MONGOLIA

Classic Mongolia –
Naadam Festival

TOUR DATE : JULY 3-13 , 2025

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Classic Mongolia – Naadam Festival

Join Nomadic Expeditions on this classic journey which offers a fascinating introduction to Mongolia’s culture and the diverse landscape of the Gobi. Explore the cliffs and canyons of the Gobi, and take part in the celebrations surrounding Naadam, Mongolia’s national games.

Wrestling, horse racing, and archery are the three age-old competitions traditionally used to measure the courage and strength of nomads and warriors. Contemporary Naadam Games showcase the abilities of local men, women, boys, and girls, and are also a time when family and friends get together to celebrate the short, joyful summer season.

DATES:

July 3-13, 2025

5-9 TRAVELERS

$8,650 Per Person

10-14 TRAVELERS:

$7,825 Per Person

INTERNAL AIRFARE:

$380 Per Person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

$2,750 Per Person

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INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Land Prices Includes:

Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary;
Transfers upon arrival and departure;
All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers);
Meals as noted in itinerary;
Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks during meals;
All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip;
Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.

Land Price Does Not Include:

International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines;
Tips to guides/drivers;
Passport and visa fees;
Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
Airport taxes;
Excess baggage charges;
Photography and video fees;
Food and beverages not included in the group meals;
Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
Other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Itinerary

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Days 1-2

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar

Experience the vibrant contrasts of Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries meet modern skyscrapers. Upon arrival, your Mongolian guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a central hotel, ideally situated near museums and shops.

Start day 2 at Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s spiritual heart. Receive a Tibetan blessing from the head Lama in a private ceremony, a meaningful start to your journey. Learn about Buddhism’s resilience after the 1930s purges and its revival since Mongolia’s shift to democracy in 1990. In the afternoon, visit the Chinggis Khan Museum, housing over 10,000 artifacts spanning 2,000 years of Mongolian history. End the day with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Days 3

Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Begin your day at the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, home to a remarkable collection of Buddhist art, including works by 17th-century artist and Buddhist leader Zanabazar.

Drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, stopping to see Turtle Rock, a natural formation resembling a turtle. After checking in to your hotel, hike to Aryabal Monastery. The trail includes a suspended bridge, “The Bridge to Wisdom,” and 108 steps lined with Buddha’s teachings, leading to a temple with stunning valley views.

End the day with dinner at your hotel, surrounded by the serene beauty of the park.

Days 4

Fly to Gobi | Three Camel Lodge

After breakfast, visit the impressive Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue, made of 250 tons of stainless steel. Explore the statue’s base, see a replica of Chinggis Khan’s golden whip, and take an elevator to a viewing deck atop the horse’s head. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Gobi, a fascinating desert rich in biodiversity and paleontological history. Upon arrival, drive to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, nestled near Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Enjoy activities like horseback riding, archery, and spa treatments. After dinner, marvel at the dark Gobi skies with an evening of stargazing.

Day 5-6

Yol Valley National Park | Nomadic family visit

Explore Yol Valley National Park, home to soaring lammergeiers, pikas, and diverse birdlife. Visit a local museum, hike through the valley, and return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, experience nomadic life by visiting a local family and participating in herding, milking, or traditional games.

The next morning, visit Moltsog Els sand dunes, exploring on foot or camelback. Meet a camel herding family before heading to the Flaming Cliffs. Learn about Roy Chapman Andrews’ dinosaur discoveries and enjoy the cliffs’ fiery glow at sunset. Return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 7-8

Havtsgait Valley and Ulaanbaatar

Begin with a steep hike up Havtsgait Mountain to see remarkable rock carvings and sweeping Gobi views. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, visit the Dinosaur Museum (time permitting) before checking into your hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.

The next morning, explore the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, home to Buddhist artifacts and stunning tsam masks. Visit the Union of Mongolian Artists to learn traditional calligraphy in a hands-on workshop. In the afternoon, enjoy the Deeltei Mongol Naadam Festival, celebrating traditional Mongolian costumes and jewelry in vibrant Sukhbaatar Square.

Days 9-11

Naadam Festival / Depart

Attend the Naadam Festival, the most popular festival in Mongolia. Observe as the celebrations begin with a colorful parade of marching soldiers, athletes, musicians, and people dressed as ancient warriors. Witness wrestling competitions and archery competitions. The skill of Mongolian archers and their advanced bow design was a significant asset to Chinggis Khan and his descendants during the years of Mongolian conquest. On Day 10, drive to Khui Doloon Hudag, the horse racing field to experience true Mongolian horse race. Return to Ulaanbaatar and in the evening, enjoy a performance followed by a farewell dinner. On Day 11, transfer to the airport to depart.

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.

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What to Expect When You Attend Naadam Festival

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