19 days Go Beyond Group Tour
Discover the rarely visited land of Genghis Khan, with its endless plains and breath-taking landscapes, and drive through the Gobi desert to the amazing Naadam Festival.
Our Mongolia & Naadam Festival tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Look out over the spectacular scenery of the Flaming Cliffs
Sleep in traditional Mongolian Yurts
Be inspired by the stunning landscape of this beautiful lake
Enjoy the revelry of the traditional Naadam Festival in Mongolia's capital
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.
Witness the pageantry of the Naadam Festival, cheering on the participants alongside the crowds of locals, as they compete in the traditional 'Three Manly Skills' – wrestling, archery and horsemanship.
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.
Arrive at Buyant Ukhaa or Chinggis Khaan international airport, Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. You will be met at Ulaanbaatar airport in the arrivals’ hall by your National Guide. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 1 hour to your hotel. This evening, there will be a tour introduction at the hotel, giving you the opportunity to meet the rest of the group and learn more about travelling in Mongolia.
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. Sightseeing today involves 4-5 hours on foot with some driving time included. Please note that both museums and the Gandan Monastery will charge extra fees (approximately US$15 total) for using a camera in their exhibits.
This morning, travel approximately 2 hours to Terelj National Park, stopping on route to visit the Genghis Khan Statue. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. From here, hike over steep and uneven ground to Aryabal Monastery. Sightseeing today involves around 2-3 hours on foot. Stay overnight at a Ger camp.
This morning, fly around 1 ½ hours to Dalanzadgad, located on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring around 1 hour in 4WD vehicles to the Ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. Lunch is at the ger camp. Drive to Three Beauties Mountain range and spend the day exploring Vulture Valley, viewing the stunning scenery of the famed Eagle's Gorge, or Yolyn Am, which is the native name. Visit a Mongolian family nearby to learn about their lifestyle and taste Mongolian dairy products. Between the steep walls of the 2km long Yolyn Am Canyon, there is a stream which freezes in winter and it is possible to walk along the ice. At this time of year, the ice will be melting and all customers need to take care. The hike into the Yolyn Am canyon takes 2-3 hours return. There will be an opportunity for the early risers to go into the park earlier this morning to see the multitude of wildlife in this section of the Gobi, including the mountain ibex, argali and many birds of prey.
After an early breakfast, travel by 4WD for 4-5 hours to Khongoryn Els, the location of Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Witness the remarkable desert landscapes and explore the sand dunes both by 4WD and on foot. The hike will take at least 2 hours return. For the more adventurous, climb to the top for fantastic views.
This morning is free for you to continue your exploration of the Gobi Desert and the sand dunes. After lunch, travel by 4WD for approximately 3-4 hours to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the ‘Flaming Cliffs’. This afternoon, visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and explore the surrounding landscape. Your overnight stay here will be in a Ger camp near the Flaming Cliffs.
Spend the day travelling to the banks of the Ongii River, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours, 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 Mt Khogno Khan. Upon arrival, you will explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. Walk for approximately 45 minutes up a dirt path to the ruins. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery. Enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings before proceeding to your Ger camp, located near the Mongol Sand Dune.
Drive approximately 2 hours to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery. This site involves walking over rough, uneven surfaces. Stay overnight in a Ger camp.
Enjoy the morning at leisure in your Ger camp. After lunch, drive 2-3 hours to Tsenkher Jiguur. Here, you will have free time to relax in the hot springs and take in the surrounding scenery. Stay overnight in a Ger camp.
Today, enjoy the stunning backdrop as you 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. Also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town.
This morning, enjoy a hike (approximately 3 hours) around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds. After lunch, drive 2-3 hours to Jargal Jiguur, known as ‘home of the yaks’, due to many local families seen herding yaks. Upon arrival, check into your Ger camp and enjoy time at leisure, giving you the opportunity to bath in the hot springs found here.
Today is a long driving day as you depart Jargal Jiguur early this morning and travel around 6-7 hours through Môron to Lake Khovsgol, on mostly muddy roads. The first section of road has breathtaking views of the surrounding plains and glacial peaks. There will be sections of road along the lakeshore that are very bumpy. Upon arrival, check in to your Ger camp on the eastern shore of the lake for a two-night stay. 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. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely. There are a variety of activities offered at Lake Khovsgol, so you get to choose how you would like to spend your time here. Your Tour Guide will accompany you on a walk around the lake’s shore and assist you in organising some of the suggested activities: a horse ride into the nearby mountains, renting a speedboat to see more of the lake, or taking a relaxing walk viewing the nearby forests and beautiful scenery. Please note that activities will be at your own expense.
This morning, drive around 3 hours to Môron airport and board your 1 ½ hour flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for a 4-night stay. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
In the morning, drive to Mongol Nomadic Show area to see how the nomads live. You will have lunch here before returning to the city for Naadam Eve and a visit to Central Square to view the Mongol costumes on display.
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. You will have the chance to view the procession of the athletes, officials and monks, as the first round of competition in the wrestling tournament begins. Tickets to all arenas are allocated by local Government tourist authority in the weeks leading up to the opening ceremony; therefore, the exact programme cannot be given until during your trip. The first round of wrestling and archery is held in the afternoon. This evening you will experience the Naadam Traditional Folk Gala Show, which includes the renowned ‘throat singing’. Please prepare your bag each day to contain everything you may need for the day – sun hat, sunscreen, drinking water and plenty of camera memory. It is usually hot at this time of year, and the seats are not under cover, so you will be exposed to the sun all day. Valuables must be kept in the hotel safe or under your clothes in a money belt as you will be walking through huge crowds on your way in and out of the stadium stands. Lunch during this time will be a boxed lunch organised by the hotel, so that you can enjoy it ‘picnic style’ without leaving the excitement of the festival.
Travel approximately 50km outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam festival. A thrilling day unfolds as you to view the cross-country horseracing. Also known as ‘tumnii ekh’ (leader of ten thousand), this is popular after amongst the younger competitors. Boxed meals will be provided for lunch in the horse racing field. Drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. In the evening enjoy Mongolian traditional performance followed by a farewell dinner with your National Guide and drivers of your tour.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Buyant Ukhaa or Chinggis Khaan international airport for your flight home.
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and a single room throughout your tour.
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