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.
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
14
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AMUU
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO 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.
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.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Naadam Festival (Eriin Gurvan Naadam): 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.
- Cafe No Limits Visit: 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.
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.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Naadam Festival (Eriin Gurvan Naadam): 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.
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.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Genghis Khan Monument Visit: 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.
Enjoy a free day exploring the city. Opt to take a morning city tour including visits to Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, and Zaisan Hill. 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. 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.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Explore the city— go shopping, drink a Chinggis beer, or visit some more museums.
- Cafe No Limits Visit: 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.
Optional Experiences
- Ulaanbaatar City Tour: Visit the highlights of Ulaanbaatar with a guided tour to the Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace, and Zaisan Hill – where you can take in a bird's eye view of the city.
Drive to the Dungobi Aimag region – Middle Gobi – stopping at the Choir Monastery on the way. Spend the night at the first Mongolian ger camp. 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.
Accommodation: Bayan Bulag Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Choir Monastery Visit: Established in 1779, the Choir Monastery had many lamas living there and was a major religious centre in the region. In the 1930s, there was a time of religious persecution in Mongolia and the monastery was destroyed. Today, its ruins are protected by the government.
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.
Accommodation: Khan Bogd Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Khongoryn Els. En route, stop by a local natural history museum. Enjoy the unique activities the Gobi Desert has to offer.
Accommodation: Gobi Anar Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yolyn Am Nature Museum Visit: Stop by a small museum with collections of local flora & fauna in the area, along with dinosaur eggs and bones, stuffed birds and a snow leopard.
- Free Time: Visit a local family, run around in the sand dunes, or ride a camel.
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.
Accommodation: Gobi Anar Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes Visit: Visit Khongoryn Els, the biggest sand dunes in the western Gobi. They also are known as "singing sands" because the sand makes a musical noise as it moves with the wind.
Explore the Flaming Cliffs - a world renowned archaeological site for the vast amount of dinosaur bones and eggs found here. Made of red sandstone, these cliffs and canyons offer visitors a scene of breathtaking beauty. Take some time to explore.
Accommodation: Gobi Tour Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Flaming Cliffs Visit: 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.
Drive through western parts of the Gobi Desert. In the surrounding mountains, visit the ruins of the Hoshuu and Ongiin Khiid monasteries. Drive to the Delger Khangai Mountains area. Explore the ruins of the monasteries in the area.
Accommodation: Secret of Ongi Monastery
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu Monasteries Visit: 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.
Leave the Gobi Desert and drive through the Mongolian grasslands. Spend the next two nights with a local nomadic family, observing how they live. Enjoy a traditional meal with them. 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.
Accommodation: Nomadic Family Stay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Nomadic Family Stay
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy a full free day. Opt to participate in local activities, or simply relax at camp.
Drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia. Visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first centre of Lama Buddhism in Mongolia. En route to tonight's ger camp, stop by the Karakorum Museum. Journey to Kharkhorin, stopping at the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery. Destroyed during the Communist era, this monastery is slowly being rebuilt.
Accommodation: Munkhtenger Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Erdene Zuu Monastery Visit: The beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery began its construction in 1586 and continued for over 300 years. It was the first centre of Lama Buddhism in Mongolia. At its peak, the monastery housed over 1,000 monks and held 62 temples. In the 1930s, most of the temples were destroyed and monks killed in the Communist purges. Now, the monastery is slowly being restored. Explore the monastery grounds and, if you're lucky, listen to monks chanting.
- Karakorum Museum Visit: Considered the best museum outside of Mongolia's capital, the Karakorum Museum contains a treasure trove of ancient artifacts within, including pottery, metalwork and locally significant finds from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Stay in Khustai National Park—home of Mongolian wild horses. Here, look for Takhi horses in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Moltsog Ger Camp
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Khustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu) Visit: 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.
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.
Accommodation: J Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Explore with a few more hours in this international city.
Optional Experiences
- Mongolian Cultural Show: 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.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Expereince the historic and legendary Nadaam Festival.
- Dive into Mongolia's local life travelling between traditional gers and nomad camps.
- Visit the middle of the Gobi Desert and admire the beautiful scenery.
- 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
- Private vehicle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (6 Nights), Ger Camps (8 Nights, Shared Facilities), Family Stay Or Tent Camping (2 Nights, Multi-share, No Facilities)
- 16 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 10 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
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.
Dates & Pricing
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
Our Price
US$4,529
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
10 Jul 2028
10 Jul 28
Ulaanbaatar
Wednesday
26 Jul 2028
26 Jul 28
Ulaanbaatar
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$4,529
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.
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.
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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