Mongolia's Naadam Festival
15 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Horse Training Camp , Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yol Valley, Khongoriin Sand Dunes, Khongor Sand Dune, Bayanzag, Ongiin Khiid, Karakorum
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CBSOS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The ancient Greeks may have the Olympics, but the Mongols have Naadam. Mongolia’s annual circus-like Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Wrestling, archery and horse racing — the three skills that Genghis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior — are showcased at the country’s largest celebration of the “three manly sports”. On this 15-day adventure, go behind the scenes and meet the competitors in the lead up to the festival and discover some of Mongolia’s wild outback, visiting ruined monasteries, flaming cliffs and historic cities.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Sainbainuu! Welcome to Mongolia. You can arrive at any time before your welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, you'll have the option to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. If you arrive in town earlier and have time, be sure to get out and explore 'UB', a fascinating town where elderly Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's young business elite. A great place to start is Gandan Khiid, Mongolia's largest and most important monastery. The Fine Arts Museum, Winter Palace Museum of Bogd Khan and Intellectual Museum are also well worth visiting.
Day 2: Archery & Wrestling Training Camp
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Mongolia’s annual Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Wrestling, archery and horse racing – the three skills that Genghis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior – are showcased today at the country’s largest celebration of the ‘three manly sports’. You’ll get a special insight into each of these sports over the next couple of days with visits to the training camps taking place in preparation for the festival. You’ll observe Mongolian archers lining up their shots, learn how precision and technique play a key role in successful archery and have a go at using the traditional bow and arrow yourself. You’ll also watch the wrestlers practice. Your leader will explain the rules of Mongolia wrestling and the various techniques and tricks. Some of these wrestlers are huge national celebrities! Learn to cook a Mongolian BBQ and share it with the wrestlers for lunch or dinner. Tonight, you’ll either stay at the wrestler’s camp or a ger camp nearby.Included Activities:-Archery Training Camp-Wrestling Training Camp
Day 3: Horse Training Camp
Location: Horse Training Camp
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Wake up at the crack of dawn as the campsite comes alive and drive to another camp where the horse trainers and riders live during their Naadam preparations. Stop on the way at a supermarket to buy some small gifts for the families hosting you tonight – it’s tradition to bring gifts to visit someone’s home in Mongolia, and your leader can advise on what’s appropriate. Then onwards to the horse rider training camp to spend the day watching the horses and jockeys train. Your leader will tell you about why horses are so treasured by the Mongolian people. Mongolian nomads have developed deep relationships with animals over thousands of years and you will witness some of this during your time here today. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local nomadic family in their ger and learn about their life as nomads. This is truly incredible experience and you’ll get a very real insight into local Mongolian life. Bed down early tonight to rise at dawn with the trainers and riders tomorrow morning.Included Activities:-Horse Racing Training Camp
Day 4: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Location: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today head to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a series of granitic formations located in the Middle Gobi province. Ruggedly beautiful, the rocks are worshipped by locals who are known to make pilgrimages here, and it is rumoured that Genghis Khan also travelled to this site during his conquests. You’ll have the opportunity to hike in the area and take in the awe-inspiring views before heading onwards to a ger camp for the night.Included Activities:-Baga Gazriin Chuluu - Hike
Day 5: Tsagaan Suvarga
Location: Tsagaan Suvarga
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Also known as the ‘white stupa’, Tsagaan Suvarga is well known for its formation of rocky cliffs that are composed of different ores. When exposed to oxygen, the rock turns different shades of pink, red and orange. The cliffs dates back as far as 10 million years, with the different coloured layers indicating different times in the rock's history. Hike and explore the nearby caves after lunch. Stay in the ger camp again tonight.Included Activities:-Tsagaan Suvarga - Hike
Day 6: Yol Valley
Location: Yol Valley
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Carry on your journey to Yol Valley today – a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia more commonly known as the Vulture Canyon. Enjoy a walk through the narrow gorges, with soaring cliffs on either side and bearded vultures sailing high above. Enjoy a relaxed stay in your ger camp tonight.Included Activities:-Vulture Canyon - Hike
Day 7-8: Khongoriin Sand Dunes
Location: Khongoriin Sand Dunes
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Today you’ll drive to the giant sand dunes known as Khongor, Mongolia's largest and called the ‘singing sands’ by the locals. These monster dunes stretch for over 100 km and can reach up to 300 m in height, with sweeping, wave-like patterns of sand framed by a bright blue sky and lit by a relentless sun. The dunes’ nickname comes from the sound produced by small avalanches of sand on a windy day, and the noise has been likened the distant hum of an aircraft propeller. You’ll have two nights here, so take your time to walk up the sand dune or ride a two humped camel along the iconic singing sand dunes. Otherwise you’re free to read a book, catch up on some sleep or just relax around the ger camp.Included Activities:-Khongor Sand Dunes - Dune Hike & Camel Ride
Day 9: Bayanzag Flaming Cliff
Location: Bayanzag
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Bayanzag is your destination today. The large orange tinted rocks here look like they are on fire during sunrise or sunset hours, hence 'flaming cliff'. You'll head out on a hike here with an impeccable view of the large Gobi Desert around it. Then, settle into your ger camp tonight.Included Activities:-Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs - Hike
Day 10: Ongiin Khiid
Location: Ongiin Khiid
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Today will be a long travel day to the Ongiin Khiid. Ongiin Khiid refers to two ruined monasteries: Bari Lam Khiid, which was built in 1810 on the north bank of the river near the tourist ger camps, and Khutagt Lam Khiid, which was built in 1760 on the south side of the river and is only accessible when the water is low or frozen over. Once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, the complex was destroyed in 1937 as part of a communist purge. Since 1990, a small but growing contingent of monks has resettled amid the ruins, gradually restoring the ancient site. Spend the day exploring the ruins and visit the small museum, then return to the ger camp in the afternoon.Included Activities:-Ongiin Khiid - Ruins
Day 11: Karakorum
Location: Karakorum
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the ancient city of Karakorum. The city twice served as a capital during the reign of the Mongol Empire and at the creation of the Northern Yuan province. Stop in Övörkhangai Province and visit Erdenezuu Monastery, which is one of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. The monastery was closed until 1965, when it was permitted to reopen as a museum but not as a place of worship. It was only with the collapse of communism in 1990 that religious freedom was restored and the monastery became active again. Today Erdene Zuu Khiid is considered by many to be the most important monastery in the country, though no doubt it’s a shadow of what it once was. While here you'll also visit the Karakorum Museum. The exhibits include dozens of artefacts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, which were all recovered from the immediate area surrounding Karakorum. Exploring the open market in town is also an option today.Included Activities:-Karakorum - Erdenezuu Monastery
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Return to Ulaanbaatar today and make the most of a restful night, as tomorrow marks the beginning of the Naadam Festival! If you’d like to keep exploring, though, perhaps pay a visit to the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a complex of five temples showcasing a wealth of Mongolian architecture and history, or the quirky Beatles Square. Surprisingly, the Beatles are credited as playing a large role in bringing democracy to Mongolia and have been honoured with a special monument. There's also usually a lot going on at Sukhbaatar Square today as people get ready for the festival starting tomorrow.
Day 13: Naadam Festival - Opening Ceremony & Archery Events
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
The Naadam Festival begins today and your group will get the opportunity to witness the opening ceremony, which features extravagantly costumed parades, traditional music, dance and historical reenactments. Truly a sight to behold! The archery competition also takes place today. You might recognise some of the competitors from visiting their training camps at the start of the trip. Who will be crowned champion?Included Activities:-Naadam Festival - Opening Ceremony-Naadam Festival - Archery events
Day 14: Naadam Festival - Wrestling & Horse Racing Events
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Watch horse racing and wrestling today on the second day of the Naadam Festival. Cheer for your favourites as you watch them wrestle and ride for glory! After a big day at the festival head out for an optional final dinner with your group.Included Activities:-Naadam Festival - Wrestling events-Naadam Festival - Horse Racing events
Day 15: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Say 'bayartai' to your group as your adventure draws to a close. There are no activities planned for the day. If you'd like to stay longer in Ulaanbaatar, it's recommended that you book additional accommodation well in advance due to it being peak season.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Tourist Ger Camp (9 nights), Family Ger Camp (1 night) -
Meals
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 10 dinners -
Archery Training Camp
Participate in the Archery Training Camp to learn and practice traditional Mongolian archery techniques.
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Wrestling Training Camp
Visit the Wrestling Training Camp to observe and learn about Mongolian wrestling techniques.
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Horse Racing Training Camp
Experience the Horse Racing Training Camp to see the preparation and training of horses and jockeys.
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Baga Gazriin Chuluu - Hike
Enjoy a hike at Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a series of granitic formations in the Middle Gobi province.
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Tsagaan Suvarga - Hike
Explore the Tsagaan Suvarga region with a hike to see the stunning rocky cliffs and caves.
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Vulture Canyon - Hike
Take a two-hour walk through the Vulture Canyon, enjoying the narrow gorges and soaring cliffs.
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Khongor Sand Dunes - Dune Hike & Camel Ride
Experience the Khongor Sand Dunes with a dune hike and camel ride along the iconic singing sands.
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Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs - Hike
Hike at the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs and enjoy the view of the large Gobi desert.
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Ongiin Khiid - Ruins
Explore the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia.
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Karakorum - Erdenezuu Monastery
Visit the Erdenezuu Monastery in Karakorum, one of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia.
What's Not Included
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Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is required for the family ger camp stays and is not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as gifts for host families and optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
Transport
- This is a trip that includes extensive travelling in some remote terrain away from modern facilities and conveniences. As we spend a lot of time on the road each day, it is important to realise that the emphasis on this trip is on the journey, travelling through amazing landscapes and staying in some stunning locations. As we travel by private transport for the duration of the trip we spend a lot of time together with our group members. If you are looking for an active or independent trip with lots of choice for physical and cultural activities daily then you might want to consider whether this trip is the right one for you. However, if you are keen to explore a fascinating country "road trip" style, take in the scenery as you go and are willing to sit back and enjoy the ride (however long it takes to get there!) then this will definitely add to your experience of Mongolia.
Accommodation
- Mongolia Accommodation:
- Standard Hotels: We use twin share rooms with private facilities at hotels. This is mostly in Ulaanbaatar where hotels are available for tourists.
- Tourist Ger Camps: There are tourist ger camps set up in different parts of the country and these ger camps cater for tourists needs with a traditional set up of the gers. The standards and facilities vary but in general we use tourist ger camps where it sleeps up to 3 to 4 people in a ger, with shared facilities of flush toilet and simple showers. Water pressure isn't always stable so you won't always have access to hot showers here. Beds are fairly comfortable with plenty blankets provided.
- Family Ger Camps: The conditions at the family ger stays are very basic but this is as authentic as it gets and a rare chance for a close up look into the life of real nomads. You'll be sleeping on the floor of one of the family gers, just like the nomadic family does, with about 6 to 7 people sharing one ger in a mixed gender arrangement if the group composition comes to it. There may be pit toilets, or you may need to be pointed to the direction of a toilet area. Water bucket is there for simple washing of hands. You will need to bring a sleeping bag for the overnight stay at the family ger. There's the option of renting it in UB when the trip starts.
Included Activities
- Archery Training Camp
- Wrestling Training Camp
- Horse Racing Training Camp
- Baga Gazriin Chuluu - Hike
- Tsagaan Suvarga - Hike
- Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs - Sunset walk
- Vulture Canyon - Hike
- Khongoriin Sand Dunes - Sunset walk & camel ride
- Ongiin Khiid - Ruins
- Karakorum - Erdenezuu Monastery & Museum
- Naadam Festival - Opening Ceremony
- Naadam Festival - Archery events
- Naadam Festival - Wrestling events
- Naadam Festival - Horse Racing events
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available on this trip for hotel nights (4 nights) in Ulaanbaatar and 4 nights out of the stays at tourist ger camps. Your tour leader will advise you on where in the tourist ger camps you'll be able to have a single ger to you.
- 2. A sleeping bag is required for the family ger camp stays. You can bring your own, or hire one in Ulaanbaatar at 20 USD. Please let your booking agent know if you would like to hire one.
- 3. Please provide your passport copy no later than 45 days prior to the departure. This is needed for purchasing Nadaam Festival tickets.
- 4. The visit to training camps heavily depend on the schedule set up by different teams which tend to change last minute. So the order of the visit to different training camps may change between Day 2 and Day 3. Your tour leader will be able to give you the exact details at the group meeting but we will visit the training camps of the three sports to give you the chance of observing and interacting with the athletes in preparation for their games.
- 5. Please note that if you are booked on the 2nd & 4th departure starting on 29 Jun 2024 (departure code: CBSOS2506292&CBSOS2509294), the order of destinations on the itinerary will be adjusted as below ( the included activities in each destination will remain the unchanged):
- 1. Ulaanbaatar: Group meeting
- 2. Ulaanbaatar: Horse Racing Camp
- 3. Ulaanbaartar: Archery & Wrestling Camp
- 4. Karakorum
- 5. Ongiin Khiid
- 6. Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
- 7. Khongor Sand Dunes
- 8. Khongor Sand Dunes
- 9. Yol Valley
- 10. Tsagaan Suvarga
- 11. Baga Gazriin Chuluu
- 12. Ulaanbaatar
- 13. Ulaanbaatar - Nadaam Openning Ceremony & Archery events
- 14. Ulaanbaatar - Wrestling & Horse Racing events
- 15. Trip finish
- For departures CBSOS250629 and CBSOS2506293, the itinerary will be as per the normal itinerary displayed.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Mongolia's stunning landscapes by private transport, emphasizing the journey and camaraderie with fellow travelers. Expect extensive travel in remote terrains, away from modern conveniences, as you explore this fascinating country 'road trip' style.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and authenticity with stays in standard hotels in Ulaanbaatar, tourist ger camps with shared facilities, and family ger camps for a genuine nomadic lifestyle experience. Enjoy twin share rooms with private facilities, or sleep on the floor of a family ger, sharing with 6-7 people.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a mix of standard hotels, tourist ger camps, and family ger camps. In Ulaanbaatar, you'll stay in twin share rooms with private facilities. Tourist ger camps offer a traditional setup with shared facilities, while family ger camps provide a more authentic experience, where you'll sleep on the floor of a family ger with basic facilities.
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What activities are included in the Naadam Festival experience?
The Naadam Festival experience includes attending the opening ceremony, which features parades, traditional music, dance, and historical reenactments. You will also witness the archery, wrestling, and horse racing events, which are the main competitions of the festival.
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Will I have the opportunity to interact with local Mongolian families?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to stay with a local nomadic family in their ger, where you can learn about their life as nomads and experience their daily routines.
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What should I bring for the family ger camp stays?
You will need to bring a sleeping bag for the overnight stay at the family ger. There is an option to rent one in Ulaanbaatar at the start of the trip if you prefer not to bring your own.
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What is the significance of the Naadam Festival?
The Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans. It showcases the three skills that Genghis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. It is the country's largest celebration of these 'three manly sports'.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour involves extensive traveling through remote terrain using private transport. The emphasis is on the journey, allowing you to take in the amazing landscapes and stay in stunning locations.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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