Naadam and Gobi Desert Explorer
16 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Khustai National Park, Kharkhorin, Gobi Desert, Flaming Cliffs, Khongoriin Els, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Tsagaan Suvarga, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Zorgol Mountain, Terelj National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NGUU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 15
Age range:
12-90
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Mongolia with the Naadam and Gobi Desert Explorer tour. Begin in the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar, where you'll explore cultural landmarks like the Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Khaan Museum. Experience the vibrant Naadam Festival, witnessing thrilling horse races and traditional sports. Venture into the wild beauty of Khustai National Park and the historic Kharkhorin, home to the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Traverse the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Desert, from the awe-inspiring Flaming Cliffs to the vast Khongoriin Els sand dunes. Discover the geological wonders of Tsagaan Suvarga and Baga Gazriin Chuluu, and enjoy the serene beauty of Terelj National Park. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, providing a unique insight into Mongolia's rich heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely populated country with just 3 million people inhabiting the 1.5 million square kilometres of pristine desert, steppe and mountain. Almost half the population lives in its frenetic capital Ulaanbaatar where we will start our journey. Join your National Leader and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting, dinner and perhaps an orientation walk through this fascinating capital.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today we visit the sites of Ulaanbaatar including Gandan Monastery, with its huge gold Buddha, the spiritual home of the Mongolian people and the Chinggis Khaan Museum. The exhibition halls are full of information about the First Kingdoms of Mongolia, the Mongolian Empire as well as the kings and nobles of the 13th-20th centuries, the Great Khan's House. We wonder through the main square, Sukhbaatar Square, an important gathering place of the Mongolian people.
Day 3: Naadam Festival And To Khustai National Park
Location: Khustai National Park
Accommodation Name: ger
The Naadam Festival is celebrated throughout Mongolia and we journey out of the city to take in a local event. Today we experience the horse racing which happens at terrifying speeds across the steppe.
We travel to the Khustai National Park where wild horses, known as Tahki or Przewalski horses are bred and reintroduced to the wild. Once close to extinction, Takhi are the world’s only true wild horse.
Tonight we stay in a ger, the traditional home of the Mongolian nomads.
Day 4: Naadam Festival And Kharkorin
Location: Kharkhorin
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Today we see more of the Naadam Festival and take in the remaining 'manly' sports of wrestling and archery. Wander amongst the spectators who have come from far and wide to offer their support.
In the afternoon we drive to Kharkhorin for our ger camp for the night.
Day 5: Kharkhorin
Location: Kharkhorin
Accommodation Name: ger camp
This morning we see some more of Naadam, depending on their schedule and also enjoy the sites at Kharkhorin where we will also enjoy a calligraphy demonstration.
We visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 this was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and today is still considered by many to be the countries most significant. Over 100 temples were constructed, but most were destroyed during the Soviet era, nevertheless, Erdene Zuu retains much of its former glory and is a remarkable site to visit. Surrounded by beautiful white walls with 108 stupas, for centuries it was a spiritual and intellectual centre of Mongolia.
There is an extraordinary collection of Buddhist paintings, priceless religious objects, traditional costumes for Tsama religious dance and superb Buddhist iconography in true Mongolian and Tibetan style.
Day 6: Ongi Monastery
Location: Gobi Desert
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Today we begin our journey to the Gobi desert, stopping almost half way at Ongi Monastery. Historically important, the Ongi complex was one of the most prominent monasteries of the Gobi, made up of two separate monasteries linked by a bridge, dating back over 300 years. Unfortunately these were destroyed during Soviet times however in 2004 a new, smaller temple was completed. The location is spectacular, nestled amongst the Gobi mountains.
Day 7: Flaming Cliffs
Location: Flaming Cliffs
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch
We continue our journey into the Gobi, visiting Dalanzadgad and the Dinosaur Museum. It was here in 1922 that the first fossilised dinosaur eggs and skeletons were found in Mongolia by Roy Chapman Andrews – a discovery that drew the whole world’s attention.
After lunch we continue our journey to Bayanzag to witness an amazing sunset on the Flaming Cliffs – ensuring they live up to their description.
We overnight at a ger camp.
Day 8: To Khongoriin Els
Location: Khongoriin Els
Accommodation Name: ger camp
The vast sand dunes of Khongoriin Els, some up to 200 metres high, stretch for 180 kilometres. Known as the ‘singing dunes’ due to the melodic sound the shifting sands make as the wind passes over their crest, Khongoriin Els are some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia. While here we may have the opportunity to ride the two-humped Bactrian camels and venture into the dunes – your efforts to get to the top will be rewarded, the views from the sandy summit are beautiful!
Day 9: Yoliin Am
Location: Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch
We continue through the Gobi Desert, encountering occasional ger encampments of nomadic families, reaching the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and the incredible Yol Valley where even in the middle of a Gobi summer, the river remains frozen. Hike in the valley and admire the spectacular scenery while we stop for picnic lunch.
Day 10: Tsagaan Suvarga White Stupa
Location: Tsagaan Suvarga
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Today we reach Tsagaan Suvarga, which translates to “White Stupa” in Mongolian, a geological wonder in the midst of the desert. Millions of years of erosion have led to the creation of dramatic cliffs and valleys that wave through the terrain up to 30m high.
Created from clay and limestone the layered rock comes alive n the sun giving a dazzling display of colours from reds to pinks and yellows. As the sun moves the colours change providing a captivating site, especially in the early morning light and at sunset.
Day 11: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Location: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Another gem of the Gobi awaits at what is known as the mini Grand Canyon of Mongolia, although the name translates to Small Place of Stones.
Of both cultural and geological significance this area is full of granite formations which create a stunning natural landscape. Even though it is in the desert it is also home to some endemic flora and fauna and the clear skies at night make it the perfect spot for stargazing.
Day 12: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Location: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Accommodation Name: ger camp
Meals Included: Lunch
We awake as the morning sun lights the desert sands with a golden glow allowing us ample time for a morning trek into the dunes or to simply soak in the amazing landscapes. We cook lunch with a local family and learn more about nomadic traditions.
Day 13: Zorgol Mountain
Location: Zorgol Mountain
Accommodation Name: ger camp
We drive to Ard Burd Els and Zorgol Mountain to see more dramatic sand dunes. There will be time to hike around the mountain should you wish to do so. It is said that Chinngis Khan used to go hunting in this area.
Day 14: Return To Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: hotel
We leave the beautiful landscapes of the Gobi Desert, returning to Ulaanbaatar, one of the world’s most remote capitals, in the very heart of Asia.
An afternoon at leisure after an exciting adventure in the Gobi.
Day 15: Terelj National Park
Location: Terelj National Park
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We journey out to Terelj National Park to visit the soaring statue to Chinngis Khan, enjoy some meditation and visit Nalaikh village. The scenery differs dramatically from the Gobi offering another insight into Mongolian life.
We enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Day 16: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
We say farewell to our fellow travellers and our journey comes to an end.
What's Included
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Welcome Meeting and Dinner
Join your National Leader and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting and dinner.
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Visit to Gandan Monastery
Visit the Gandan Monastery, with its huge gold Buddha, the spiritual home of the Mongolian people.
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Chinggis Khaan Museum Visit
Explore the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which includes exhibition halls full of information about the First Kingdoms of Mongolia and the Mongolian Empire.
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Naadam Festival Experience
Experience the Naadam Festival, including horse racing, wrestling, and archery events.
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Stay in a Traditional Ger
Stay in a ger, the traditional home of the Mongolian nomads, during your visit to Khustai National Park.
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Visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery
Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, with its extraordinary collection of Buddhist paintings and religious objects.
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Ongi Monastery Visit
Visit the historically important Ongi Monastery, one of the most prominent monasteries of the Gobi.
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Dinosaur Museum Visit
Visit the Dinosaur Museum in Dalanzadgad, where the first fossilised dinosaur eggs and skeletons were found.
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Flaming Cliffs Sunset
Witness an amazing sunset on the Flaming Cliffs, ensuring they live up to their description.
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Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes
Visit the vast sand dunes of Khongoriin Els, known as the 'singing dunes', and have the opportunity to ride Bactrian camels.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Mongolia are not included in the tour package.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Mongolia are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Mongolia's vast landscapes by road, visiting key sites such as the Gobi Desert and Naadam Festival, with opportunities for hiking and camel riding.
Accommodation
Experience authentic Mongolian living by staying in traditional gers, the homes of nomadic families, as you explore the stunning landscapes of Mongolia.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the Naadam Festival and what can I expect to see there?
The Naadam Festival is a traditional festival in Mongolia celebrated with events such as horse racing, wrestling, and archery. During the tour, you will experience horse racing across the steppe, and witness the 'manly' sports of wrestling and archery. The festival is a vibrant gathering with spectators from various regions.
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What unique wildlife might I encounter during the tour?
In Khustai National Park, you will have the opportunity to see the Takhi or Przewalski horses, which are the world's only true wild horses. These horses were once close to extinction but have been successfully reintroduced to the wild.
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What are the Flaming Cliffs and why are they significant?
The Flaming Cliffs, located in the Gobi Desert, are famous for the discovery of the first fossilized dinosaur eggs and skeletons in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews. The cliffs are known for their stunning sunsets, which give them their fiery appearance.
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What activities are available at Khongoriin Els?
At Khongoriin Els, you can experience the vast sand dunes known as the 'singing dunes' due to the sound they make. You may have the opportunity to ride two-humped Bactrian camels and explore the dunes, with rewarding views from the top.
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What is special about the Yol Valley in the Gobi Desert?
The Yol Valley, located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, is notable for its frozen river even during the summer. The valley offers spectacular scenery and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying a picnic lunch.
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What can I expect to see at the Tsagaan Suvarga White Stupa?
Tsagaan Suvarga, or the White Stupa, is a geological wonder with dramatic cliffs and valleys formed by millions of years of erosion. The layered rock displays a dazzling array of colors from reds to pinks and yellows, especially captivating in the early morning light and at sunset.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's first Buddhist monastery, and a calligraphy demonstration in Kharkhorin. You will also have the chance to cook lunch with a local family and learn about nomadic traditions.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded, well travelled clients who you are sure to forge lasting friendships with as you unlock the wonders of the world together.
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Can I create a customised journey with Sundowners Overland
Yes. All of our group tours can be used as a starting point to create your own adventure. Whether travelling alone or in a private group the options are endless. We are happy to work with you to craft a journey that meets your interests and requirements.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1964
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are no single supplements on group tours if you are happy to share with fellow travelers. If you craft a custom journey or would prefer private hotel accommodation, a single supplement may apply.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Comprehensive tour documentation and visa guidelines
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please see full booking conditions for details.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Contact us to see if an alternative start point applies to your chosen journey.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, we ensure that all accommodation is of a suitable standard for our journeys.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please see full booking conditions for details
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Low Deposit
Sundowners Overland requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of sundowners overland charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.