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Discover Mongolia (Naadam Festival)

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 Trip Length
16 Days
 Trip Starts
Ulaanbaatar
 Trip Finishes
Ulaanbaatar
16 Day Discover Mongolia (Naadam Festival) Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Mongolia
Trip Style
National Geographic Journeys
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AMENG-1

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 16 Day Discover Mongolia (Naadam Festival). Mongolia’s sublime beauty reveals itself in endless expanses of steppe and sky and an age-old nomadic culture that joins the people with the land. Journey through this remote, seldom-travelled region of Asia, from sprawling Ulaanbaatar to green, grassy plains where wild horses roam. Discover the country’s surviving Buddhist heritage on visits to historic temples and monasteries; walk across the rocks and sands of the sweeping Gobi, which conceal troves of dinosaur fossils; and get a taste of traditional...read more Mongolian life.

Itinerary

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the colourful costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the “three manly sports”—wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the festival grounds and take in the exciting atmosphere. (B)

Head out to see the finish line of the grueling Mongol Derby, the longest horse race on Earth according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During this annual race, competitors ride more than 1,000 kilometers across the steppe retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan. Spend the afternoon at leisure before attending the closing ceremony of the Naadam festival at the National Sports Stadium. (B)

Enjoy a morning tour of Mongolia’s bustling capital. Visit Gandan Monastery, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries, and wander the rooms and temples of Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace, the former home of Mongolia’s last king. Climb up to the Zaisan Memorial, a Soviet Era monument which commemorates Russian soldiers killed in World War II, and take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop. Later, admire the world-class collection of fossils at the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, dedicated to preserving Mongolia’s paleontological heritage. (B)

This trip covers a lot of ground and we will do so in 4x4 vehicles but there is a lot of driving on some very rough and unmaintained roads. A large part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild, untouched nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature. As such, hot water and electricity can be uncertain. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before and while this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special. (B/L/D)

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 Erdeni Dzu 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. Later, 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. (B/L/D)

Arrive at Tsenkher in the afternoon, the site of natural hot springs surrounded by serene, forest-covered hills. Popular with tourists and locals alike, these springs have long been known for their therapeutic benefits. Take a soak in one of the outdoor pools, or choose the privacy of an indoor bath. (B/L/D)

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. Set out on a hike to the lofty Tuvkhun Monastery, founded by the Mongol Buddhist leader Zanabzar in the mid-17th century. Explore the monastery’s wooden temples, integrated with a natural system of caves, and enjoy beautiful views of the Orkhon Valley and surrounding pine forests. (B/L/D)

Immerse yourself in traditional Mongolian culture on a visit to a local family's goat and sheep farm. Learn about daily life from the family and see how they make some of their food. Then, sample some of their products, including curd and yogurt. Later, enjoy a hike to a picturesque waterfall before returning to your ger camp for a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones. (B/L/D)

Today, we make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. 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. (B/L/D)

Venture to the Flaming Cliffs or Bayanzag, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils have been found. Spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons. (B/L/D)

Today, the group will drive to the spectacular sand dunes of Khongoryn Els in the western Gobi, popularly known as the “singing sands.” In the afternoon, spend time with a desert nomadic family and gain a greater understanding of how they survive in the harsh environment of the Gobi. Witness their simple, and incredible way of life. Afterwards, clamber up the wave-like peaks for stunning views of the golden landscape, and Altai mountain range. Listen for the musical sound the dunes produce when the wind blows over them. In the evening the group will witness a demonstration of archery, one of Mongolia’s national sports. Learn the basics of this time-honoured tradition during a hands-on lesson. (B/L/D)

Drive through 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. Later, pay a visit to the Yolyn Am museum, where the group can admire a collection of dinosaur bones and eggs. (B/L/D)

Continue onwards as the group drives to the Dungobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Arrive in the afternoon, set off on a hike around the national park, and visit the site of ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century. (B/L/D)

Spend driving through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is long and the group will arrive by the early evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance. (B/D)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Tour many of Ulaanbaatar’s historic sites.
  • Enjoy the scenery of Khustai National Park.
  • Learn about Lama Buddhism from a head monk.
  • Visit with nomadic families.
  • Explore historic monasteries.
  • See Western Gobi’s biggest sand dunes.

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dinosaur Museum Visit, Ulaanbaatar
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Erdene Zhu Buddhist Monastery Visit, Kharkhorin
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Goat & Sheep Family Farm Experience, Orkhon Valley
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nomadic Family Desert Experience, Khongoryn Els
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Archery Lesson & Show, Khongoryn Els
  • Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
  • Your Wellness Moment: Tsenkher Hot Springs Visit, Tsenkher
  • Arrival transfer
  • Ulaanbaatar city tour
  • Visit Khustai National Park
  • Visit the archaeological museum
  • Soak in hot springs
  • Hike to Tuvkhun Monastery
  • Orkhon waterfall hike
  • Visit Hoshuu and Ongiin Khiid monasteries
  • Flaming Cliffs excursion
  • Gobi desert excursion and dune hike
  • Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park excursion
  • Folklore show with dinner
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (3 Nights), Ger camps (10 Nights)

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 11 dinners

  • Private vehicles, 4x4, walking, hiking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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G Adventures National Geographic (2023-24)

Combining National Geographic’s more than 130 years of global exploration, science, and storytelling, with the fun, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences for which G Adventures is a global leader. Support global initiatives, community projects, and enjoy access to exclusive ventures. Dive into a blend of comfort and discovery, just...more as the renowned National Geographic explorers did.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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