Mongolia Naadam Festival Tour

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Tour Code: ODY-MN-002

Destination: Mongolia

Duration10 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Cultural

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About This Trip

What better way to immerse yourself in the centuries-old tradition of Mongolia than by attending the famed Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar? This 10-day fantastic festival tour will show you the exciting atmosphere of the Naadam Festival with the "Three Manly Games": wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Besides, you can try the country's iconic experiences like horse riding, camping, and wildlife searching by visiting the national parks - Hustai National Park, Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Highlights of Ulaanbaatar like the Gandan Monastery and Bogd Khan's Palace Museum will also include in your journey.

Itinerary Summary

DAY

PLACE

HIGHLIGHTS
1

Ulaanbaatar

Arrival
2

Hustai National Park

Seek out Przewalski's Horses, Local Information Center
3 - 6

Ulaanbaatar

Naadam Festival, Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square
7

Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve

Baits Mountain, Search for Argali, Ger Camp for Night
8

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Turtle Rock, Ariyabal Meditation Temple, Bird Watching
9 - 10

Ulaanbaatar

Bogd Khan's Palace Museum, Departure

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Itinerary

Day 1:Ulaanbaatar, Arrival

Arrive in Mongolia's capital of Ulaanbaatar on an international flight. You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax after your long-haul flight.

Ulaanbaatar

Day 2:Ulaanbaatar - Hustai National Park

Today you'll set out to run into the last remaining wild horses, the Takhi, commonly known as Przewalski's horses, in their native grassland within Hustai National Park, about 2-3 hours drive away. Featuring a unique landscape of arid steppe, forest, and gentle slopes, this park is also home to other animals including red deer, Mongolian gazelle, grey wolves, and over 200 species of birds. Venture through the unspoiled wilderness of this protected zone to seek out the wildlife, followed by a visit to a local center with great informative displays about the park. The evening promises the chance to go horse riding and experience camping in an accommodating ger.

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Hustai National Park

Day 3:Hustai National Park - Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar this morning, and an exciting day commences as you explore the city's highlights. First, head to the country's largest and most important Buddhist temple Gandan Monastery. Continue to visit the National Museum of Mongolia for an immersive dose of the country's history and culture, followed by a stroll around the nearby Sukhbaatar Square, the city's central square, home to historical statues, ex-Soviet buildings and modern skyscrapers.

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Ulaanbaatar

Day 4:Ulaanbaatar, Naadam Eve

Today, the eve of the Naadam Festival, also marks Mongolian State Flag Day. Start at Sukhbaatar Square to see the flag-raising ceremony and military parade. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the square and enjoy Deeltei Mongol traditional costume show and parade. You will see the locals in different types of traditional costumes. Head back to your hotel and get rested up for the grand Festival of the next day.

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Ulaanbaatar

Day 5:Ulaanbaatar, Opening Ceremony of Naadam Festival

The highlight of your journey begins as you experience the traditional celebration of the grand Naadam Festival. After the grand opening ceremony featuring a colorful parade along with song and dance performances, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports wrestling, archery, and horse racing begin. You will then watch the first round of Wrestling in the Central Stadium, followed by Archery and Ankle bone shooting competitions held nearby. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the festival grounds and take in the joyful atmosphere. End this wonderful day with a spectacular fireworks display at Sukhbaatar Square.

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Ulaanbaatar

Day 6:Ulaanbaatar, Horse Racing

Early in the morning, travel outside the city to enjoy the second day at the Naadam Festival. At the Khui Doloon Hudag field, you can see the cross-country horse racing near the stop line and cheer with the locals in a carnival-like atmosphere. Change your tempo to see how the horse trainers help the young riders - usually between the ages of 5 and 13 - prepare for the races. Return to Ulaanbaatar, and you are then free to relax for a while before heading out in the evening to enjoy Mongolian traditional performances of dancing and Khoomei throat singing.

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Ulaanbaatar

Day 7:Ulaanbaatar - Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve

A 2-3 hours road transfer brings you to the Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve. This harmonized complex of high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes, and wetlands provides varied wildlife habitats for some endangered creatures. You'll go for a hike or horseback ride into the imposing Baits Mountain to seek out wildlife including big-horned wild mountain sheep Argali. Overnight in a ger camp.

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Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve

Day 8:Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve - Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Continue your journey - just after 1-2 hours driving - to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, known for its magnificent alpine scenery, outstanding rock formations, and various outdoor activities. After checking in at a ger camp, head out to see the well-known Turtle Rock, before visiting the Ariyabal meditation temple in spectacular surroundings. As you explore the park, be sure to prepare your camera and seize the great opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, flower and bird watching.

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Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Day 9:Gorkhi-Terelj National Park - Ulaanbaatar

Depart from the picturesque national park and drive back to Ulaanbaatar within 2 hours. Spend the rest of the day further exploring the city: visiting the Bogd Khan's Palace Museum with royal relics on display and climbing up to Zaisan Hill for great views over the city. You are then free to do some souvenir and cashmere shopping.