Experience the Enchanting Naadam Festival and Explore the Majestic Gobi Desert in Mongolia, Uncover Iconic Landmarks, and Partake in the Lively Naadam Celebration in the Capital City. This unique journey is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the vibrant tapestry of Mongolian culture, allowing you to delve into the lives, arts, and melodies that encapsulate the true artistic essence of the Mongolian people. As you traverse Mongolia’s heartland, characterized by its timeless landscapes of rolling hills, vast open plains, lush meadows, and rugged mountains, you will have the opportunity to venture into the captivating Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Discover iconic landmarks and historical sites while taking part in the lively Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s national holiday, celebrated in the bustling metropolis. This adventure offers a glimpse into the soul of Mongolia, where nature and tradition harmoniously converge to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience. On your journey to the Gobi Desert, you’ll relish the tranquility of nature and the nomadic way of life.
The Naadam Festival, held annually from July 11 to 13, is an exhilarating three-day sporting event with a history dating back centuries to the time of Chinggis Khaan. The festival showcases Mongolia’s “three manly games” – horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The Naadam celebration unites athletes from across the country, hailing from remote regions, to compete on the grand stage in the bustling capital city. It’s not only a celebration of sports but also a festival for the people – nomadic herders who journey into the urban center and city dwellers who temporarily leave their homes and workplaces to revel in the games. It’s a communal gathering where they come together to witness the competitions, engage in trade, socialize, sing, and savor life to the fullest.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Diverse array of Naadam Festival events
- Exploration of the captivating Gobi Desert
- Visit to Bayanzag, known as the Flaming Cliffs
- Discovering the ancient city of Kharkhorin
- Exploring the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery
- A journey to Khustai National Park, the home of the world’s only wild horses.
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon your arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be transferred to your accommodation. Your first day includes a city tour, during which you’ll visit the Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, which showcases the country’s cultural history from the Stone Age to the 21st century, and Sukhbaatar Square, also known as Chingis Khaan Square. In Gandan Monastery, you can observe original prayers, witness monks, and see the largest standing indoor Buddha statue along with the beautiful architecture of the temple. (Lunch/Dinner)
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga – The White Stupa
Your journey begins as you head towards Tsagaan Suvarga, often referred to as the White Stupa. Formed over time through the erosion of sedimentary deposits, it takes on the appearance of a stupa when viewed from a distance. From another perspective, it can resemble ancient city ruins or settlements. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to hike and explore the area. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 3: Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
You’ll take a flight to Dalanzagdad, the central city of South Gobi province, and from there, you’ll drive to Yoliin Am, also known as Yol Valley or Shark Valley, situated in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain. This beautiful and picturesque valley, often shaded from the sun due to its narrow pathways between rocky cliffs, is known for its unique beauty. It’s also home to various wildlife, including vultures and eagles. The canyon sometimes retains ice until late June due to its shading effect. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 4: Khongor Sand Dunes
Today’s journey takes you to the Khongor Sand Dunes, known as the “Singing Dunes.” These are the largest and most impressive sand dunes in Mongolia, reaching up to 80 meters in height and extending approximately 180 kilometers. You’ll have the opportunity to hike up the dunes and even slide down them, adding to the thrill. Additionally, you’ll visit a local camel herder’s family and enjoy a short camel ride. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 5: Bayanzag – Flaming Cliffs
You’ll head towards Bayanzag, a unique desert landscape known for its red cliffs, gemstones, and the striking red sandy terrain. This is the famous site where American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews made groundbreaking discoveries of dinosaur bones and eggs in the 1920s. The most picturesque time to witness this landscape is during the sunset when the cliffs take on a fiery red hue. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 6: Mysterious Ongi Monastery
Your journey takes you south to the Gobi, and you’ll have an overnight stop in Middle Gobi province. Here, you’ll explore the remains of the Ongi Monastery, which is nestled among the mountains and is a serene location. This site once served as a vital waypoint for Buddhist pilgrims on their way to holy Tibet. After a satisfying dinner, you can take a peaceful walk around the monastery remains. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 7: Explore Ancient Capital City of the Mongol Empire – Kharkhorin
Today, you’ll drive to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, established by King Ugudei in 1235. This strategically located city served as a pivotal point on traditional trade routes, hosting merchants, travelers, and foreign envoys. Although it was later abandoned when Khubilai Khaan moved the capital to Beijing in 1264, the bricks and monuments from this city were used to construct the Erdene Zuu Monastery. You’ll explore both the monastery and the Karakorum Museum, which houses intriguing artifacts and artwork. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 8: Discover Khustai National Park
Today’s journey takes you to Khustai National Park, home to the only wild horse in the world, known as the Przewalski’s horse or takhi. These horses were reintroduced to Mongolia in 1992, and Khustai Nuruu offers lush foliage, springs, birch trees, and an array of wildlife. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 9: Return to Ulaanbaatar and Enjoy Horse Racing
After breakfast at your camp, you’ll head to Khui Doloon Khudag, a location on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar known for horse racing. This is where the Naadam Festival celebrations begin with exciting horse races. Afterward, you’ll return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your accommodation. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 10: NAADAM FESTIVAL DAYS
Today marks the start of the Naadam Festival. It’s a joyous celebration filled with traditional sports, including wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Contestants from different regions gather in the capital city to compete. The Naadam Festival is also a time of festivity, where people from various backgrounds come together to share in the festivities, trade, interact, sing, and fully enjoy the atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to witness the grand opening of the State Naadam Festival at the central stadium and enjoy lunch on the festival grounds. You can also experience the excitement of wrestling, archery, and anklebone shooting competitions. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 11: Departure Day
It’s time to bid farewell to Mongolia. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. (Breakfast)
This rewritten itinerary provides a detailed overview of your adventure, highlighting key experiences and locations. It retains the essence of your journey while offering improved readability and flow.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE/PER PERSON |
| 2 PAX | 2750$ |
| 3-4 PAX | 2470$ |
| 5-8 PAX | 2380$ |
INCLUDES
- Accommodation Hotel ****, * ger camps
- Guiding and interpreting service
- Full board refections
- Transport 4×4 vehicle
- Naadam jubilee ticket
- Entrance freights to defended areas and public premises
- Galleries and artistic performance
- Camel riding
- Horseback riding/ voluntary/
NOT INCLUDES
- Pransnational airfare
- Particular outfit
- Single room supplement
- Alcoholic drinks
- Trip Insurance
- The redundant cost for photography in galleries