Naadam Festival With Gobi Tour

Day 1. July 09. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to the 4* hotel. After lunch take a city tour to Gandan Monastery where you will see a huge gold-plated Buddha, a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival, Ulaanbaatar City Museum, Central Square, and the National Museum of Mongolia where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to present time. Overnight in the hotel. (L+D) (Approx. paved road 50 km)

Day 2. July 10. Mongol Nomadic Show & Naadam Festival Preview

Meet at the hotel & drive to the Mongol Nomadic Show. It demonstrates the traditional living way of real Mongolian nomads and the breeding and use of five kinds of livestock and movement from one place to another using ox, yak, camel, and horse carts which are carts.

Also, Mongolian ger is made of traditional making and all furniture pots and clothing are antiques reflecting the features and manner of Central Khalks at the beginning of the 20th century. Yak & horse ride trial. After lunch, back to Ulaanbaatar and see the preview of the Naadam Festival. You will visit the archery, “Shagai” shooters. You can enjoy a national folklore performance. Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D) (Approx. paved road 110 km, 3 hours)

Day 3. July 11. The Ceremony of the Naadam Festival

This morning, you will watch a ceremony of dispatching the “Nine White Banners” from the state palace to the stadium. Then go to the stadium to watch the inauguration ceremony of Naadam which is opened by the president of Mongolia. The opening ceremony features marches and music from soldiers, monks, and athletes.

Also, there will be a live performance of the national instrument-Morin Khuur and a choir concert before the real fun begins! Wrestling and archery tournaments will be held at the Central Stadium while horse racing takes place outside the city center. After lunch, you will drive to Hui Doloon Hudag to watch the horse racing. In the evening, optional activity is to watch a Mongolian music concert at Central Square. Fireworks will be launched at the end. Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D) (Approx. paved road 70 km)

Day 4. July 12. Fly to South Gobi & Bayanzag, the Land of the Dinosaurs

An early morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalanzadgad. The Discover Mongolia team will be waiting for you. Drive to Bayanzag, (known as the Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs was ever discovered in 1922) a site famous for the remains of the Dinosaurs which lived there 60 million years ago.

What a chance to walk around where the Dinosaurs once roamed and also get to know saxaul trees and other classic desert vegetation! On the way, see interesting Havtsgait petroglyphs. In the evening, photo shoot the flaming cliffs and watch a documentary about this wonderful place. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D) (air 560 km, 1.5 hours & dirt road 110 km, 2 hours)

Day 5. July 13. Mongolian Largest Sand Dunes and Camel Ride

In the early morning, drive to Khongor dunes. Morning, climb to Khongor dunes with a panoramic view of nature. These are Mongolia's largest dunes, reaching a height of 300 meters in some areas.

After lunch, visit a camel herdsman family to experience their lifestyle, culture, and traditions. You will be riding a camel to explore the Uujim valley for 2-3 hours. The two-humped Bactrian camels are very comfortable to ride as they walk slowly and gently, and you will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably in between them. Our camel guide will lead you safely through the dunes. The dunes change color with each hour of the day, from yellow to silver to rose color (at sunrise or sunset). In the evening, a chance to stargaze in the Gobi. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D) (Approx. dirt road 160 km, 3 hours)

Day 6. July 14. Eagle Valley

Today’s destination is Yolyn Am, or ‘Eagle Valley’. Take a trip to Yol Am and Dungene valley – hike to a wonderfully picturesque place with ice in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife. Visit the Gobi Museum. These areas are situated in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park which encompasses the "Three Beauties" peaks and the most easterly points of the Altai Mountains. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D) (Approx. dirt road 200 km, 4 hours)

Day 7. July 15. Fly back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue, City Tour Options

After breakfast, you will fly back to Ulaanbaatar. (Approx. on air 560 km, 1.5 hours & paved road 110 km, 2-3 hours) Drive to Giant Chinggis Khaan statue. The statue in total is 40m high and seen as far-sighted Chinggis Khaan holding a golden whip in his right hand. You will be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops before attending a performance concert of national folklore. Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D)

Day 8. July 16. Departure Mongolia.

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (Approx. paved road 25 km, 20 min) (B)

B – Breakfast L-Lunch D- Dinner

Services Included in the Price:

Hotel:

Hotel cost is based on two people sharing one room with twin beds at 4* hotel

4 nights including Western or Mongolian breakfast

Free luggage keeping in the hotel while on tour to the countryside

Tourist Ger Camp:

Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp

Ger (traditional dwelling) has 2 to 4 beds – very interesting and unique

Western-style toilets and hot shower facilities in a separate block–shared

The restaurant serve usually Western and Mongolian meals

Transportation:

Roundway domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to South Gobi

Private Transfers on each day:

Air-conditioned and comfortable Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 off-road van and BUS

Highly skilled driver

Airport pick-up and drop-off service

Guides:

English-speaking guiding service throughout the entire time

Local guide camel ride trial

Meals:

All meals as listed in the itinerary

Finest Western and Mongolian meals, deserts

Daily supply of bottled water: 3x0.5 btl per day

Entrance Fees:

To all scenic spots as listed in the itinerary such as Naadam stadium, horse race site, museums, monasteries, strictly protected areas, parks, concert and road fees

Camel ride trial – 1 hour

Invitation letter

Services Not Included in the Price:

International airfare or train tickets

Discover Mongolia! offers cheap international airfares and train tickets for our clients upon request.

Mongolia entry visa fee

Excess luggage charges

Free luggage allowance is 15 kg for domestic flights depending on the air company.

Personal expenses

Such as laundry, beverages, alcoholic drinks, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing, or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.

Travel Insurance:

Our clients are recommended to get travel insurance coverage from their local insurance companies before traveling.

Single Room Supplement:

A single supplement is available in the hotel (2 nights). (Contact for the price)

Single Ger Supplement:

A single supplement is available per night at ger camps. (Contact for the price)