Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival

Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After your welcome moment, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on your way to an optional welcome dinner.

Your tour may start or end with the Naadam Festival depending on the trip dates.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Arrival Transfer

Ulaanbaatar

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodations:  Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the traditional costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the "three famous sports"-wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Take a lunch break and then head back to the stadium to watch an afternoon of Knuckle Bone Games, Archery, wrestling and time to explore the areas on your own.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Naadam Festival (Eriin Gurvan Naadam)

Ulaanbaatar 3h

The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Head out to see the finish line of the grueling Naadam Festival Horse Races - some of the most unique horse racing in the world. During this annual race, competitors ride between 15-30 kilometres around the stadium. Visit the Khui Doloon Khudag, known as Q7 to the locals. This is the legendary horse racing field for the Naadam Festival. Today we'll experience the Soyolon Race, a race of 5-year old horses considered to be the fastest and most powerful horses. Enjoy some traditional Mongolian street food for lunch at a local Khuushuur stand. Afterwards, return for the Daaga race, a race for 2-year old horses.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Naadam Festival (Eriin Gurvan Naadam)

Ulaanbaatar 3h

The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your National Geographic Expedition Leader learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first traditional Mongolian ger, a round, felt-covered tent with simple furnishings-we will stay in this style of local accommodation through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at camp, get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes.

Exclusive Inclusions:

National Museum of Mongolia Visit & Tour

Ulaanbaatar

Visit the National Museum of Mongolia, an important place preserving Mongolia's traditions, history and way of life. Existing as a cultural, scientific and educational center all in one, a tour of this amazing facility helps bring you closer to the intricacies of Mongolian culture and teaches you about the exceptional importance this country has played throughout history.

Private Vehicle

Ulaanbaatar - Baga Gadzrin Chuluu 6h 300km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain & Picnic Lunch

Khairkhan

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch at the foothills of the picturesque Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain. Different seasons bring different beautiful landscapes, each incredible in their own way.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Erdene-Ukhaa Ger Camp

Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan

Continue onwards as the group drives to the Dungobi Aimag region-Middle Gobi-and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the site of ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Rest after your hike as we drive to South Gobi and upon arrival, check into your lodge for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Baga Gazriin Chuluu - Bulgan 6h 435km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park Hike

Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Take a short hike through the spectacular rock formations in Baga Gazriin Chuluu National. This park may be small, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Dream Gobi Lodge

Bulgan

Start today with a hand-on activity to learn to build a Mongolian ger (yurt) and try your hand at archery, one of the most beloved sports in the country. Journey to the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area that comprises canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, the "valley of the eagles," keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds. This evening we'll return to the ger camp for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Nomadic Family Desert Ger Building & Archery Lesson Experience

Bulgan

Visit a desert nomadic family. Gain greater understanding of their simple and incredible way of life, take an archery class and learn how they build a ger (yurt).

Yolyn Am Visit

Gurvan Saikhan

One of the main attractions in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National park is Yolyn Am - a narrow gorge in the mountains. It's an amazing place for hikes.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Dream Gobi Lodge

Bulgan

Our morning begins as we drive to Moltsog Els Sand Dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Visit the homes of the local camel herders, then walk over the ever-changing dunes. Return to the camp for lunch and some activities at the camp, like traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. For dinner, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a firery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Moltsog Els Sand Dunes

Moltsog Els

Explore the incredible sand dunes of Moltsog Els. Admire the perfect wisps and peaks of golden sand while walking across the changing formations.

Free Time

Bulgan

Enjoy some free time after lunch or join one of the optional activities at camp.

Flaming Cliffs Visit

Gurvan Saikhan

Explore the Flaming Cliffs. Made of red sandstone, the cliffs and canyons where fossils were found in recent years are a beautiful place to spend some time.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Dream Gobi Lodge

Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Bulgan - Ongiin Hiid 5h 230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu Monasteries Visit

Ongiin Hiid 1h

Both these monasteries were important centres in the region before they were destroyed. The systematic destruction of religious sights under Communist rule was pervasive. Built in 17th century, the Ongiin Khiid monastery was among the largest temples in the country and was a home for over 1,000 monks. See the ruins and learn the sad history of the place.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Ger Camp Secret of Ongi

Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. We'll arrive to our camp for lunch and settle in for the day. Enjoy free time to relax before an early start tomorrow, or if you have the energy, opt to do some eassier hikes around the camp.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Ongiin Hiid - Orkhon Valley 8h 470km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Khurkheree Tour Ger Camp

Orkhon Valley

Rise early this morning with the local Yak Herding Family to assist them in milking their yaks. Head off for a visit to Orkhon Waterfall and walk to the observation point for an incredible view of the caved out cliffside. Lunch will consist of buuz, Mongolian dumplings that we'll learn to make in a local cooking class. In the afternoon, visit the Yak Herder Family again and learn to make yak tea, cheese and even alcoholic yak yogurt that you milked earlier this morning. Try your hand at spinning yarn from yak and sheep wool. As a source of food, clothing material, transport and even a cultural symbol, yaks play a vital role in Mongolia. This evening return to your camp for a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Orkhon Waterfall Hike

Orkhon Valley 3h

Pack a camera and hike to the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall along the Ulaan River. Marvel at this 20 m high waterfall, the largest in Mongolia, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.

Mongolian Dumpling (Buuz) Cooking Class

Orkhon Valley

Join a cooking class and make buuz, traditional Mongolian dumplings. We'll learn how to make the perfect twisted top of the dumplings, then sit down and enjoy the feast!

Yak Milking with Herding Family

Orkhon Valley

Join the local Yak Herding family for an early rise this morning to join them to milk their yaks! Enjoy the tranquil morning walk to meet the yaks and watch as the family demonstrates the milking of this unique animal.

Yak Family Farm Experience

Orkhon Valley

Visit a local family's horse and yak breeding farm for a cultural immersion like no other. Get to know the family and learn about their daily life and how they make staples such as cheese and butter. Step out of your comfort zone and sample some of their products, including yak cream and yogurt, and fermented mare's milk. Enjoy a peak into rural life during these exciting and interesting demonstrations.

Khorkhog (Mongolia Traditional BBQ)

Orkhon Valley

Indulge in the unique and yummy Khorkhog, a traditional Mongolian BBQ. Within a container full of hot stones and water, the meat and vegetables will be cooked. Watch their traditional method and then sit down together for an incredible meal!

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Khurkheree Tour Ger Camp

Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia's ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered Mongolia's earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country's Buddhist heritage. Visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital. Finish up the day with a relaxing drive to the ger camp for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Orkhon Valley - Kharkhorin 2h - 2.5h 180km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Kharkhorin

Part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site, Erdene Zuu Monastery is one of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. Still being used today as a place of worship, we'll havre a chance to meet with the local monks for a special opportunity to learn more.

Karakorum Museum

Kharkhorin

Visit the modern Karakorum Museum, considered one of the best outside Ulaanbaatar. The exhibits display artifacts found from within the area dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Varied items are on display including statues, a kiln, pottery, and coins. For perspective on the area there also is a scale model of ancient Karakorum.

Private Vehicle

Kharkhorin - Elsen Tasarkhai 1.5h 90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Burd Star Ger Camp

Elsen Tasarkhai

This morning, drive to Khungu Khan Mountain to hike the beautiful Uvgun Monastery, perfectly on display atop the boulder covered mountain. From the monastery, admire the spectacular view of sand dunes expand into the distance and summer flowers decorating the banks of the spring water. Enjoy the hike down and return to the ger camp for time at the camp.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Uvgun Monastery Hike

Elsen Tasarkhai

Hike to the Uvgun Monastery and admire the incredibly pristine nature surrounding it. The White monastery stands out against the green valley and rocky mountainside, making for a picturesque location.

Free Time

Elsen Tasarkhai

Enjoy the evening free to rest or explore the area.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Burd Star Ger Camp

Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park

Travel by 4x4 to Khustai National Park, where some of the Earth's last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski's horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Settle into your ger for the night.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Elsen Tasarkhai - Khustai National Park 2.5h 130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Khustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu) Visit

Khustai National Park

Home to the last of the truly wild horses in the world, the park is a wonderful chance to see the Takhi horses in their natural environment. At one point there were none in the wild, but after a hugely successful captive breeding program in various worldwide zoos, they were reintroduced.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Moltsog Els Ger Camp

Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar

Spend today driving through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is long and the group will arrive by the early evening. Stop to stretch your legs and have a chance to buy some souvenir like locally produced cashmere. This evening, pay a visit to Cafe No Limits, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Khustai National Park - Ulaanbaatar 2.5h 90km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mongolian Cultural Show

Ulaanbaatar 1.5h

Enjoy an evening of song and dance at the Mongolian Cultural Show. The show includes 15 different performances, including traditional songs, dancing, throat singing, and contortionists.

Cafe No Limits Visit

Ulaanbaatar

Pop in for a visit to the No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. The Down Syndrome Association of Mongolia is a non-profit organization that supports children who live with Down syndrome, and their families. The organization focuses on creating community awareness, advocacy, and educational efforts within Mongolia. The No Limits Cafe began as an effort to create job opportunities and training for young people with Down syndrome and their mothers who are often left out of benefitting from economic opportunities. Through the cafe, the program works to break down barriers for people and families living with disabilities.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and see the monks chant. Depart for Nalaikh Ger Village, where upon arrival you will be welcomed to enjoy a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, explorations today conclude at the statue of Chinggis Khan. The statue of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of Mongolian mountainside completely surrounding the behemoth statue. Return to Ulaanbaatar for a farewell dinner with your group and National Geographic Expedition Leader.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Gandan Monastery Guided Tour

Ulaanbaatar 1h

Discover one of the most important Mongolian temple complexes, the Gandan Monastery. Learn about the history of Buddhism in the region and see if you can spot some chanting monks. If lucky, a local fortune teller may be around to share some wisdom.

Nalaikh Village Family Ger District Lunch

Ulaanbaatar

Visit a local family's ger home in the Nalaikh Village for a delicious local lunch.

Genghis Khan Monument Visit

Ulaanbaatar

Towering over the banks of the Tuul River, the 131ft tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is truly a sight to behold amid the flatlands of Mongolia. According to legend, this is where the mighty Khan discovered a golden whip that aided his many conquests. Stop by the visitors' centre, then ascend into the head of the horse, where a panoramic view of the landscape awaits.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Depart at any time.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast