Naadam Festival

Please schedule your arrival on this date. Upon your arrival, our local representative will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel for check-in. If your arrival time allows, you are invited to attend a welcome dinner with your tour guide, during which you’ll receive a briefing about the tour.

Travel approximately 50 kilometers outside the city to experience the preliminary day of the Naadam festival. Enjoy an exciting day as you witness cross-country horse racing, a thrilling event popularly known as “tumnii ekh” (leader of ten thousand), eagerly contested by young riders. Join local spectators in cheering on the competitors while soaking up the vibrant, carnival-like atmosphere. A boxed lunch will be provided at the race field. Afterward, return to Ulaanbaatar city.

One of the highlights of your trip is experiencing the annual Naadam Festival first-hand. Your adventure kicks off as you join locals and nomads at the Central Stadium for the spectacular Opening Ceremony. Witness key events such as wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and watch the colorful procession featuring athletes, officials, and monks, marking the start of the wrestling competition.

Tickets to the festival arenas are distributed by the local Government Tourist Authority a few weeks before the event; therefore, the exact schedule can only be confirmed once you arrive. After the grand Opening Ceremony, you’ll enjoy the afternoon’s first rounds of wrestling and archery competitions at Naadam Stadium.

We recommend preparing a day bag with essentials such as a sun hat, sunscreen, drinking water, and ample camera memory, as it’s typically hot during this period and stadium seating offers little protection from the sun. Keep valuables secure either in your hotel safe or concealed in a money belt under your clothing, as large crowds are common when entering and exiting the stadium.

Lunch will generally be a boxed meal provided by the hotel, allowing you to remain immersed in the festival’s excitement while enjoying a picnic-style experience. In the evening, you’ll attend the special Naadam Gala Dinner.

Early in the morning, you’ll start your journey toward Baga Gazriin Chuluu, known for its distinctive rock formations. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this remarkable area. A picnic lunch will be provided.

After breakfast, visit the historical ruins of Sum Khukh Burd Temple. Then, continue your journey to Tsagaan Suvarga, a captivating white limestone cliff formation resembling a Buddhist stupa. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way. Dinner and accommodation tonight will be provided at a traditional Ger camp.

Continue your journey southward, arriving at the Three Beauties Mountain range within the Gobi National Park. Spend the day exploring Yol Valley, where you’ll enjoy hiking and exceptional opportunities for photography. Lunch, dinner, and accommodation will be provided at a Ger camp.

After breakfast, drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes, famously known as the “Singing Dunes.” Climbing these dunes will reward you with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In the evening, witness a spectacular sunset—be sure to have your cameras ready. Lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation will be provided at a Ger camp.

Travel to the renowned Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), an area famous for its striking red sandstone formations and lush growth of saxaul trees unique to the Gobi Desert. Explore the historic site of Mongolia’s first paleontological discoveries, retracing the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews (January 26, 1884 – March 11, 1960), the celebrated American explorer, adventurer, and naturalist. Later, visit a nomadic family engaged in camel breeding and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of Mongolian nomadic culture, including an enjoyable short camel ride. Lunch, dinner, and overnight accommodation will be at a Ger camp.

After breakfast drive north and visit the ruins of the once great Ongi Monastery, local restored temple and have a walk in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight stay in a Ger camp.

After breakfast, travel to Karakorum, the historical capital of the Great Mongol Empire established in the 13th century. Visit Erdene-Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s first and largest monastery, constructed on the remains of the ancient city. Explore its various temples, home to outstanding Buddhist Thangka paintings and statues dating back to the 17th century. Conclude your visit with a tour of the Karakorum Museum, offering deeper insights into Mongolia’s rich heritage.

Travel to the relaxing Tsenkher Hot Springs, where you’ll spend the day soaking in soothing natural springs and strolling through the surrounding forest. Be sure to pack your swimsuit for today. Optional massage and beauty treatments are available at the camp for those interested. After dinner, you can return to the hot springs for another peaceful soak under the stars.

Start driving to the monuments of prince Kul-Tegin (685-731), the oldest and most important findings of Turkish period. Later, continue driving towards Lake Ugii. Horse riding, boat riding and fishing services may be available optionally.

Travel to Khustai Nuruu National Park, renowned for its efforts in reintroducing the Przewalski horse (takhi), the ancestor of all modern horses. Journey deep into the park in search of these iconic wild horses—if you have binoculars, we recommend bringing them along for the best viewing experience. Additionally, enjoy a short documentary presentation and visit the park’s museum to learn more about this remarkable conservation effort.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Terelj National park. Check in Juulchin Terelj Resort luxury camp in the free for leisure. Full day hiking and museum visiting tours are available on request.

Transfer to the airport or train station for your international departure. We wish you a pleasant journey home!