Mongolia
Group / Max 16
12 days
Group Tour
Ulaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar – 12 days
Join us on an unforgettable 12-day Mongolia tour and experience the Naadam Festival, where ancient traditions, stunning landscapes and nomadic culture come alive. This small-group journey travels from Ulaanbaatar’s cultural heart into Mongolia’s vast steppe and the awe-inspiring Gobi Desert, revealing a wild, untamed land defined by open horizons and a strong sense of adventure. With expert local guides, visit landmark sites including the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, and ride a Bactrian camel across golden dunes.
The highlight is the Naadam Festival, also known as Eriin Gurvan Naadam (“Three Manly Sports”), featuring wrestling, horse racing and archery, the celebrated Naadam sports. Watch traditional games rooted in Mongolia’s warrior heritage, see locals in colourful traditional clothes, and gain deep insight into Mongolia’s nomadic way of life. Naadam takes place in peak season, so securing a Naadam ticket in advance through tour operators is strongly recommended.
OUTDOOR SPORTS: Witness Mongolia’s national sport event at the Naadam Festival, centred on the “Three Manly Games”: wrestling, Mongolian horse racing and Mongolian archery. Watch archery competitions rooted in hunting and warfare, and races that symbolise nomadic spirit, guided by skilled horse trainers. The wrestling tournament is famed for having no time, space or weight limits, and often includes eagle dance, long song and other cultural performances.
MONGOLIAN ADVENTURE: Experience Mongolia’s Naadam Festival on a small-group journey that blends ancient traditions with stunning landscapes, open grasslands and cultural festivities beneath the famous blue sky. Beyond the competitions, enjoy cultural events and performances such as traditional music, dance and costume parades that showcase Mongolia’s heritage. With local guides, visit historic landmarks, share authentic encounters, and discover Mongolia’s rugged beauty.
GOBI DESERT: Explore the Gobi Desert’s vast horizons and prehistoric wonders, travelling through landscapes that feel truly remote. Visit Bayanzag’s Flaming Cliffs, celebrated for their deep red colour and dinosaur fossil discoveries, one of the world’s most important palaeontological sites. Continue to Khongoryn Els, where towering dunes invite a Bactrian camel ride and rewarding viewpoints for sweeping scenic views across the desert.
BUDDHIST HERITAGE: Begin in Ulaanbaatar, the vibrant capital of Mongolia, for an introduction to the country’s history and faith. Visit Sukhbaatar Square and the National Museum of Mongolian History for cultural context, then explore Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. This living centre of worship offers powerful insight into Mongolia’s religious traditions, monastic life and enduring spiritual identity.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Join this 12-day Mongolia tour to experience ancient traditions, breathtaking landscapes and the Naadam Festival, with nights in authentic ger camps for a traditional experience. Explore vast steppes, the Gobi Desert and historic capitals while immersing yourself in Mongolia’s nomadic culture. Visit a local Naadam or local Naadam Festival in northern Mongolia for a more intimate community celebration. Share a traditional meal with a nomadic family and try fermented mare’s milk, a regional delicacy.
Your Mongolia adventure tour begins in Ulaanbaatar, a vibrant capital where ancient traditions meet modernity and a growing population reflects rapid development. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet your local guide. This afternoon, visit Sukhbaatar Square, the historic heart of the city, framed by the Parliament House, State Opera and Ballet Theatre and Cultural Palace. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolian History for an overview from prehistoric times to the present. End at Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and a major centre of Mongolian Buddhism. This evening, enjoy an optional welcome dinner to try traditional Mongolian cuisine, with time to wander local markets or museums. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The Terelj Hotel
The Terelj Hotel, nestled in the scenic Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is an epitome of luxurious architecture and design, harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of Mongolia. The hotel’s architecture reflects classical elegance, featuring grand façades, high ceilings, and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The design seamlessly integrates with the rugged beauty of the national park, creating a serene and picturesque retreat.
Drive to Kharkhorin (about 380 km), the ancient capital of Mongolia and a former capital of the Mongol Empire founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley. Learn how Genghis Khan’s rise shaped the Mongol Empire, and why Kharkhorin remained the imperial heart until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Visit Erdenezuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, built in 1586 on the ruins of Kharkhorin. Explore Buddhist art, religious relics and Tibetan-Mongolian iconography as your guide explains the site’s history, spiritual significance and intangible cultural heritage. This evening, experience nomadic life with an overnight stay in a traditional ger camp, offering a true taste of Mongolia’s heritage.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
Drive into the Middle Gobi (about 300 km) to the Ongi River valley and the evocative ruins of Ongi Monastery. Founded in 1660, this once-grand complex was destroyed during the Communist purges, and today stands as a powerful reminder of Mongolia’s spiritual past. En route, share a Mongolian BBQ lunch with a local nomadic family, an authentic opportunity to experience a traditional meal in a rural setting. Guests may also try fermented mare’s milk, a staple of Mongolian hospitality and a regional speciality often served during festivals like Naadam. Arrive at Ongi, walk around the ruins and enjoy the wide Gobi horizons. Overnight in a ger camp surrounded by the rugged desert landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
Drive deeper into the Gobi Desert (about 250 km) to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. These red rock formations, shaped over 60 million years, are among the world’s most important palaeontological sites. In the 1920s, the first dinosaur eggs, fossils and abundant dinosaur bones were discovered here, transforming understanding of prehistoric life. Walk through dramatic desert scenery dotted with saxaul tree forests, with time to absorb the scale, colour and silence of the landscape. Your guide will explain the geology and the scientific significance of the discoveries. As the light softens, Bayanzag’s cliffs glow intensely, making it a superb place for photography. Overnight in a ger camp beneath the star-filled Gobi sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
Travel across the Gobi (about 180 km) to Khongoriin Els, the spectacular “Singing Dunes”, stretching around 180 km and rising up to 200 metres. Named for the sound the sands can make as wind shifts the dunes, this is one of Mongolia’s most iconic desert landscapes. Experience nomadic traditions with a Bactrian camel ride across the Khongoryn Els dunes, arranged by local herders, for scenic views and an immersive desert encounter. Walk among the golden ridges and, if conditions allow, view the Khongor River, a vital lifeline for desert nomads. Those seeking more adventure can hike to higher viewpoints for sweeping panoramas. Return to your ger camp to relax and unwind in the desert.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
Enter Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park (about 180 km), Mongolia’s largest protected area, for a striking change of landscape. Visit Yol Valley, a narrow gorge famed for ice that can remain frozen even in summer, creating a surprising microclimate. Bring warm layers, as the shaded canyon can feel cold due to lingering ice. Walk through the valley beneath steep cliffs, watching for wildlife and birds of prey that thrive in the park. Visit the Fauna and Flora Museum to learn about the region’s rare species and fragile ecosystem, then enjoy a picnic lunch amid dramatic rock formations. The afternoon is unhurried, allowing time for photography and reflection on the diversity of landscapes experienced so far on your Mongolia tour. Overnight in a ger camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
HIDDEN WONDERS OF THE GOBI (420 KM): After breakfast drive to Dundgobi Province and the dramatic rock formations of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rising from the vast arid plains. This geological wonder often called the Stone of Malaya Zemlya features basalt and granite formations sculpted by nature over millions of years. As you drive enjoy the sweeping views of the semi-dry steppe, scattered with sacred historical sites and rock formations. Stop for lunch in Mandalgovi, the provincial capital and then continue to your campsite. As night falls experience the wilderness under Mongolia's vast sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
CHINGGIS KHAAN STATUE & SCENIC LANDSCAPES (310 KM): Drive to Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful and ecologically rich regions. En route visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue, a 40-metre stainless steel monument to Mongolia’s legendary ruler. The statue commemorates the era when mounted cavalry played a crucial role in Mongolian history, symbolizing the power and mobility of Mongolian warriors. From the viewing platform take in the panoramic views of the Mongolian steppe. Upon arrival in Terelj National Park explore its natural wonders including Melkhii Khad (Turtle Rock) and the Aryapala Buddhist Meditation Temple with stunning hilltop views. After a traditional Mongolian lunch at a yurt camp settle into the eco-friendly Guru Camp surrounded by wilderness. Khustai National Park is another important destination for experiencing Mongolia's wildlife and steppe scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ger Camp
A DAY AT LEISURE (60 KM): Return to Ulaanbaatar and have a free day to explore at your own pace. Wander through markets, visit museums and galleries, or enjoy visits to local attractions and cultural sites. Optional activities include visits to museums, galleries, or cultural landmarks, a traditional Mongolian throat-singing performance, shopping for Mongolian cashmere, or a luxury spa experience. This is your last day to relax before the excitement of the Naadam Festival begins.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Terelj Hotel
The Terelj Hotel, nestled in the scenic Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is an epitome of luxurious architecture and design, harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of Mongolia. The hotel’s architecture reflects classical elegance, featuring grand façades, high ceilings, and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The design seamlessly integrates with the rugged beauty of the national park, creating a serene and picturesque retreat.
Today marks the main event of your Mongolia Expedition: the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s biggest festival and the national Naadam celebration. Also known as the “Three Manly Games”, Naadam showcases Mongolia’s warrior spirit through wrestling, horse racing and archery, with festivities held every July. Attend the opening ceremony, typically staged at the national sports stadium, featuring cultural performances, parades, music and traditional dance. Naadam tickets are in high demand and can be difficult to obtain, so pre-arranged access is essential. Throughout the day, enjoy a vibrant showcase of Mongolian culture with traditional costumes, art performances and displays of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, celebrating national independence and identity. Try festival favourites such as khuushuur (fried meat pastries). In the evening, soak up the electric atmosphere in Ulaanbaatar, with central square celebrations, street parties and fireworks.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Terelj Hotel
The Terelj Hotel, nestled in the scenic Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is an epitome of luxurious architecture and design, harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of Mongolia. The hotel’s architecture reflects classical elegance, featuring grand façades, high ceilings, and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The design seamlessly integrates with the rugged beauty of the national park, creating a serene and picturesque retreat.
The Naadam Festival continues with Mongolia’s famed horse racing, staged across open steppe landscapes. Watch young jockeys, some as young as five, race with remarkable skill and confidence in events such as the Soyolon race (five-year-old horses) and the Daaga race (two-year-old horses), testing endurance and agility. The Mongolian horse is central to national identity, symbolising nomadic spirit and resilience, and Mongolian horse racing reflects centuries of equestrian heritage. A distinctive tradition honours the last-place finisher in the two-year-old category, known as bayan khodood (“full stomach”), with a special song and wishes for better luck next year. In the afternoon, return to Central Stadium for the final rounds of Mongolian wrestling, mounted cavalry displays and a charged crowd atmosphere. Closing ceremonies conclude the Naadam Festival with traditional performances and celebrations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Terelj Hotel
The Terelj Hotel, nestled in the scenic Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is an epitome of luxurious architecture and design, harmoniously blending with the natural beauty of Mongolia. The hotel’s architecture reflects classical elegance, featuring grand façades, high ceilings, and expansive windows that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The design seamlessly integrates with the rugged beauty of the national park, creating a serene and picturesque retreat.
FAREWELL MONGOLIA: After an amazing Mongolia tour, transfer to the airport for your departure. Take with you the memories of Mongolia's landscapes, nomadic culture and the Naadam Festival – a journey that has truly captured the spirit of this incredible country.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mongolia’s vast landscapes, ancient traditions, and nomadic heritage have long captivated us at Asian Geographical. Our passion for preserving Asia’s culture, nature, and wildlife inspired us to create an expedition that not only showcases Mongolia’s breathtaking beauty but also deepens travellers’ understanding of its traditions.
Eagle hunting, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, is a living tradition practiced by skilled hunters in western Mongolia. These hunters demonstrate remarkable expertise in training and working with golden eagles, a practice that is both a symbol of cultural pride and a testament to the deep bond between humans and eagles. Each October, the region hosts the annual Golden Eagle Festival, where hunters and their eagles compete and showcase their skills, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness this extraordinary heritage in a festive atmosphere.
Experiencing the Naadam Festival, a centuries-old celebration of Mongolia’s warrior legacy, reinforced its role in preserving national identity. Inspired by the resilience of nomadic communities and the untouched wilderness of the Gobi Desert, we designed this journey to immerse travellers in Mongolia’s rich history and fragile ecosystems.
This Mongolia Naadam Festival Expedition is more than just a trip—it’s a commitment to responsible travel. By engaging with local experts, nomadic families, and conservation initiatives, we ensure this experience supports heritage preservation and environmental sustainability. Every step of this adventure reflects our dedication to safeguarding Asia’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.
EXPERT-LED SMALL-GROUP ADVENTURE: Travel with expert local guides in a small group (16 guests) for an immersive experience. Gain exclusive insights into Mongolia's history, wildlife, and traditions, ensuring personalised attention and seamless travel throughout your journey.
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL & NOMADIC EXPERIENCES: Meet Mongolian nomadic families, witness the thrilling Naadam Festival, and explore ancient monasteries. This expedition offers genuine cultural interactions, deepening your understanding of Mongolia's traditions and unique way of life.
SUSTAINABLE & RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL: This Mongolia adventure tour supports local communities, conservation efforts, and heritage preservation. Travel responsibly, making a positive impact while experiencing Mongolia's unspoiled beauty and centuries-old traditions.
EXCLUSIVE & UNPARALLELED ITINERARY: Explore Mongolia's iconic landmarks and hidden gems. From Kharkhorin's ancient ruins to the Singing Dunes of the Gobi, this journey offers a unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
Explore Mongolia in 14 days: from Ulaanbaatar's urban vibrance to Terelj National Park's wilderness, historic Karakorum, and pastoral Orkhon Valley. Discover Ongiin Khiid's desert ruins, Bayanzag's dinosaur relics, Khongoryn Els' singing sands, Yolyn Am's wildlife, and Baga Gazriin Chuluu's rockscapes. The journey culminates with a return to Ulaanbaatar.
Heritage, Nature & Wildlife
Mongolia
GROUP
14 days
Experience Mongolia's Naadam Festival, meet Kazakh eagle hunters, and explore the Altai Mountains on this culturally rich and nature-filled journey. From wild horse conservation in Hustai to traditional games in Khovd, this 13-day adventure offers an authentic look at Mongolia's nomadic life, landscapes, and living traditions with expert guides and ger stays.
92,41
Mongolia
PRIVATE
13 days
Experience Mongolia’s wild beauty by exploring its vast land of deserts, mountain lakes, and nomadic heartlands. From the Gobi’s dunes to Khuvsgul’s forests, explore ancient capitals, meet reindeer herders, and stay in premium ger camps. A deeply immersive expedition crafted for culture seekers and lovers of wide open landscapes.
36,41
Mongolia
GROUP
13 days
This 9-day Mongolia tour blends cultural experiences and natural beauty. Explore Ulaanbaatar, ride camels in the Gobi Desert, meet eagle hunters in Western Mongolia, and stay in Ger camps. Spot wild horses in Hustai National Park and hike through Terelj’s valleys for a true taste of Mongolia’s wilderness and traditions.
41,82
Mongolia
PRIVATE
9 days
Discover Mongolia’s remote eastern regions on a 13-day journey combining the Naadam Festival, East Gobi wildlife, sacred river valleys, and the Khan Khentii mountains. Stay in traditional ger camps, explore vast steppe landscapes, and connect with nomadic culture on this expertly guided adventure through Mongolia’s wild and spiritual heart.
92,41
Mongolia
PRIVATE
13 days
Grid View
List View
Experience Mongolia's Naadam Festival, meet Kazakh eagle hunters, and explore the Altai Mountains on this culturally rich and nature-filled journey. From wild horse conservation in Hustai to traditional games in Khovd, this 13-day adventure offers an authentic look at Mongolia's nomadic life, landscapes, and living traditions with expert guides and ger stays.
Nature & Wildlife, AONB
Mongolia
PRIVATE
13 days
Tailor-made
Without Flights
13 days
This 9-day Mongolia tour blends cultural experiences and natural beauty. Explore Ulaanbaatar, ride camels in the Gobi Desert, meet eagle hunters in Western Mongolia, and stay in Ger camps. Spot wild horses in Hustai National Park and hike through Terelj’s valleys for a true taste of Mongolia’s wilderness and traditions.
Nature & Wildlife, Off Grid
Mongolia
PRIVATE
9 days
Tailor-made
Without Flights
9 days
Discover Mongolia’s remote eastern regions on a 13-day journey combining the Naadam Festival, East Gobi wildlife, sacred river valleys, and the Khan Khentii mountains. Stay in traditional ger camps, explore vast steppe landscapes, and connect with nomadic culture on this expertly guided adventure through Mongolia’s wild and spiritual heart.
Nature & Wildlife, AONB
Mongolia
PRIVATE
13 days
Tailor-made
Without Flights
13 days
Grid View
List View
Explore Mongolia in 14 days: from Ulaanbaatar's urban vibrance to Terelj National Park's wilderness, historic Karakorum, and pastoral Orkhon Valley. Discover Ongiin Khiid's desert ruins, Bayanzag's dinosaur relics, Khongoryn Els' singing sands, Yolyn Am's wildlife, and Baga Gazriin Chuluu's rockscapes. The journey culminates with a return to Ulaanbaatar.
Heritage, Nature & Wildlife
Mongolia
GROUP
14 days
Guided Group
Without Flights
14 days
Experience Mongolia’s wild beauty by exploring its vast land of deserts, mountain lakes, and nomadic heartlands. From the Gobi’s dunes to Khuvsgul’s forests, explore ancient capitals, meet reindeer herders, and stay in premium ger camps. A deeply immersive expedition crafted for culture seekers and lovers of wide open landscapes.
Hiking/Trekking, Nature & Wildlife
Mongolia
GROUP
13 days
Guided Group
Without Flights
13 days
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
