Naadam Festival
Mongolia Small Group Tour
Tour Overview
Ask travellers why they want to visit Mongolia and often you will be told that it is to experience the world famous Naadam Festival which takes place every July. Indeed, it is an incredible festival and an excellent time to visit the country. But rather than enjoying Naadam in Ulaan Baatar, which can be overcrowded and touristy, we will travel instead to the countryside where the real flavour of this epic event can be experienced and enjoyed with the local people. On this tour we will visit the cultural city of Ulaan Baatar before travelling south to the Gobi. Head to the Khongor sand dunes, the tallest dunes in Mongolia before discovering the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were found in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews. Make our way north to the Ongi Monastery before heading to the town of Arvaikheer located on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert. Here you will experience an authentic Naadam Festival, away from the crowds. Finally, your adventure ends with a visit to Hustai National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth, the Takhi horse.
Tour Highlights
• Witness the incredible Naadam Festival in off the beaten track surrounds
• Discover the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were found in 1922
• Clamber amongst Mongolia’s huge sand dunes
• See the wild horses of Hustai National Park
Tour Rating
To help our travellers choose the right tour for them we have applied a grading system of 1 to 5. Tours with a fitness level of 1 will generally be suitable for all ages and will not be particularly strenuous, whereas tours with a fitness level of 5 are likely to be physically challenging. To find out more please contact our well-travelled team who will often have first-hand experience of the destination.
Fitness
3/5
Unexplored
3/5
Culture
4/5
History
4/5
Wildlife
3/5
Tour Pace
4/5
Map + Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaan Baatar
We arrive in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia’s capital where we are transferred from the airport to our hotel. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may be able to visit the Chinggis Khaan’s Museum. Overnight Bayangol Hotel or similar. (D)
Day 2: Ulaan Baatar - Chinggis Khan’s Statue- Baga Gazriin Chuluu
This morning we start early as we visit the 45m tall statue of Chinggis Khan. Our journey then continues south to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, an area of picturesque granite formations in the middle of the Gobi. This area also has much wildlife that you might get a glimpse of, such as mountain sheep, white-tailed gazelle, hare, and many more. We will enjoy a walk around the amazing locations scattered around the area. Overnight in ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 30 km on dirt road and 230km tarmac road to a camp, approx. 4-4.5 hours
Day 3: Baga Gazriin Chuluu to Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs
After breakfast, we drive through the Gobi to Tsagaan Suvarga. Tsagaan Suvarga (or White Stupa) and also known as the mini–Grand Canyon, is a sheer slope that was an ancient seabed. Over millions of years various changes in the environment have produced its famous-coloured layers. The formation is over 50 meters at its highest point, and it is a sheer slope, which from a distance seems to be the ruins of an ancient city. Overnight ger camp. BLD
Total driving: 60 km on dirt road and 180km tarmac road to a camp, approx. 4-5 hours
Day 4: Tsagaan Suvarga Cliffs and Yol Gorge
This morning, we head south to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of South Gobi. We then continue the drive to Yol Gorge. The gorge is 2800m above sea level, is about 40 km long and up to 200m high. The gorge is named after the Lammergeier, which is called Yol in Mongolia or better known as the White Bearded Vulture. The Yol is very rare and lives only in Central Asia at heights between 1500-3000m. The valley is blocked from sunlight and contains thick ice layers throughout the year, but, recently, because of global warming the ice melts down in late summer. We will explore in the gorge before we return to our ger camp. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 30 km on dirt road and 120km tarmac road to a camp, approx. 3-3.5 hours
Day 5: Yol Gorge to Khongor Sand Dunes
This morning we drive to Khongor Sand Dunes, some of the largest and most impressive white sand dunes in Mongolia. Khongor Sand Dunes stretches more than 180 km (112 miles) with majestic heights of 15-30 m. The largest dunes are northwest of the range up to 300 metres high. From the top of the dunes, the view of the desert is incredible, and one can also see the Khongoryn River flowing in amongst the desert feeding the nearby oases. We will take a camel ride before returning to camp. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 180 km on dirt road and 50km tarmac road to a camp, approx. 5 hours
Day 6: Khongor Sand Dunes
It is a lovely relaxing day spent in the Gobi. Did you know that the name “Khongor” means palomino horse in Mongolian? Enjoy walks near the camp and visit the sand dunes. The dunes make sound like a plane engine on a windy day, so they have also been named the "Singing Dunes". Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 30 min drive to Sand Dunes
Day 7: Khongor Sand Dunes to Bayanzag and the flaming cliffs
Today we drive to Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, located in the southern part of central Mongolia not far from the border. The eastern side of the park features the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains which are locally known as the "Three Beauties." These rugged mountains account for about half of the park's terrain. They are also home to the endangered snow leopard. We will explore the area on foot before we drive to our ger camp. We visit to Flaming Cliffs in the evening and enjoy our sunset in the Gobi. The Flaming Cliffs are home to the fossils of ancient creatures from the dog-sized herbivore Protoceratops to the ferocious predator Velociraptor. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 150 km on dirt road to a camp, approx. 4 hours
Day 8: Bayanzag to Ongi monastery
Today we will drive to Ongi Monastery and transfer to ger camp. Ongi Monastery is the collective name for the ruins of two monasteries that face each other across the Ongi River in Saikhan-Ovoo district of Dundgovi Province. The Barlim Monastery is located on the north bank of the river while the Khutagt Monastery sits on the south bank. Both complexes of Ongi Monastery were completely destroyed in 1939 during anti-religious purges. Over 200 monks were killed, and many surviving monks were imprisoned or forced conscripts into the Communist controlled army. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 180 km on dirt road to a camp, approx. 4-4.5 hours
Day 9: Arvaikheer town
It is an early start this morning as we set off for Arvaiheer town. It is pre-Naadam Day at town and we will visit the local horse trainers camping area. Here, jockeys and trainers will be getting ready for the race tomorrow. It is always a good to see build-up of excitement and feel the true atmosphere of Naadam Festival. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Total driving: 150 km on dirt road to a camp, approx. 3-4 hours
Day 10: Naadam Festival
We will attend the opening ceremony for this local Naadam Festival and then spend the day here. There will be the opportunities to view the horse racing and wrestling. There are 5 horse races according to the horse ages and starting from 2-year-old yearlings. There will also be archery which will take a place near to the stadium. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 11: Kharkhorin
After breakfast we drive out of town and head to Kharkhorin. Back in the 13th Century, Kharkhorin was constructed as a capital city which attracted traders, dignitaries and skilled workers from across Asia and even Europe. The Mongolian Empire was governed from this city until Khubilai Khan moved the capital to Beijing. Kharakhorum was completely destroyed by vengeful Ming troops in 1380. A few relics remained, notably two granite turtles, the base of a palace, some stone lions, two columns, and a few traces of an irrigation channel. Today the only information known about the rise and prominence of Kharakhorum comes from the notes and stories of travellers who visited the city during its peak years. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 60 km on dirt and 75 km on tarmac road to a camp, approx. 4-4.5 hours
Day 12: Hustai National Park
Today we will visit Erdene Zuu Monastery complex and Kharkhorin Museum. We will then drive to Hustai National Park. This National Park, famous for the Takhi (Przewalskii’s) wild horses. The horses were successfully reintroduced to the preserve after having been extinct in the wild since the 1960's. The steppe and forest-steppe environment is also inhabited by maral, steppe gazelle, deer, boar, wildcat, wolf and lynx; there is interesting birdlife including Eurasian eagle-owl, boreal owl and Eurasian nightjar as well as migratory cranes. Overnight ger camp. (BLD)
Total driving: 20 km on dirt and 260 km on tarmac road to a camp, approx. 4-4.5 hours
Day 13: Ulaan Baatar
This morning we return to Ulaan Baatar and transfer to our hotel. On our way we will have picnic lunch. In the late afternoon there will be an opportunity for shopping or to explore the city on your own, before our farewell dinner. Overnight Hotel or similar. (BLD)
Total driving: 20 km on dirt and 80 km on tarmac road to a camp, approx. 2-3 hours
Day 14: Departure from Ulaan Baatar
The tour finishes this morning after breakfast and a transfer to the airport will be provided to coincide with your departure. (B)
Tour Inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers
Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All accommodation
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed
B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Feedback from our Travellers
Foreign Office Travel Warnings
Before booking your tour, please familiarise yourself with the country specific information provided by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. This includes important information such as latest immigration requirements, and details of any travel advisories.
We constantly monitor the advice posted by the FCDO. In particular we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to the parts of Mongolia we visit on this tour. Please feel free to contact us should you have any specific concerns or would like to know in detail what measures are being taken to ensure visits remain trouble free and without incident.
It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government.
Visa Information
At the time of writing British and Australian nationals require a visa for a tourist visit to Mongolia. For further details please visit the applicable website shown below.
British Nationals - www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
US Nationals - travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
Australian Nationals - www.smartraveller.gov.au
Other nationals should check the latest requirements with the authorities in their home country, or with the destination’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Should you require any documentation to support a visa application, such as a letter of invitation, upon request this will be provided by Undiscovered Destinations after receipt of your balance payment.
As it is the travellers’ responsibility to ensure that they meet all entry requirements it is essential that you check the rules and any other conditions at the time of booking and again when making your balance payment. In addition, we would strongly advise that you make a final check around two weeks before your arrival. This is important as requirements can change at short notice. Undiscovered Destinations, when possible, will provide guidance about entry rules, but in the first instance please contact the relevant authorities, including the applicable embassy or consulate for assistance.
Passports
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to your country.
We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition, certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements, you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities.
For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country’s embassy or consulate. Alternatively, UK citizens can visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Vaccinations & Protection
As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor’s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice, and the necessary vaccinations. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. The use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, travellers from the UK can refer to the guidance provided by the National Travel Health Network & Centre and published on the Travel Health Pro website. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory that you are travelling to.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses (including cover for Covid-19 conditions) and emergency repatriation to your home country and be valid for the entire duration of your holiday.
Local Conditions
When travelling to our destinations, many of which are underdeveloped and untouristed by mainstream tourism, a good deal of patience and a sense of humour is an important attribute. This will help you to cope with problems such as ageing or poor infrastructure and when maintenance may not be as high as we would always like.
The choice of appropriate accommodation in some towns and cities (particularly the smaller places) can be limited, and standards of both service and maintenance can be less than polished. Guides and other service providers in some of our destinations do not always have the decades of collective practice and experience that their counterparts in more developed countries can draw upon. Although we will always try and resolve any issues as quickly as possible, on occasions there may be some shortcomings which no matter how hard we try will be unavoidable.
Essential Info
