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Mongolia
Great Mongolian Discovery with Naadam: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi, Naadam (MN-02)
Great Mongolian Discovery with Naadam: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi, Naadam (MN-02)
Group size
2-12 people
Season
Summer
Duration
15 days
Departs
As per schedule
Starts
Ulaanbaatar
Ends
Ulaanbaatar
Countries
Mongolia
Cities
Ulaanbaatar, Hustain Nuruu National Park, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yol Valley (The Valley of the Eagles), Khongor Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes), Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Ongi Monastery (South Gobi), Lake Ugii, Erdene Zuu, Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi), Tsenkher Hot Springs
Price
from $3,595
Reservation
View dates and prices
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through Mongolia, delving into its rich traditions, history, and natural wonders. Explore Ulan Bator, visit the grand Erdene-Zuu monastery, and discover Karakorum's historical remnants. Dive into nature with visits to Terelj and Hustain Nuruu national parks, Khongor's rolling sand dunes, and the South Gobi. Witness the Naadam festival's spectacular opening ceremony, unique sports, gala dinner, and a mesmerizing folk concert. This is a truly exceptional adventure through Mongolia.
This tour offers the flexibility to be arranged around two captivating festivals, the Naadam Festival and the Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam Festival.
Naadam Festival: Known as the "Three Manly Games of Mongolia," Naadam is a grand celebration featuring traditional sports like wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It's a vibrant showcase of Mongolian culture and heritage, with participants displaying incredible skill and endurance. The atmosphere is electric, with colorful costumes, lively music, and the thrill of competition creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam Festival: This unique festival combines the spiritual and cultural aspects of Mongolia. It includes the spectacular Khuree Tsam dance, which is a significant Buddhist ritual featuring elaborate costumes and masks. The festival also involves traditional games, music, and dance, making it a spiritual and cultural spectacle that provides a deeper understanding of Mongolia's rich traditions.
These two festivals offer contrasting yet equally enchanting experiences, allowing travelers to choose the one that resonates most with their interests and desires. The tour offers three scheduling options:
This tour offers the flexibility to be arranged around two captivating festivals, the Naadam Festival and the Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam Festival.
Naadam Festival: Known as the "Three Manly Games of Mongolia," Naadam is a grand celebration featuring traditional sports like wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It's a vibrant showcase of Mongolian culture and heritage, with participants displaying incredible skill and endurance. The atmosphere is electric, with colorful costumes, lively music, and the thrill of competition creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam Festival: This unique festival combines the spiritual and cultural aspects of Mongolia. It includes the spectacular Khuree Tsam dance, which is a significant Buddhist ritual featuring elaborate costumes and masks. The festival also involves traditional games, music, and dance, making it a spiritual and cultural spectacle that provides a deeper understanding of Mongolia's rich traditions.
These two festivals offer contrasting yet equally enchanting experiences, allowing travelers to choose the one that resonates most with their interests and desires. The tour offers three scheduling options:
- Naadam festival at the end of the tour, as displayed below, departure on 29 June 2024;
- Naadam festival at the beginning of the tour, departure on 09 July 2024;
- Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam festival, departure on 01 August 2024.
Ulan Bator
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel
Ulan Bator City Tour
Upon reaching Ulan Bator, our team will be there to welcome you. Your guide and driver will facilitate your transfer to the hotel in the capital, where you'll check-in. (D)
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Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Day 2
Transfer by car / minibus: Ulaanbaatar - Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu Lake and the ruins of Sum Khukh Burd Temple
Early morning will see your adventure begin with a trip to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a multi-hued and striking natural rock formation. Nearby, we will also visit the ruins of an ancient temple and explore the area as well as enjoying a picnic lunch out in the wilds. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional and romantic ger camp. Driving distance - 220 km (135 miles). (B/L/D)
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Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 3
Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga Rock
Following breakfast, we embark on a journey to Tsagaan Suvarga, a captivating white limestone cliff that bears a resemblance to a traditional Buddhist Stupa. Embracing the remote wilderness, we relish an open-air picnic lunch. As the day transitions into night, you'll indulge in dinner and rest for the night at a ger camp. The journey spans 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D)
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Yol (Eagle) Valley
Day 4
Yol Valley (Eagle Valley) National Park
Today's itinerary takes us on an extended, yet exhilarating, journey to Yoliin Am (Eagle Valley) National Park, promising thrilling hiking opportunities and the chance to capture the breathtaking scenery on your camera. A delightful picnic lunch is on the agenda. In the afternoon, you can opt for more hiking or simply unwind in this pristine natural setting. We'll return to the camp for a peaceful overnight stay. The day's drive covers 280 km (175 miles). (B/L/D)
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Khongor Sand Dunes
Day 5
Visit the Mongolia’s largest sand dune
This morning, following breakfast, we'll journey to the mesmerizing Khongor Sand Dunes, famously known as the Singing Dunes, where the shifting sands produce an enchanting melodic sound. We'll savor a nomadic-style picnic lunch amidst the wilderness. Our adventure includes a climb up the sand dunes, where vast panoramic views await. As the sun sets, prepare your camera to capture the breathtaking spectacle. For dinner and a peaceful night's rest, we'll return to the ger camp. The driving distance for the day spans 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D)
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Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 6
Explore Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag) - the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery
Today's focus will be on the amazing Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) and the unique saxaul trees of the Gobi. We'll delve into the historical site of Mongolia's earliest paleontological discoveries, attributed to Roy Chapman Andrews. Our journey also includes an informative session about the fascinating hump-backed creatures, camels, as we visit a nomadic camel-breeding family. We'll have the opportunity to embrace the warm hospitality of Mongolian nomads and even take a camel ride to fully immerse in the experience. The day encompasses lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at a ger camp, with a driving distance of 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D)
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Ongi Monastery
Day 7
Visit “Ongi Khiid” Monastery
Today, our journey takes us to the north. Our goal is to explore the remnants of the once-mighty Ongi Monastery, visit a beautifully restored local temple, and relish a leisurely stroll in the nearby surroundings. As the day draws to a close, we'll have dinner and retire for the night at a ger camp. The distance covered on the road is 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D)
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Karakorum
Day 8
Visit Erdene-Zuu Monastery & Karakorum Museum
After breakfast, our journey will take us to Karakorum, the renowned 13th-century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. This historical site presents an opportunity to explore the magnificent Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which happens to be Mongolia's first and largest monastery. We'll embark on an extensive tour of the monastery and visit various temples adorned with splendid Buddhist Thangka paintings dating back to the 16th century. Our schedule also includes a visit to the Karakorum Museum. For dinner and a peaceful night's rest, we'll find accommodation in a ger camp. The day's drive covers a distance of 300 km (187 miles). (B/L/D)
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Tsenkher Hot Springs
Day 9
Enjoy Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today's schedule is all about unwinding in the picturesque Mongolian countryside. We'll embark on a journey to the Tsenkher hot spring, dedicating the day to relaxation in this natural spa. For those who are inclined, there's an opportunity for a leisurely walk in the nearby forest. Be sure to pack your swimwear because the hot spring invites you for a soothing dip. If you're seeking an extra level of relaxation, optional massage and beauty services are available. After dinner, you have the option to return to the spa for a complete chill-out experience. The day includes lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at a ger camp, with a driving distance of 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D)
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Lake Ugii
Day 10
Drive to Lake Ugii. Enjoy Bird-Watching
Today, we set out on a scenic drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province, celebrated as one of Mongolia's premier bird-watching destinations. Our accommodations for the night will be in a ger camp. The journey encompasses a distance of 240 km (150 miles). (B/L/D)
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Khustai National Park
Day 11
Hustai Nuruu Natural Reserve Guided Tour
Today, we embark on an adventure to Khustai National Park, a place renowned for its successful preservation of Przewalski's wild horses, which have been reintroduced into their natural habitat. This National Park is celebrated not only for these remarkable wild horses but also for its rich biodiversity, encompassing a wide variety of wildlife, plant species, and unique ecosystems. As night descends, we'll find comfort and rest at a nearby ger camp, where both lunch and dinner are thoughtfully provided for your convenience. The driving distance for the day is approximately 230 kilometers (144 miles). (B/L/D)
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Ulan Bator
Day 12
Naadam Horse-Racing Event
After a hearty breakfast, we will set out for the National Horse Race. A leisurely walk will lead us to the horses' finishing line, where you can witness a truly unique and heartwarming spectacle. The young horse jockeys, ranging in age from 5 to 12 years old, have been in the saddle since they were as young as 1 to 3 years old. It's a remarkable experience to watch these skilled children and their trusty steeds as they undertake the challenging 20-kilometer race, competing against more than 300 other horse and jockey pairs.
Following the race, we will savor a traditional Mongolian lunch featuring Huushuur, a delightful culinary treat. In the afternoon, we'll journey back to the city, where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Naadam festival's eve. Your accommodation for the night will be at a comfortable hotel, and your meals for the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are all thoughtfully provided. The driving distance for the day is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles). (B/L/D)
Following the race, we will savor a traditional Mongolian lunch featuring Huushuur, a delightful culinary treat. In the afternoon, we'll journey back to the city, where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Naadam festival's eve. Your accommodation for the night will be at a comfortable hotel, and your meals for the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are all thoughtfully provided. The driving distance for the day is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles). (B/L/D)
Day 13
Naadam Festival Ceremony
Today promises to be an extraordinary experience as we immerse ourselves in the grand opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. To add to the excitement, we'll enjoy a Naadam Gala Dinner and an enchanting Folk Concert in the evening. The Naadam Festival, a pinnacle of Mongolia's festival calendar, boasts a rich historical heritage and takes place annually from July 11 to 13. Initially designed as a test of a nomad's skills, it requires strength, endurance, precise marksmanship, and a range of equestrian talents. Horses hold a central role in Mongolian culture, making horse races of immense significance. Herdsmen from various regions, including cities and towns, come together to participate. Remarkably, these races unfold on the vast steppe itself, spanning nearly 20 miles. Our overnight accommodations will be in a hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park
Escape the city for a day of adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes. Our first stop takes us to the renowned Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, where you'll witness a truly remarkable sight. This colossal and gleaming statue stands as the world's largest equestrian monument dedicated to Chinggis Khaan, an iconic historical figure. After this captivating visit, our journey continues to Terelj National Park.
In the heart of Terelj, we'll relish a delicious lunch at a ger camp and then embark on an exploration of the park's natural wonders. Our first stop within the park will be at Turtle Rock, a fascinating rock formation, and Ariyabala Temple, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire park.
As the day comes to an end, we'll return to the city, where you will be transferred back to your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all thoughtfully included, ensuring a day filled with exploration and culinary delights. The driving distance for the day is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles). (B/L/D)
In the heart of Terelj, we'll relish a delicious lunch at a ger camp and then embark on an exploration of the park's natural wonders. Our first stop within the park will be at Turtle Rock, a fascinating rock formation, and Ariyabala Temple, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire park.
As the day comes to an end, we'll return to the city, where you will be transferred back to your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all thoughtfully included, ensuring a day filled with exploration and culinary delights. The driving distance for the day is approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles). (B/L/D)
Day 15
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. Your designated driver will be ready to meet you in the hotel lobby, ensuring a smooth transfer to the airport for your return flight back home. (B)
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Dates and prices
Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section
Travel package
Comfort - 3*
Year of travel
2024
Note on pricing:
- All prices are per person, in US dollars. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
- Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights. Alternatively we can quote for flights from any international airport.
- Single supplement goes towards single room (cabin for cruises) accommodation.
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