Mongolia Naadam Festival Tour

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Activity level: Easy
Tour months: 5th of July – 13th of July, 2023 (fixed)

Tour highlights:
• Best features of Central Mongolia: Ancient capital Karakorum, Hustai National Park, Semi Gobi and many more
• Visit and interaction with real nomads
• Highlights of the nomadic capital Ulaanbaatar
• Endless photo opportunities!

This 9-day Mongolia Naadam Festival tour includes highlights of Central Mongolia such as Karakorum - the ancient capital of Mongolian Empire and Erdene Zuu - the first and most beautiful Buddhist monastery, Elsen Tasarkhai small sand dunes and Hustai national park which is known as home for wild Przewalski horse Takhi.

The Naadam Festival consists of Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse racing, and is best of the Mongolian festivals. This fantastic Naadam Festival tour takes you to Mongolian Great Naadam and Mongolian natural and cultural highlights. When you take part in the Naadam you will experience the thrill of watching hundreds of racing horses with their remarkable young riders, strong wrestlers performing the "Eagle Dance" and traditionally dressed archers as well as the magnificent Naadam Grand Opening Ceremony in the Central Stadium.

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, meet at the airport after custom formalities and transfer to the hotel (normal check in time applies, 2 pm. If early check in needed, there will be extra cost). The remainder of the day is for you to get over jet lag and take a good rest before your wonderful journey across Mongolia. Welcome dinner at Mongolian restaurant.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel**** or similar D 1 hr drive

Day 2: Terelj National Park
After breakfast, we’ll drive to Terelj National Park, a delightful destination near the capital. Terelj National Park is a popular weekend getaway destination for many international and domestic travelers alike for its beautiful landscape. On the way, we will stop at Giant Genghis statue complex and explore its surroundings. Arrive and check-in at the ger camp Terelj National Park. Then we will visit to Meditation Temple and Turtle rock. Enjoy short hiking around the National Park. Overnight at a Mongolian ger.

Accommodation: Terelj Star ger camp or similar (Standard ger) B+L+D 2-3 hr drive

Day 3: Hustai National Park
In the morning, we head to Hustai National Park with 3-4 hours’ drive. Arrive in Mongol Nomadic camp and enjoy watching nomadic show. We will take part in the everyday life of a traditional Mongolian family. Witness the breeding of five kinds of livestock and their travel from one place to another using the ox, yak, camel, and horse carts. See how dairy products are made and be able to taste some. Watch a demonstration of milking yaks and mare, fastening and milking of sheep and goats, as well as felt tanning. Optional horse riding around. In the evening, we will drive through the Hustai National Park and try to see the endangered Przewalski wild horses (one of the last remaining wild horses). Dinner and overnight at the ger camp.

Accommodation: Hustai ger camp or similar (Standard ger) B+L+D 3-4 hr drive

Day 4: Karakorum
We will drive to Karakorum and visit legendary monastery Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia founded in 1586, and its surroundings. In the evening, we will visit the newly established Museum of Karakorum which gives a good introduction to Central Mongolia, its’ history and the UNESCO world heritage site Orkhon river valley.

Accommodation: Munkhtenger ger camp or similar (Standard ger) B+L+D 4-5 hr drive

Day 5: Elsen Tasarkhai
After breakfast, we will drive to Elsen Tasarkhai (Bayan gobi) and Khugnu Khan nature reserve where the gorgeous rocky mountain and mini version of sand dunes are. Transfer to camp near the Mongol Els Sand Dunes. Then we visit to the Erdene Khamba Khiid Buddhist surviving temple from the Great Repression in 1930s in Hogno Khaan Nature Reserve Park which will give you a great view of surroundings. Overnight at the ger camp.

Accommodation: Hoyor Zagal ger camp or similar (standard ger) B+L+D 2-3 hr drive

Day 6: Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we will drive to Ulaanbaatar – the drive takes 5-6 hours. Transfer to the hotel after lunch. Rest and prepare for the Great Festival of the next day. This is a lifetime experience indeed and everyone wants to take part in it. The Mongols have the saying “If you be healthy, you will see the Naadam”.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel**** or similar B+L 5-6 hr drive

Day 7: Naadam Festival
See the fantastic opening ceremony of Naadam festival and watch the first round of Wrestling, and then Archery and Ankle bone shooting competitions. Visit Gandan Monastery, housing a 26-meter-high gilded statue of the Buddha and the Museum of National History, which has a number of fascinating displays of traditional Mongolian clothing and weaponry, as well as exhibits charting the course of Genghis Khan's empire-building.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel**** or similar B+L+D 1-2 hr drive

Day 8: Naadam Festival horse race
We will drive to the horse racing place to experience the Naadam Festival horse races. In the afternoon, visit the Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum and see a traditional folk concert by magical Tumen Ekh ensemble. Meals at restaurants and hotel overnight.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel**** or similar B+L+D 2-3 hr drive

Day 9: Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
You are transferred to the airport/train station after breakfast. End of service.

Accommodation: B + 1 hr drive

Attraction Info

Giant Chinggis Equestrian Statue
Tsonjin boldog in total is 40m high from surface erected at about 10 m high foundation and surrounded by columns. The statue, Chinggis riding his horse, is made by 250 tonnage steel. It is largest horse-riding statue in the World. Far sighted Chinggis Khaan holds a golden whip in his right hand. The building consisted of 36 supporting columns, symbolizes 36 kings who are direct lineage of Chinggis Khaan.

Elsen Tasarkhai, aka Mongol Els
Elsen Tasarkhai is located on the border of 3 provinces, namely Tuv, Uvurkhangai and Bulgan provinces and stretches over 80 km long territory. The dune is divided by the main road into Mongol Els on the south of the road and Khugnu Tarniin Els on the north side. Due to its location in Central Mongolia, the dunes contrast with green steppes and Rocky Mountains in the background which makes it one of the most beautiful destinations in central Mongolia. The proximity to the capital Ulaanbaatar also makes it among the most visited sites. A state protected national park Khugnu Tarna is also located in the area where one can visit the Erdenekhamba monastery.

The Ancient Capital Karakorum
The ancient capital of Mongolia was established by Genghis Khan in 1220 in the Orkhon valley. For 140 years Kharkhorin served as the capital of the United Mongol tribes until it was destroyed by the Chinese troops in 1391. The remains of the capital that stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road are extensive underground archaeological assets and two granite turtles that once stood at the main gate to the city. Four of these turtle sculptures used to mark the boundaries of ancient Kharkhorin, acting as protectors of the city (turtles are considered symbols of eternity).

Erdene Zuu monastery
In 1586, Erdene Zuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia was built on the ruins of the 13th century capital. Vast walls of 400 m in length with 108 stupas surrounding the monastery are the symbol of Karakorum. Time and history were not merciful to Erdene Zuu monastery but it still carries the traces of its former glory and provides a great insight into the rich religious and cultural past of Mongolia.

Hustai National park
The Mongolian Government declared Hustai National Park as a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction project of the Takhi to the Hustain Nuruu.

Gandan Monastery
The first temple of Gandantegchinleng Monastery was established in 1835 by the Fifth Jebtsundamba, the highest reincarnated lama of Mongolia. In the following years temples for daily service, veneration of Avalokiteshvara and colleges of Buddhist philosophy, medicine, astrology and tantric ritual were established. In 1938, Gandan Monastery was closed, but reopened in 1944 as the only functioning monastery during the socialist regime. After the democratic change took place in 1990 Buddhism regained its full right of worship. Gandan Monastery has, as being the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists, been striving to propagate peaceful teaching of Lord Buddha among family and society.

The National Museum of Mongolia
It is a cultural, scientific, and educational organization, which is responsible for the collection, conservation and interpretation of the objects under its curation. Exhibitions cover prehistory, pre-Mongol Empire history, Mongol Empire, Mongolia during Qing rule, ethnography and traditional life, and twentieth-century history. The ethnographic collection has significant displays of the traditional dress of various Mongolian ethnic groups and of snuff bottles.

Tour Price
• All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.
• Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.
• Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.

Inclusions:
• Sightseeing and entrance fees according to the itinerary
• Full-time service from your English-speaking local tour guide
• Private transfers (Comfortable vehicle with AC + Experienced driver)
• Airport transfers
• Naadam Tickets and arrangement
• Twin/double share at centrally located 4* hotel – 4 nights
• Twin/double share at tourist ger camps (with shared public Western style bathroom) - 4 nights
• Meals as listed (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
• 0.5 l x 3 bottled water per day
• Visa support invitation letter where applicable

Exclusions:
• International Airfare/train tickets + Tax
• Travel insurance & Visa fees
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera or video fees at any sites
• Optional activities: horse riding, archery, etc.
• Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.