Mongolia Naadam Festival Expedition

Ulaanbaatar

GATEWAY TO MONGOLIA: Your Mongolia adventure tour begins in Ulaanbaatar, a dynamic capital where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern influences. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and meet your expert local guide. In the afternoon, explore Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s historic heart, surrounded by the Parliament House, State Opera and Ballet Theatre, and Cultural Palace. Visit the National Museum of Mongolian History, where exhibits trace Mongolia’s journey from prehistoric times to the present. End the day at Gandan Monastery, the country’s largest Buddhist monastery and an important spiritual centre. In the evening, enjoy an optional welcome dinner, offering a taste of authentic Mongolian cuisine, before settling in for an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Terelj Hotel

KHARKHORIN

ANCIENT MONGOL CAPITAL (380 KM): Travel west to Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley. This once-thriving city remained the heart of the empire until Kublai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Explore the Erdenezuu Monastery, Mongolia’s oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, built in 1586 atop the ruins of Kharkhorin. Admire its exquisite Buddhist art, religious relics, and Tibetan-Mongolian iconography as your expert guide shares its rich history and spiritual significance. Tonight, experience authentic nomadic life with an overnight stay in a traditional ger camp, offering a true taste of Mongolia’s enduring heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

ONGI MONASTERY

EXPERIENCE NOMADIC CULTURE (300 KM): Journey south into the Middle Gobi, where the sacred ruins of Ongi Monastery stand as a testament to Mongolia’s past. Founded in 1660, this once-grand monastery was tragically destroyed during the Communist purges. Along the way, enjoy a special Mongolian BBQ lunch with a nomadic family, offering a unique opportunity to experience their hospitality, customs, and time-honoured traditions. This immersive encounter provides deeper insight into Mongolia’s rich pastoral heritage. After exploring the Ongi River valley, settle in for the night at a ger camp, surrounded by the vast and rugged landscapes of the Gobi Desert.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

BAYANZAG

THE FLAMING CLIFFS (250 KM): Venture into the heart of the Gobi Desert, arriving at Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs. These striking red rock formations, shaped over 60 million years, are among the world’s most significant paleontological sites. It was here in the 1920s that the first dinosaur eggs and fossils were discovered, reshaping our understanding of prehistoric life. Stroll through the dramatic landscapes, framed by vast Saxaul tree forests, and take in the breathtaking desert scenery. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the site’s geological and paleontological importance. As night falls, enjoy an overnight stay in a ger camp, beneath the mesmerising, star-lit Gobi sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

KHONGORIIN ELS

THE SINGING DUNES OF THE GOBI (180 KM): Journey deeper into the Gobi Desert to witness the awe-inspiring Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes, stretching over 180 km and towering up to 200 metres. Known as the “Singing Dunes”, the wind-carved sands create an eerie, melodic sound as they shift with the breeze. Experience Mongolia’s timeless nomadic traditions by riding a Bactrian camel, often called “Living Dinosaurs” by locals. Traverse the golden dunes, capturing spectacular views of the Khongor River, a vital water source for desert nomads. After a day of adventure, retreat to your ger camp, where you can unwind and absorb the tranquillity of the desert.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

YOL VALLEY

THE FROZEN CANYON OF THE GOBI (180 KM): Enter the breathtaking Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Mongolia’s largest protected area. Today’s highlight is Yol Valley, an extraordinary narrow canyon, where ice remains frozen even in the height of summer. Trek through the valley, surrounded by towering cliffs and dramatic landscapes, while spotting native wildlife. Visit the Fauna and Flora Museum, where you’ll learn about the region’s rare species and fragile ecosystem. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the surreal landscape before settling in for the night at a ger camp, reflecting on the diverse landscapes explored so far in your Mongolia adventure tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

BAGA GAZRYN CHULUU

HIDDEN WONDERS OF THE GOBI (420 KM): After breakfast, journey into Dundgobi Province, where the dramatic rock formations of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rise from the vast arid plains. This breathtaking geological wonder, often called the Stone of Malaya Zemlya, features rugged basalt and granite formations, sculpted by nature over millennia. As you travel, enjoy sweeping views of Mongolia’s semi-dry steppe, scattered with sacred historical sites and striking rock formations. Stop for lunch in Mandalgovi, the provincial capital, before continuing to your campsite. As night falls, experience the tranquil wilderness under Mongolia’s vast, star-filled sky.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

Terelj National Park

CHINGGIS KHAAN STATUE & SCENIC LANDSCAPES (310 KM): Depart for Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most picturesque and ecologically rich regions. En route, visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, home to the world’s largest equestrian statue, a towering 40-metre stainless steel monument honouring Mongolia’s legendary ruler. From the viewing platform, take in the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the endless Mongolian steppe. Upon arrival in Terelj National Park, explore its famous natural wonders, including Melkhii Khad (Turtle Rock) and the Aryapala Buddhist Meditation Temple, which offers spectacular hilltop views. After a traditional Mongolian lunch at a yurt camp, settle into the eco-friendly Guru Camp, surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Ger Camp

Terelj National Park

Ulaanbaatar

A DAY AT LEISURE (60 KM): Return to Ulaanbaatar, where you’ll have a free day to explore at your own pace. Wander through bustling markets, visit museums and galleries, or enjoy the city’s modern cafés and cultural landmarks. Optional activities include experiencing a traditional Mongolian throat-singing performance, shopping for authentic Mongolian cashmere, or unwinding with a luxury spa experience. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your Mongolia adventure tour before the excitement of the Naadam Festival begins.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodations: The Terelj Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

NAADAM FESTIVAL – MONGOLIA’S ICONIC CELEBRATION: The highlight of this Mongolia Expedition begins today! The Naadam Festival, often called the “Three Manly Games”, is a centuries-old tradition showcasing Mongolia’s warrior spirit through wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Watch skilled competitors in traditional dress as the grand opening ceremony unfolds with cultural performances, parades, and music. Sample traditional Mongolian cuisine, including the must-try khuushuur (fried meat pastries), a festival favourite. As night falls, experience the electric atmosphere of Ulaanbaatar’s central square, where vibrant fireworks and street celebrations fill the city with national pride.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Terelj Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

THE THRILL OF HORSE RACING: The Naadam Festival continues with one of its most exhilarating events—the legendary long-distance horse races. Young jockeys, some as young as five, showcase their skills, racing across Mongolia’s vast steppe. Today’s highlights include the Soyolon race (five-year-old horses) and the Daaga race (two-year-old horses), testing the endurance and agility of Mongolia’s finest horses. In the afternoon, return to Central Stadium for the final rounds of Mongolian wrestling, where competitors battle for the championship title. Feel the festival’s contagious energy as locals cheer on their champions, celebrating Mongolia’s proud warrior heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Terelj Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar

FAREWELL TO MONGOLIA: After an unforgettable Mongolia adventure tour, transfer to the airport for your departure. Take with you cherished memories of Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes, nomadic traditions, and the spectacular Naadam Festival—a journey that has truly captured the spirit of this remarkable land.

Meals Included: Breakfast