Mongolia’s only truly wild horse is the takhi, also called Przewalski’s horse. It went extinct in the wild by the late 1960s and survived only in zoos, then was reintroduced to Mongolia from 1992. The easiest place to see takhi is Hustai (Khustain Nuruu) National Park, about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar. Other reintroduction sites include Takhiin Tal in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area and Khomiin Tal in western Mongolia. Go early or late in the day with binoculars.
Key Takeaways
- Takhi: Przewalski’s horse, considered the only truly wild horse species
- History: extinct in the wild by the late 1960s, reintroduced to Mongolia from 1992
- Easiest place to see: Hustai National Park, about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar
- Other sites: Takhiin Tal (Great Gobi B) and Khomiin Tal in the west
- Best time of day: early morning and late afternoon
- Etiquette: keep 100–200 m away and follow rangers
Mongolia has millions of horses, but almost all of them belong to herders. Only one kind is truly wild: the takhi, known in English as Przewalski’s horse. Once extinct in the wild, these stocky, dun-coloured horses now roam the Mongolian steppe again thanks to one of the world’s great conservation success stories. Here’s what to know about Mongolia’s wild horses and where to see them.
What is the takhi?
- Appearance: short and stocky, sandy-dun coat, pale muzzle, dark legs and an upright, mohawk-like mane
- Name: takhi means “spirit” or “worthy of worship” in Mongolian
- Status: considered the only truly wild horse species surviving today (other “wild” horses, like mustangs, are descended from domestic horses)
- Behaviour: lives in family groups (harems) led by a stallion
From extinction to comeback
Takhi once roamed the steppes of Central Asia. Hunting, competition with livestock and harsh winters pushed them back, and by the late 1960s they were considered extinct in the wild. The species survived only in zoos, descended from a small number of founder animals.
From 1992, international conservation programmes began returning zoo-bred takhi to Mongolia. Today several hundred wild horses live in protected areas across the country, and the species’ status has improved, though it remains vulnerable.
Where to see wild horses in Mongolia
Hustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu)
The easiest place to see takhi, about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar on a paved road. The first reintroductions took place here in 1992, and the park now holds one of the largest wild populations. Rangers help visitors locate herds, often grazing on hillsides in the early morning or evening. You may also see red deer, gazelles, marmots and birds of prey. See Trekking in Khustain Nuruu National Park.
Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (Takhiin Tal)
In south-western Mongolia, in Govi-Altai and Khovd provinces, takhi were reintroduced to the desert steppe of Takhiin Tal (“plain of the wild horses”), close to where the last wild horses were seen. It’s remote and best visited on a specialist expedition.
Khomiin Tal
In western Mongolia, in Zavkhan province, a reintroduction programme has established takhi in the Khomiin Tal buffer zone near Khar Us Nuur National Park. It’s another remote site, reached on longer overland journeys through the west.
Tips for seeing takhi
- Go early in the morning or late afternoon, when horses come to graze and drink.
- Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens.
- Keep your distance, at least 100–200 m. These are wild animals, and stallions protect their groups.
- Follow ranger instructions and stay on designated tracks.
- Pay the park entry fee, which supports conservation.
Takhi vs Mongolian domestic horses
| Takhi (wild) | Mongolian horse (domestic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mane | Short and upright | Long and falling |
| Colour | Dun with pale muzzle | All colours |
| Chromosomes | 66 | 64 (like all domestic horses) |
| Can be ridden? | No, it’s wild | Yes, the backbone of nomadic life |
Discover more about Mongolia’s domestic horses in Mongolian horse culture and Mongolian horse gaits.
Combining wild horses with an Altai trip
Hustai is an easy day or overnight trip from Ulaanbaatar, so it fits at the beginning or end of a trip to western Mongolia. Fly to Ulgii for the Altai, then visit Hustai before your flight home. See more wildlife in Altai Mountains animals.
Want to see takhi, argali, ibex and maybe even snow leopards? Contact Discover Altai and we’ll build a wildlife itinerary for you, including our snow leopard tour.
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What are Mongolia’s wild horses called?
They are called takhi in Mongolian and Przewalski’s horse in English. They are considered the only truly wild horse species left.
Where can I see wild horses in Mongolia?
Hustai (Khustain Nuruu) National Park near Ulaanbaatar is the easiest place. Remote reintroduction sites include Takhiin Tal in the Great Gobi B area and Khomiin Tal in western Mongolia.
How are takhi different from Mongolian horses?
Takhi have a short upright mane, a dun coat with a pale muzzle and 66 chromosomes, while domestic horses have 64. Takhi are wild and cannot be ridden.
Can I see takhi on a trip to the Altai?
Yes. Hustai is an easy day or overnight trip from Ulaanbaatar, so it fits at the start or end of a western Mongolia trip.