Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival
Tour Overview
There’s no better time to experience Mongolia than during the legendary Naadam Festival. For over 2,000 years, these epic games have been at the heart of Mongolian culture, and now it’s your turn to witness the action. Cheer on riders in the world’s longest horse race, watch fierce wrestling matches, and marvel at archers showing off their skills. Then, shift gears and dive into Mongolia’s nomadic way of life—sleep in traditional gers, hike the otherworldly landscapes of the Gobi Desert, and wander through historic monasteries. With rural villages, jaw-dropping scenery, and rich traditions at every turn, this is Mongolia at its most unforgettable. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Central Square, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the colourful costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the “three manly sports” — wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the festival grounds and take in the exciting atmosphere. Later, opt to watch a cultural performance and dazzling fireworks at Central Square.
ACTIVITY: The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.
ACTIVITY: Pop in for a visit to the No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers.
The Down Syndrome Association of Mongolia is a non-profit organization that supports children who live with Down syndrome, and their families. The organization focuses on creating community awareness, advocacy, and educational efforts within Mongolia. The No Limits Cafe began as an effort to create job opportunities and training for young people with Down syndrome and their mothers who are often left out of benefitting from economic opportunities. Through the cafe, the program works to break down barriers for people and families living with disabilities.
Day 3: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, National Sports Stadium
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head out to see the finish line of the gruelling Mongol Derby — the longest horse race on Earth, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During this annual race, competitors ride more than 1,000 kilometres across the steppe, retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan. Return to Ulaanbaatar and watch top athletes compete in the finals for Mongolian wrestling. Later, attend the closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival at National Sports Stadium.
ACTIVITY: The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.
Day 4: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Genghis Khan Statue, Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: J Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take an early morning drive to visit the gigantic Genghis Khan statue, towering over the flatlands of Mongolia astride a majestic horse. Stop by the visitors' centre and enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape. Continue to Gorkhi Terelj National Park and visit Turtle Rock and the Meditation Temple to learn about Mongolian Buddhism. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the ger camp, then head back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy some free time in the city this afternoon, then meet your group and CEO at the hotel this evening.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.ACTIVITY: Towering over the banks of the Tuul River, the 131ft tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is truly a sight to behold amid the flatlands of Mongolia. According to legend, this is where the mighty Khan discovered a golden whip that aided his many conquests. Stop by the visitors' centre, then ascend into the head of the horse, where a panoramic view of the landscape awaits.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 5: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, Zaisan Hill
Accommodation Name: J Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day exploring the city. Opt to take a morning city tour including visits to Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, and Zaisan Hill. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers.
Spend a free day exploring this fascinating capital city.
Enjoy the sights of UB and opt to visit to the Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, and Zaisan Hill.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Explore the city— go shopping, drink a Chinggis beer, or visit some more museums.
ACTIVITY: Pop in for a visit to the No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers.
The Down Syndrome Association of Mongolia is a non-profit organization that supports children who live with Down syndrome, and their families. The organization focuses on creating community awareness, advocacy, and educational efforts within Mongolia. The No Limits Cafe began as an effort to create job opportunities and training for young people with Down syndrome and their mothers who are often left out of benefitting from economic opportunities. Through the cafe, the program works to break down barriers for people and families living with disabilities.
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar/Baga Gadzrïn Chuluu
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Choir Monastery, Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Accommodation Name: Erdene Ukhaa Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the Dungobi Aimag region – Middle Gobi – stopping at the Choir Monastery on the way. Spend the night at the first Mongolian ger camp.
Leave the capital and head south through the steppe to the Middle Gobi.
Visit the Choir Monastery before continuing on to a small ger camp not far from Mandalgovi, the regional centre.
Additional Information: Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds per ger with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. They have a central stove to keep the place cozy and a small table and chairs.
ACTIVITY: Established in 1779, the Choir Monastery had many lamas living there and was a major religious centre in the region. In the 1930s, there was a time of religious persecution in Mongolia and the monastery was destroyed. Today, its ruins are protected by the government.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 7: Baga Gadzrïn Chuluu/Yolyn Am
Location: Yolyn Am
Accommodation Name: Khan Bogd Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive at Yolyn Am — a narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikan mountains. It's an amazing place for hiking. Bring stable shoes and warm clothes, as some places are covered in thick ice year round.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 8: Yolyn Am/Khongoryn Els
Location: Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els
Accommodation Name: Gobi Anar Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Khongoryn Els. En route, stop by a local natural history museum. Enjoy the unique activities the Gobi Desert has to offer.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Stop by a small museum with collections of local flora & fauna in the area, along with dinosaur eggs and bones, stuffed birds and a snow leopard.
FREE TIME: Visit a local family, run around in the sand dunes, or ride a camel.
Day 9: Khongoryn Els
Location: Khongoryn Els
Accommodation Name: Gobi Anar Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Gobi Desert. This morning, visit the biggest sand dunes in the western Gobi, then meet a nomadic camel-herding family. Opt to hike along other nearby sand dunes, and try riding a camel.
ACTIVITY: Visit Khongoryn Els, the biggest sand dunes in the western Gobi. They also are known as "singing sands" because the sand makes a musical noise as it moves with the wind.
Day 10: Khongoryn Els/Bayanzag
Location: Flaming Cliffs
Accommodation Name: Bayan Zag Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Flaming Cliffs - a world renowned archaeological site for the vast amount of dinosaur bones and eggs found here.
Made of red sandstone, these cliffs and canyons offer visitors a scene of breathtaking beauty. Take some time to explore.
ACTIVITY: Explore the Flaming Cliffs. Made of red sandstone, the cliffs and canyons where fossils were found in recent years are a beautiful place to spend some time.
Day 11: Bayanzag/Ongiin Hiid
Location: Bayanzag, Ongiin Khiid
Accommodation Name: Secret of Ongi Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through western parts of the Gobi Desert. In the surrounding mountains, visit the ruins of the Hoshuu and Ongiin Khiid monasteries.Drive to the Delger Khangai Mountains area. Explore the ruins of the monasteries in the area.ACTIVITY: Both these monasteries were important centres in the region before they were destroyed. The systematic destruction of religious sights under Communist rule was pervasive. Built in 17th century, the Ongiin Khiid monastery was among the largest temples in the country and was a home for over 1,000 monks. See the ruins and learn the sad history of the place.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 12: Ongiin Hiid/Nomad Camp
Location: Ongiin Hiid
Accommodation Name: Nomadic Family Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave the Gobi Desert and drive through the Mongolian grasslands. Spend the next two nights with a local nomadic family, observing how they live. Enjoy a traditional meal with them.
Enjoy a long drive northwest, leaving the Gobi desert area and heading into the Mongolian steppe.
The nomads here live simple lives and move their cattle along the same routes their great-grandparents travelled hundreds of years ago.
In the evening, have dinner together with your hosts. One of the best things to try is the famous Mongolian barbecue.
Additional Information: Depending on the size of the nomadic family and their gers, accommodations can be very basic, with minimal to no facilities. In case if nomads can’t provide enough space for our group, we will camp nearby (camping gear is provided).
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 13: Nomad Camp
Location: Nomad Camp
Accommodation Name: Nomadic Family Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Learn more about nomadic life in the steppes. Get to know your hosts and opt to participate in traditional activities such as milking a yak and preparing fresh dairy products. Discover what it takes to handle a Mongolian horse, and if the season is right, try airag (fermented mare's milk) - long important to cultures across Central Asia.
FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a full free day. Opt to participate in local activities, or simply relax at camp.
Day 14: Nomad Camp/Kharkhorin
Location: Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum
Accommodation Name: Munkhtenger Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first centre of Lama Buddhism in Mongolia. En route to tonight's ger camp, stop by the Karakorum Museum.
Journey to Kharkhorin, stopping at the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery. Destroyed during the Communist era, this monastery is slowly being rebuilt.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: The beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery began its construction in 1586 and continued for over 300 years. It was the first centre of Lama Buddhism in Mongolia. At its peak, the monastery housed over 1,000 monks and held 62 temples. In the 1930s, most of the temples were destroyed and monks killed in the Communist purges. Now, the monastery is slowly being restored.
Explore the monastery grounds and, if you're lucky, listen to monks chanting.
ACTIVITY: Considered the best museum outside of Mongolia's capital, the Karakorum Museum contains a treasure trove of ancient artifacts within, including pottery, metalwork and locally significant finds from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Day 15: Kharkhorin/Khustai National Park
Location: Kharkhorin, Khustai National Park
Accommodation Name: Hustai Ger Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay in Khustai National Park—home of Mongolian wild horses. Here, look for Takhi horses in their natural habitat.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Home to the last of the truly wild horses in the world, the park is a wonderful chance to see the Takhi horses in their natural environment. At one point there were none in the wild, but after a hugely successful captive breeding program in various worldwide zoos, they were reintroduced.
Day 16: Khustai National Park/Ulaanbaatar
Location: Khustai National Park, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: J Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive back to the capital for last minute sightseeing. Opt to see a local cultural show, an excellent display of dancing and Mongolian throat singing.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Explore with a few more hours in this international city.
Day 17: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart at any time.
What's Included
-
G for Good Moment
Visit Cafe No Limits in Ulaanbaatar.
-
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
-
Nadaam Festival Tickets
Tickets to the Nadaam Festival are included.
What's Not Included
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
-
International Flights
International flights to and from Mongolia are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private vehicles and enjoy the scenic views, complemented by walking tours to explore the local surroundings.Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and tradition with stays in hotels for 6 nights, ger camps for 8 nights with shared facilities, and 2 nights in a family stay or tent camping with multi-share and no facilities.Meals Included
16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinnersGroup Size
Max 14, avg 12Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.Group Leader
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Check out our Q&As
-
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group. Nadaam Festival Tickets. Wrestling, archery, and horse racing events. No Limits Cafe. Closing Ceremony of Nadaam Festival. Genghis Khan Monument Visit. Gorkhi Terelj National Park Visit. Choir Monastery Visit. Yolyn Am National Park stay and nature Museum visit. Gobi Desert stay. Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes and Flaming Cliffs Visit. Ongiin Khiid Monastery entrance. Mongolian Grasslands nomad camp stay. Karakorum monument entrance. Khustai National Park entrance. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. ...more ...less -
Highlights
Expereince the historic and legendary Nadaam Festival, Dive into Mongolia's local life travelling between traditional gers and nomad camps, Visit the middle of the Gobi Desert and admire the beautiful scenery.
-
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
...more ...less -
Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less -
Group Size Notes
Max 14, avg 12
-
Meals Included
16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinners
-
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
-
Accommodation
Hotels (6 nts), ger camps (8 nts, shared facilities), family stay or tent camping (2 nts, multi-share, no facilities).
-
Joining Instructions
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day. -
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense.
If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area, please try the contact below first. If you do not receive a response, we ask that you please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
If your call is specifically concerning Airport Transfer complications please call our local G Adventures Representative directly at:
Mr. Uuganbaatar Tsogoo
Mobile: +97680040400
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Mr Laziz Otayarov (Operations Manager - Central Asia)
Mobile 1: +99890 963 4779 (24h)
Mobile 2: +99897 921 7087 (24h)
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 -
Packing List
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)
• Walking poles
Sleep Sheet:
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear -
Visas and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself with the Embassy of Mongolia. Please, keep in mind that all countries require passports valid for at least 6 months from the moment of departure from the country.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here
If you require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for a Mongolia visa, please fill out & submit the following request form
You must have at least two blank passport pages available for each country you will visit on your tour. These are required for entry & exit stamps.
Information accurate as of March 28th, 2022 -
Optional Activities
Ulaanbaatar
- Ulaanbaatar City Tour
- Mongolian Cultural Show (30000MNT per person) -
Safety and Security
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).
Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling. -
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
-
Planeterra Foundation - the non-profit partner of G Adventures
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects. -
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
-
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances
estrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport. -
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
-
Max Pax
14
-
LGBTQ+ Safety
The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026Saturday - Monday
Jul 10, 2027 - Jul 26, 2027Monday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2028 - Jul 26, 2028Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival
17 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Central Square, Ulaanbaatar, National Sports Stadium, Genghis Khan Statue, Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, Zaisan Hill, Choir Monastery, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els, Flaming Cliffs, Bayanzag, Ongiin Khiid, Ongiin Hiid, Nomad Camp, Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Karakorum Museum, Kharkhorin, Khustai National Park ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26424
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
