Naadam Festival

Welcome to Mongolia! Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, following lunch, you will set out to explore the city. Start with the city square, a short distance from your hotel. You will also visit the National Museum of Mongolia, where you can learn about the history of this fascinating country through a collection of artefacts from Mongolia and Central Asia, dating from the Stone Age to the present day.

This evening, enjoy a traditional art performance and welcome dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers.

Following breakfast, depart for Mongol Nomadic Camp. This camp introduces you to the traditional way of life for Mongolian nomads. Witness how they live with and breed five kinds of livestock and how they move continuously from one place to another using ox, yak, camel, and horse carts. You'll also learn about the process of building a traditional ger and see antiques, furniture, pots, and clothing reflecting the Central Khalkha from the early 20th century.

After breakfast, drive to Hustai National Park (30km on dirt road + 40km on tarmac road -approx. 1.5-2 hours), home to the only truly wild horses on earth: the Takhi horse. Decades ago, wild horses disappeared from Mongolia due to habitat loss and poaching, though small populations survived in European zoos. Through careful breeding and international cooperation, the wild population has been restored. Hustai now hosts around 250 wild horses, with 130 born in the wild.

After breakfast, drive to Mongolia's remarkable sand dunes (158km, 3.5 hours), an 80km stretch uniquely blending mountains, forests, and a Gobi-like landscape. Known as Elsen Tasarkhai, meaning “an isolated piece of sand,” this area feels like a mini Gobi Desert set amidst the green steppe. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as Maral stag, wolves, deer, and foxes. For the adventurous, time permitting, you may climb the dunes, try a camel ride, or spend time with a local nomadic family.

Today, head to Kharkhorin (90km), the ancient capital of Genghis Khan's Mongolia in the 13th century. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, constructed in the 16th century using remnants from the ruins of Kharkhorin. Though many parts were destroyed during a communist purge, several main monasteries and Tibetan-style structures remain active today, making it a significant cultural and religious site. Explore the monastery, interact with the monks, and learn about their lifestyle in this remote region.

It's an early start this morning as you set off for Arvaikheer. Today is pre-Naadam Day in town, and you'll visit the local horse trainers' camping area, where jockeys and trainers prepare for tomorrow's races. Experience the excitement building up and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the Naadam Festival.

Today marks the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, beginning with a grand parade. The vibrant colours, energy, and skill on display will captivate you for hours. Enjoy watching traditional Mongolian sports, including archery and ankle bone shooting, where the locals' precision is astounding.

Throughout the day, folk music and dance performances bring the festival to life, along with rounds of traditional Mongolian wrestling—a unique form of the sport. Later, visit the horse racing field to witness exhilarating races, equestrian competitions, and other horse-related activities. Mingle with locals to hear stories and learn about their beliefs surrounding this historic celebration.

Today, you will drive to Ongi Monastery and your next ger camp. Ongi Monastery encompasses the ruins of two monasteries located on opposite banks of the Ongi River in the Saikhan-Ovoo district of Dundgovi Province. The Barlim Monastery is situated on the north bank, while the Khutagt Monastery is on the south bank. Both complexes were completely destroyed in 1939 during anti-religious purges, resulting in the deaths of over 200 monks, with many survivors imprisoned or conscripted into the Communist army.

This morning, drive to Khongor Sand Dunes, some of the largest and most impressive white sand dunes in Mongolia. Khongor Sand Dunes stretch over 180 km (112 miles) and reach majestic heights of 15-30 m, with the largest dunes located northwest of the range, soaring up to 300 metres high. From the top of the dunes, the view of the desert is incredible, and you can also see the Khongoryn River flowing through the desert, feeding the nearby oases. Enjoy a camel ride before returning to camp.

It is a lovely relaxing day spent in the Gobi. Did you know that the name “Khongor” means palomino horse in Mongolian? Enjoy walks near the camp and visit the sand dunes. The dunes produce a sound like a plane engine on a windy day, which is why they have also been named the “Singing Dunes.”

This morning, head south to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of South Gobi. Continue your drive to Mukhar Shivert Gorge (approx. 92km/1.5 hours), adjacent to Yol Gorge. Here you will find a valley nestled deep within the hills and an oasis to get away from the desert heat. Some areas of the valley are continually sheltered from the hot sun and house huge blocks of ice that gradually melt away during the summer. It is very wide at the entrance and narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge.

Enjoy a hike through Mukhar Shivert Gorge where you will be able to observe the Lammergeier vulture or ‘bearded vulture', a scavenger bird of prey whose diet is 80% bones and marrow. Keep your eyes peeled for other wild animals such as ibex and wild sheep. You will hike for 40 minutes to a waterfall, and return after a short rest stop (approx. 70-80 min total hiking). Have dinner and the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, drive through the Gobi to Tsagaan Suvarga (185km, 4-5 hours). Tsagaan Suvarga (or White Stupa), also known as the mini–Grand Canyon, is a sheer slope that was an ancient seabed. Over millions of years, various changes in the environment have produced its famous-coloured layers. The formation is over 50 metres at its highest point and appears as a sheer slope that, from a distance, resembles the ruins of an ancient city.

This morning, you return to Ulaanbaatar (425km/6-7 hrs) and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity for last-minute shopping and time at leisure before our farewell dinner.

Today is yours at leisure until it is time to depart for the airport for your flight to your onward destination.