layers.
Reusable water bottle and sunscreenEssential
Hydration and sun protection are critical on open grasslands and during hikes.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and what is the schedule?
The tour runs roughly two days (about 48 hours in total). Pickup is around 08:00 on day one; you'll visit Khustai, stay overnight in a tourist camp, proceed to Terelj and the Chinggis Khan Statue on day two, and return to Ulaanbaatar by evening.
Will I definitely see Przewalski’s horses?
Sightings are common thanks to the park’s reintroduction program, but wildlife is never guaranteed; morning and late-afternoon windows increase chances.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes — children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; some walking and long drives are involved.
Are meals included?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included as listed; inform the operator of dietary needs or vegetarian requests at booking.
Do I need any permits or entrance fees?
Park access and statue complex entrance are handled by the operator and included in the tour price; carry your passport for any checkpoints.
How strenuous are the hikes?
Hikes are short and non-technical (typically 1–3 miles on uneven ground), suitable for those with moderate fitness.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Location
Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — able to handle short hikes (1–3 miles), uneven terrain, and periods of standing while observing wildlife.
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