Winter in Hustain Nuruu

- Takhi re-introduction -

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Hustai National Park is the site of a unique re-introduction scheme of Przewalskii's horse (Equus przewalskii), by Mongolian's called Takhi. It became extinct in the wild and have since 1992 been successfully re-introduced to Hustai from zoo's around the world. It has been an international effort monitored to The Foundation for the Przewalskii Horse of the Netherlands and MACNE (Mongolian Association for Conservation of Nature and the Environment).

The national park is rolling steppe mountains with rather large patches of birch and aspen forests. There are also visible remains of Neolithic graves. In addition Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) and Wolf (Canis lupus) have increased quite a bit during the last few years, as well as Mongolian gazelle. Species that are in Hustai but usually not seen are Lynx, Argali Sheep and Roe Deer.

Brief Outline Itinerary

Hustai National Park is located around Hustai (Birch) Mountain, north of the Tuul River some 2-3 hours drive west of Ulaanbaatar. You will be transferred by vehicle and when in Hustai there will be some shorter hikes supported by packhorses.

Day 01, To Hustai

A.m. Pick up at your hotel in Ulaanbaatar and drive southwesterly along the Tuul River and its riverine forest meadows. At Altanbulag village a statue of a Takhi have been raised in honor of the re-inroduction of Takhi and the creation of Hustai National Park. Two thirds of the national park is located on Altanbulag's territory.

Drive out on the Altanbulag steppes and meet nomadic families in their winter pastures.

The Dutch project has also assisted in setting up a cheese factory here, that is part of a community project to enhance the local economy. It sells high quality "Dutch Gouda cheese". We will continue, crossing the Tuul River and drive into Hustai National Park through the Tariat Valley. We will make our way to the Hustai Ger Camp, operated by MACNE, on the northern borderline of the Hustai. On the way will perhaps already view free roaming herds of Takhi. If not we will make a game drive with a high probability of seeing any of the free roaming herds of the Takhi. Overnight in gers prepared for winter.

Day 02, Hustai trek

Today we will make a trek through the varied habitats of Hustai National Park. Starting out from the ger camp we will hike the ridges with views over the distant Moltsog Sands as well as the partly forested Hustai Mountains. We will trek up a gully and get to incredible look out points, while having a reasonable chance to see Red Deer, Black Vultures and other numerous raptor's such as eagles and falcons. We will reach the de-relict camp at Molt, which consists of simple houses. Stay in the area until late afternoon possibly for wildlife viewing. Picked up by vehicle and drive back to Hustai Ger Camp.

Day 03, To Ulaanbaatar

Drive to Ongut graves in the Tuul River Valley and perhaps see gazelle on the way. We will eventually reach the remarkable Neolithic graves of Ongut, of the 6th or 7th century A.D. Usually there are herdsmen in this area, with their livestock. If you are here in the middle of the winter and snow conditions make jeep tracks impassable the program needs to be modified accordingly. Usually however, there is little snow in Mongolia.

Practicalities

Transport: This journey is supported by a jeep or minibus to and from Hustai National Park, as well as packhorse to carry some of the necessities of the trek.

Staff: Mongolian English speaking local guide will accompany at all times.

Meals: The meals will be provided in the ger camp, or as picnics.

Overnights: The gers have 2-4 beds in each, and they are furnished with beds, stools and a table. WC and showers are in communal shower blocks.

PRICE ex Ulaanbaatar

USD 260 per person (2/6 members)
Group discounts available on request

Includes: Leadership, all meals outside Ulaanbaatar. Two overnights. All local transport and transfers to/from Ulaanbaatar.

Excludes: Imported drinks, airport tax on departure from Ulaanbaatar (approx. USD 12,50 p.p.), laundry. Additional hotel night in Ulaanbaatar Single supplement USD 40.

DATES ex Ulaanbaatar: On request

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