Mongolia and the Naadam Festival Tour

Days 1-2:Fly toUlaanbaatar

Fly overnight to Mongolias chaotic and cosmopolitan capital, Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Explore Ulaanbaatar

Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History giving insight into the culture of Mongolia, you will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts

Day 4: Gobi Desert

This morning you will fly to Dalanzadgad where you will visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring by 4WD to the ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. You will then spend the day exploring Vulture Valley and the famed Eagle’s Gorge, before driving back to the camp for a visit to a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle.

Day 5: Khongoryn Els

After an early start you will be travelling by 4WD to Khongoryn Els to explore the remarkable desert landscapes and beautiful sand dunes.

Day 6:Flaming Cliffs

This morning is at leisure for you to explore. After lunch, continue to Bayanzag – more commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs. This afternoon sees a visit to the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape.

Day 7:Ongiin Khiid Monastery

Today you will journey to the banks of the Ongii River, travelling through over-dry plains. On arrival, visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery

Day 8:Mount Khogno Khan

Depart for Mount Khogno Khan to explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery so enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings

Day 9:Kharkhorin

Drive to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Here you will have the chance to explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery.

Day 10:Tsenkher

Enjoy the morning at leisure before continuing to Tsenkher Jiguur. You will have more free time to relax in the hot springs and soak up the spectacular surroundings.

Day 11:Khorgo Terkh

Today you will be heading towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur) to your ger camp which is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Why not take a walk up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views, or stroll along the lake shore with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You will also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town.

Day 12: Jargul Jiguur

Enjoy a walk around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, continue to Jargal Jiguur known as home of the yaks, due to many local families seen herding yaks.

Days 13-14: Lake Khuvsgul

Today is a long drive through Mron to Lake Khovsgol watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. Your ger camp is situated on the eastern shore of the lake. In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will be introduced to their way of life. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely.

Day 15: Ulaanbaatar City Tour

This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 15: Naadam Eve

This morning visit the Mongol Nomadic Show and Khustai National Park to learn about the nomads and their way of life. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar city for the Naadam Eve, visiting Central Square where you can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display.

Day 17: Naadam Festival

Witness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival. The featured events you will see are wrestling, horseracing and archery. View the procession of the athletes, officials and monks as the first round of competitions in the wrestling tournament begin.

Day 18: Horse Race

An exciting day unfolds as you view the cross-country horseracing, also known as tumnii ekh (leader of ten thousand).

Genghis Khan Statue complex

This morning, travel to Terelj National Park stopping on route to visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock.

Ulaanbaatar City

You have the day in Ulaanbaatar to explore as you wish. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by dinner

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day