Naadam Festvial in Mongolia

Tour Highlights

Join this lifetime journey immersing yourself in the celebration of Mongolia’s largest yearly festival Naadam or Three Games of Men, which has been celebrated among Mongols for centuries. Follow up wrestling at the stadium, cheer the horse race in open field, and urge on the archery. Wander the spacious Mongolian vast steppe visiting fabled temples and enjoying breathtaking natural backdrops. Stay at nomad family home who trains horses for the race.

Witness two different Naadam festivals during this epic trip – big and small. Small ones give you chance to rejoice at the games closer. Savor opening ceremony of the big Naadam, which is always a highlight of the celebration, which includes parade and cultural shows.

Immersive Naadam Festival
Jaw dropping natural beauties
Ornate temples tucked in mountains
Cascading water of Orkhon Waterfall
Historical Karakorum

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Meet your travel crew and fellow travelers in Ulaanbaatar. Settle in your centrally located hotel and enjoy your free time following your air travel. Opt to indulge in the bittersweet history of Mongolia at the National Museum, which features exhibitions of dinosaur findings, history of Mongolia’s dynasties and empires, and socialism and modern era. If time permits, option is yours to stroll through the city center. Gather for reception dinner with your fellow travelers and guides. (4-star hotel, D)
Day 2: Khugnu-Tarna National Park
Explore the peculiar natural formations of the Khungu-Tarna National Park (official name). The contrasting scenery of boulder-strewn rocky mountain, dune, and verdant steppe attracts myriads of travelers to the area. Immersing yourself in the heavenly environment, visit the Uvgun Temple located in the mountains. Horse and camel riding through the dunes would be a memorable experience for you. Nomadic families are always welcome to have you in their gers. (Community-based ger camp; B-L-D)
Day 3: Orkhon Waterfall
Venture into the astonishing Orkhon Waterfall, which was formed by the volcanic eruptions. Scrutinize the cascading waters and manage to take as many as photos you wish of this important geological site. You will also encounter some deer stones, petroglyphs, and different types of ancient burial mounds. (Ger camp; B-L-D)
Day 4: Tuvkhun Monastery
Embark on another scenic ride to the retreat of Zanabazar, who ordered to build the temple for a meditation refuge on the Mount Shiveet-Ulaan in 1648. Take a walk along a narrow path to the top get birds’ eye view to the breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy meeting with the head lama at this aerie observing down below. (Ger camp; B-L-D)
Day 5: Karakorum
Unravel mystery of the Karakorum which was once capital of the Mongol Empire during 13th and 14th centuries. Take a guided walk in the 16th-century Erdene Zuu monastery admiring the architecture of the temples which house a wealth of valued artifacts. Then visit the soul-stirring Kharkhorin museum. (Ger camp, B-L-D)
Day 6: Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp
Savor traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle at Mongol Nomadic ger camp nestled in the tranquil rolling hills. The gers are furnished with authentic Mongolian furniture and antiques. What’s so special about this camp is they arrange various activities that other camps don’t. At this camp, you will be able to try making products which nomads need, namely dairy products such as yogurt, sour cream, milk tea, etc. with the help of local nomads. Play traditional games like ankle bone shooting together with nomad children. Milk cows, mares, and goats on request.
The camp holds a demonstration show called Mongol Nomadic, which is like a mini Naadam festival – horse race, wrestling, and archery. Plus, demonstrators in traditional clothing show how to load ger components and furniture on ox/horse carts and camels. Enjoy watching a train of ox/horse carts and camels as in old times. Seeing a traditional way of felt making will be a rare chance in modern days. (Ger camp; B-L-D)
Day 7: Ulaanbaatar and Naadam Festival
Witness the opening ceremony of remarkable Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium. There will be traditional folklore performances and parade followed by wrestling tournament. Outside the stadium, add cheers to the ankle shooting and archery. If you are in the mood for shopping, go for the world-class cashmere and souvenirs back home. Enjoy fascinating folklore performance by Tumen Ekh Ensemble. (3-star hotel, B-L-D)
Day 8: Fly Home
Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. (B)