Mongolia & Naadam Festival
Itinerary
Fly overnight to Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure.
Fly to the Gobi Desert and transfer by 4WD to your ger camp. After lunch, explore the dramatic Yolyn Am (Eagle's Gorge) and visit a local family to experience nomadic hospitality and traditional dairy products.
Travel by 4WD to the Khongoryn Els, home to Mongolia's largest sand dunes. Spend the day exploring the vast desert landscapes on foot and by vehicle, with the option to hike to the summit for panoramic views.
This morning is free for you to continue your exploration of the Gobi Desert and the sand dunes. After lunch, travel by 4WD to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the ‘Flaming Cliffs'. This afternoon, visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and explore the surrounding landscape. Overnight in a ger camp close to the Flaming Cliffs.
Journey approximately 4-5 hours to the Ongii River, some of which is on jeep trails over dry plains, with no direct roads. On arrival, check into your Ger camp close to the Ongii River and 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.
This morning, depart Ongii and drive approximately 6 hours to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Upon arrival, explore the ancient sites within Kharkorin, the Kharkorin Museum and get comprehensive introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon River Valley.
Explore the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery, witnessing the morning chants. This afternoon, enjoy a nomadic family visit including a traditional Mongolian barbeque and Airag sampling.
Today, you will drive 2-3 hours to the famous Tsenkher Hot Springs. Enjoy free time to relax in the springs and take in the remote scenery.
Drive around 5 hours west, towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur). Upon arrival, check into your Ger Camp for an overnight stay. The camp is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Take a short hike up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views or walk along the lake shore where there are excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You may also want to visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town.
Travel approximately 7 hours through the heart of the Mongolian steppe today, toward Lake Khovsgol. Due to conditions, you will stay overnight in the small city of Murun, allowing for a restful break at a local hotel before reaching the lake.
This morning, commence the 3-hour drive to reach Lake Khovsgol. Stop at the Uushig Deer Stones along the way. 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.
Enjoy a day at leisure around the lake, with plenty of activities available (at your own expense).
This morning, drive around 3 hours to Murun airport and board your 1.5 hour flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will drive approximately 2 hours to the scenic Terelj National Park.
This morning, enjoy exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. From here, hike over steep and uneven ground to visit the Aryabal Monastery and enjoy some hiking. After lunch, travel to Ulaanbaatar, stopping en route to visit the iconic Genghis Khan Statue.
This morning, visit the 19th-century built Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History where you can gain an insight into the culture of Mongolia, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Today, spend time taking part in the Naadam Festival opening activities, such as the Honorary Guards & White Banners ceremony and the Deeltei Mongol costume parade held in Ulaanbaatars Central Square. In the afternoon, visit the newly built Chinggis Khaan Museum.
Over the next 2 days you will experience, first-hand, the annual Naadam Festival. Mix with locals and nomads alike to witness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival, at Central Stadium. Here you can see featured events that include wrestling, horseracing and archery. Then, on the second day of the festival travel approximately 50km outside the city to enjoy a thrilling day watching the cross-country horseracing.
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Explore Ulaanbaatar at your own pace, whether this be shopping for souvenirs, enjoying a cultural show of relaxing in a local café.
Fly overnight to Australia, arriving home the following day.
Trip Inclusions
- Ulaanbaatar: Enjoy the revelry of the traditional Naadam Festival in Mongolia's capital
- Yurts: Sleep in traditional Mongolian Yurts
- Lake Khovsgol: Be inspired by the stunning landscape of this beautiful lake
- Gobi Desert: Look out over the spectacular scenery of the Flaming Cliffs
- Meet a Mongolian Family: Amongst the dramatic landscapes of Mongolia's steppe, receive a warm welcome from a Mongolian family as they show you around their ger camp home and introduce you to their nomadic life as livestock herders.
- Naadam Festival: The Naadam Festival represents the heritage of Mongolia with competitors participating in archery, wrestling and horseback riding. Enjoy the opening cultural performance, and cheer for the participants alongside locals.
- Mongolia Folklore Experience: Immerse yourself in fascinating culture as you enjoy a Mongolian folklore show, featuring old music traditions such as throat-singing and horse-head fiddles, dancing and performing arts.
- Breakfasts: 18
- Lunches: 17
- Dinners: 18
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 – 4 star accommodation & ger camps (12 nights)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount approximately US$120pp (AU$185pp) is paid locally in Mongolia.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
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Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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 Wendy Wu. 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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