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Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival

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New Release Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Festivals & Events
Our Price From
US$4,393
Save up To $136
Twin Share (Per Person)
 Trip Length
17 Days
 Trip Starts
Ulaanbaatar
 Trip Finishes
Ulaanbaatar
17 Day Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival Itinerary (G Adventures)
Countries Explored: Mongolia
Trip Style
Classic
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Moderate
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
AMUU

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 17 Day Mongolia Encompassed: Naadam Festival. There’s no better time to experience Mongolia than during the legendary Naadam Festival. For over 2,000 years, these epic games have been at the heart of Mongolian culture, and now it’s your turn to witness the action. Cheer on riders in the world’s longest horse race, watch fierce wrestling matches, and marvel at archers showing off their skills. Then, shift gears and dive into Mongolia’s nomadic way of life—sleep in traditional gers, hike the otherworldly landscapes of the Gobi Desert, and wander...read more through historic monasteries. With rural villages, jaw-dropping scenery, and rich traditions at every turn, this is Mongolia at its most unforgettable.

Itinerary

There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting.

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. Later, opt to watch a cultural performance and dazzling fireworks at Central Square. (B/L)

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. Return to Ulaanbaatar and watch top athletes compete in the finals for Mongolian wrestling. Later, attend the closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival at National Sports Stadium. (B/L)

Take an early morning drive to visit the gigantic Genghis Khan statue, towering over the flatlands of Mongolia astride a majestic horse. Stop by the visitors' centre and enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape. Continue to Gorkhi Terelj National Park and visit Turtle Rock and the Meditation Temple to learn about Mongolian Buddhism. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the ger camp, then head back to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy some free time in the city this afternoon, then meet your group and CEO at the hotel this evening. Stay: J Hotel (B/L)

Spend a free day exploring this fascinating capital city. Enjoy the sights of UB and opt to visit to the Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, and Zaisan Hill. Stay: J Hotel (B)

Leave the capital and head south through the steppe to the Middle Gobi. Visit the Choir Monastery before continuing on to a small ger camp not far from Mandalgovi, the regional centre. Stay: Bayan Bulag Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Arrive at Yolyn Am — a narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikan mountains. It's an amazing place for hiking. Bring stable shoes and warm clothes, as some places are covered in thick ice year round. Stay: Khan Bogd Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Drive to Khongoryn Els. En route, stop by a local natural history museum. Enjoy the unique activities the Gobi Desert has to offer. Stay: Gobi Anar Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Gobi Desert. This morning, visit the biggest sand dunes in the western Gobi, then meet a nomadic camel-herding family. Opt to hike along other nearby sand dunes, and try riding a camel. Stay: Gobi Anar Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Made of red sandstone, these cliffs and canyons offer visitors a scene of breathtaking beauty. Take some time to explore. Stay: Gobi Tour Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Drive to the Delger Khangai Mountains area. Explore the ruins of the monasteries in the area. Stay: Secret of Ongi Monastery (B/L/D)

Enjoy a long drive northwest, leaving the Gobi desert area and heading into the Mongolian steppe. The nomads here live simple lives and move their cattle along the same routes their great-grandparents travelled hundreds of years ago. In the evening, have dinner together with your hosts. One of the best things to try is the famous Mongolian barbecue. Stay: Nomadic Family Stay (B/L/D)

Learn more about nomadic life in the steppes. Get to know your hosts and opt to participate in traditional activities such as milking a yak and preparing fresh dairy products. Discover what it takes to handle a Mongolian horse, and if the season is right, try airag (fermented mare's milk) - long important to cultures across Central Asia. Stay: Nomadic Family Stay (B/L/D)

Journey to Kharkhorin, stopping at the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery. Destroyed during the Communist era, this monastery is slowly being rebuilt. Stay: Munkhtenger Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Stay in Khustai National Park—home of Mongolian wild horses. Here, look for Takhi horses in their natural habitat. Stay: Moltsog Ger Camp (B/L/D)

Drive back to the capital for last minute sightseeing. Opt to see a local cultural show, an excellent display of dancing and Mongolian throat singing. Stay: J Hotel (B/L)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Nadaam Festival Tickets
  • Wrestling, archery, and horse racing events
  • No Limits Cafe
  • Closing Ceremony of Nadaam Festival
  • Genghis Khan Monument Visit
  • Gorkhi Terelj National Park Visit
  • Choir Monastery Visit
  • Yolyn Am National Park stay and nature Museum visit
  • Gobi Desert stay
  • Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes and Flaming Cliffs Visit
  • Ongiin Khiid Monastery entrance
  • Mongolian Grasslands nomad camp stay
  • Karakorum monument entrance
  • Khustai National Park entrance
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Hotels (6 Nights), ger camps (8 Nights, shared facilities), family stay or tent camping (2 Nights, multi-share, no facilities)

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

  • 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinners

  • Private vehicle, walking

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Trip Style: Classic
Trip Style: Classic

Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.

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Getting the most out of every single day — that’s living life to the fullest. It’s squeezing in as many moments as you can that make you laugh, make you feel, make you scream, that make you see the world a little differently. It’s trying something new just to prove you’ve got it in you. Then waking up, and doing it all over again.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Friday 10 Jul 2026 10 Jul 26 Ulaanbaatar
Sunday 26 Jul 2026 26 Jul 26 Ulaanbaatar
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,529
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Ulaanbaatar
Monday 26 Jul 2027 26 Jul 27 Ulaanbaatar
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,529
US$4,393
Save $136
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Monday 10 Jul 2028 10 Jul 28 Ulaanbaatar
Wednesday 26 Jul 2028 26 Jul 28 Ulaanbaatar
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $4,529
US$4,393
Save $136
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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