Mongolia Tour

Naadam Festival & the Spirit of the Nomads

On the Mongolia Tour with Naadam Festival, we celebrate with the locals. For the nomads it’s about horsemanship, marksmanship and all skills necessary for nomadic people to survive. For visitors, it’s about appreciating the spirit of the nomads and their heartfelt pride. The festival includes colorful synchronized choreography, an exciting parade of regal Chinggis Khan warriors on horseback, music and dance performances and competitions.

Enjoy breath-taking natural beauty as we traverse the countryside learning about Mongolia’s nomadic culture and Buddhist history. Our Mongolia tour takes us to sacred mountains, monasteries, pristine lakes, with opportunities to interface with nomadic families as well as monks. Visit the Takhi, Mongolian wild horses which are the last remaining species of truly wild horses in the world! We will drive 4-6 hours per day on bumpy dirt roads, stopping a few times to visit nomadic families. These are spontaneous visits, not pre-arranged, for a truly authentic experience.

Once we leave Ulaanbaatar, accommodations are traditional gers (yurts) which have been modified and made comfy with nice beds, sheets, pillows, blankets; hand painted furniture and a wood stove in the center.  Clean, western bathrooms and showers are housed in a separate building, just a few steps away.

Mongola’s high elevations with extensive wilderness, desert, lakes and mountains offer fascinating experiences as Mongolia travel is still rare and unique.

MONGOLIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Travel to Mongolia to celebrate one of the world’s great nomadic festivals, Naadam Festival.
  • Mingle with nomadic families and enjoy their genuine hospitality.
  • Visit the vast Mongolian countryside and the Gobi Desert & Khongor Sand Dunes.
  • Khustai National Park, the habitat of resurrected wild Mongolian horses, popularly known as Takhi.
  • There will be opportunities for optional hiking and camel and horse riding.
  • Visit National Library of Mongolia that houses the world’s largest collection of Buddhist texts.

View A Detailed Itinerary:

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Reenactment of Genghis Khan warrior period

  • 1
    Day 1-3: Meet in Ulanbaatar

    Remainder of the day is independent to rest.
    Attend the Naadam Festival opening ceremonies and the exciting horse-racing competition.

  • 2
    Day 4: Khustain Nuruu National Park

    Visit the National Museum of Mongolian History, Gandan Monastery, Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, Choijin Lama Temple Museum.

  • 3
    Day 5-6: Kharakhorum

    A thrilling Khustai National Park safari to see the takhi, Mongolian wild horses which are the last remaining species of truly wild horses in the world.
    Visit the revered Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery, built on the remains of the city of Kharakhorum in 1586 by a descendant of Chinggis Khan.

  • 4
    Day 7-8: Tsetserleg - Great White Lake

    Tour Zayan Gegeenii Khuree, a remarkably intact monastery with an active community of 70 monks. It houses the Museum of Arkhangai Province, which contains magnificent treasures including ceremonial masks and memorabilia. Enjoy astonishing Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan. Optional walk to Khorgo Volcano.

  • 5
    Day 9-10: Khognokhaan Mtn. Natural Reserve

    Enjoy the unique combination of Khorgo Mongolian mountains, forests and Gobi-type landscapes all in one location. Those interested can trek to ruins of 16th century Uvgun Monastery. Return to Ulaanbaatar.

  • 6
    Day 11-14: Gobi Desert & Khongor Sand Dunes

    A short flight to the Gobi Desert. We visit Khongoriin Els sand dunes, known as the "singing sand dunes." Travel to Yol Valley via Bayanzag, pre-historic-looking red cliffs formed from the erosion of sand and rock over thousands of years and the site of several successful dinosaur excavations. Interact with nomadic families. Easy trek through Eagle Valley. Deluxe lodge in Yol Valley.

  • 7
    Day 15: Depart

    Transfer to airport for departure.

  • Trip Length

    15-day trip begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar

  • Dates

    July 10-25, 2024

  • Land Cost

    2024: $4250 per person based on min 4 people. Single room supplement: $450/hotels; $475/gers

  • Accommodations

    6 nights in Ulaanbaatar at Bayangol hotel, 4 stars or similar, 1 night in Fairfield guest house, Tsetserling, 7 nights tourist gers (yurts)

  • Group Size

    4-12 guests

  • Included Meals

    Daily Breakfast, 10 Lunches, 9 Dinners

  • Duration

    15 Days

  • Reading List

    Suggested Reading

Unnamed Road, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Khustai Mountains Rd, Mongolia

Kharkhorin, Mongolia

Tsetserleg, Mongolia

Gobi Desert

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