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NAADAM FESTIVAL

Газрын зураг

TOUR NAME:

NAADAM FESTIVAL

TOUR DATE:

2020 May-August

TRAVEL CODE:

AD-0419T

DURATION:

9 days, 8 nights

TOUR LEVEL:

Classic

TRANSPORTATION:

4x4 drive or minivan

Download itinerary

      Midsummer Naadam festival is the largest celebrated one in Mongolia and certainly the most attractive cultural event for visitors and travelers. Naadam simply means “games”, and also referred to as the Three Manly Games, understood as the wrestling, archery and horseracing competitions. Enjoy traditional celebrations which have been practiced by Mongol nomads for centuries. This ten-day holiday tour provides an unforgettable experience, with lots of exciting activities and memorable moments to be experienced. Immerse yourself in a peaceful paradise with an untouched natural environment and wilderness of nature.

 

DAY 1: ULAANBAATAR CITY TOUR

   A company guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport after exiting customs and immigration. A short 40-minute ride transfers you to your room with elegant interior and furnishings.  Time to unwind, relax and take a break with a city view!  Afterward, experience your very first lunch of Mongolian cuisine at our recommended restaurant.

  Start the tour by visiting the National Historical Museum of Mongolia. Learn about the country’s rich history from the Stone Age to the present. The museum invites you to step into the 13th century Mongol empire, a highlight is a wide array and full collection of traditional clothes. A short walk across the street takes us to the heart of the city, Chinggis Khan's main square. Monuments at the square lead you to strikingly beautiful architecture and an abundance of history.

  Your welcome dinner will include a folklore performance featuring the art of throat singing. This art originated based on the sound of the hills and spirit. Wonder at Morin Khuur expressing the world with two strings, throat singing, and other artistic dance genres.

                      ACCOMMODATION - HOTEL                                                         MEALS - LUNCH + DINNER


DAY 2: NAADAM FESTIVAL

      This ancient festival was originated from the national hero Chinggis Khan. At that time the three main components of Naadam /Wrestling, archery, horse race/ have been used as training for soldiers. On the 11th of July, the festival begins with lavishly dressed soldiers astride 9 white horses. Horse tail banners are paraded from the main square to the Naadam stadium where the opening ceremony includes a theme show and speech by the President.

Today you will experience all Mongolians celebrate their holiday with their traditional clothes and pride. After trying traditional pastry “Khuushuur” and beverageAirag”, we watch wrestling, archery and anklebone shooting.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER

 


DAY 3: NAADAM FESTIVAL

      Early in the morning, we will head to the field where horse races held. It is difficult to imagine Mongolians without a horse. Children aged 7-12 would participate in the horse race. Depending on the age of the horse, a distance will be different.  Later arrive in Mongol nomadic camp where you will be greeted by a peaceful landscape unlike any other in the country.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER

 


DAY 4: MONGOL NOMADIC SHOW - KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK

   In the morning, we will be welcomed by herders with yaks, camels, and horses to visit us in their dwelling. By riding yaks, you will reach Zagdaa’s family to explore how Mongolian herders used to move carts by including oxen and camel freight.  You will be shown the traditional method of making felt material with sheep wool.

  After the demonstration, a warm welcome with an included lunch awaits us in his home and drive to Khustai National park, one of the most popular national parks of Mongolia through the rolling steppes which are home of over 350 horses.  Have you ever heard of the Przewalski horse? It is the only wild horse in the world now. What we admire most in them is their difference in physical ability than domestic horses.   The late evening is the perfect time for your mind to be filled with thoughts of freedom and relaxation.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER

 


DAY 5: ELSEN TASARKHAI

 Continue driving through breathtaking rolling hills to reach Elsen Tasarkhai where you will discover “Mini Gobi”. The natural wonder of Elsen Tasarkhai will appeal to you by its mixture of Khangai and Gobi.

  Here is the place that our nomad family’s summer shelter settled. Welcome to Mongolian nomad’s everyday lifestyle. Today is full of activity. We will participate in milking cows and goats, and processing dairy products like soft yogurt, dried curd, and traditional organic butter. 

  At noontime, saddle up on your camel to reach the Sand dune. Enjoy the soft breeze while you feel a close bond between nature and humans to understand the meaning of this lifestyle. After lunch, explore Erdene Khamba Temple, the hidden gem of Khugnu Khan mountain. Enjoy stories and legends of this special place from our knowledgeable tour guide.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER


DAY 6: ORKHON WATERFALL

   Today we reach a spectacular region of volcanic craters and rushing streams, the area also offers long lava flows south of the Orkhon river. By arriving here, the highlight of the valley is the 24 meters high Orkhon waterfall, sometimes known as Ulaan Tsutgalan.

    On the way, arrival at Bayanaa’s family, a local ger wood expert. Experience the assembling of Ger structure. By visiting local life, it hard to miss the chance to try erecting how to assemble its wooden structure. Have lunch with Bayanaa’s family.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER

 


DAY 7: KARAKORUM

  After breakfast, it is off to the Karakorum, former capital of the great Mongolian empire. This is the location where Chinggis Khan and his successors ruled the 13th-century Mongolian empire.

  When we arrive at the Karakorum, you will see first the massive wall of Erdenezuu Monastery, the oldest monastery which is surrounded by 108 stupas.  Enjoy visiting the Erdenezuu Monastery which was established on the base of the ancient ruin of Karakorum.  

  Also, don’t forget to visit the newly built Karakorum center museum. Picnic dinner on top worshipped hill whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of Orkhon valley, home of all Mongolian empires, inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage. Enjoy wrestling and archery show at our chosen area. 

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER


DAY 8: UGII LAKE

      After breakfast, have the experience of making the felt and felt product at the local community center. You will see how we make one of our organic material, felt, by sheep wool and further process it to final rugs and souvenirs. Drive further north to Ugii Lake with delicate sand and soft waves. Ugii Lake is famous for its birdlife. About 150 types of aquatic birds gather at Ugii Lake including scarce birds like a cape barren goose, a spoonbill, Dalmatian pelican cranes, and ducks. Here you will come across a water bird research station.

   Ramsar Convention has registered Ugii Lake in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance for being an important breeding and staging area for a variety of waterfowl. Hiking along the lake provides a close-up encounter with the most valued and rare waterbirds of the Anatidae family.

                  ACCOMMODATION - TOURIST GER CAMP                                      MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER


DAY 9: ULAANBAATAR CITY 

    We will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Spend some free time shopping at the famous Mongolian cashmere and department shops for delicate cashmere scarves and souvenirs. As the sightseeing comes to an end, you could return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

                      ACCOMMODATION - HOTEL                                                    MEALS - BREAKFAST + LUNCH + DINNER

DAY 9: DEPARTURE

       After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it would be time to say goodbye to the land of nomads and head to the airport, armed with an enriching experience and memories to last a lifetime.

                                                                                                                  MEALS - BREAKFAST

INCLUDED 

  • Help before you go 
  • Personal airport pickup service
  • 9 days of interesting activities 
  • Hotel 
  • Tourist ger camps 
  • Tour guide
  • Domestic flight
  • Full board meals 
  • All entrance fees 
  • All transportation
  • Visa invitation letter 
  • Water: 2 bottled water each day
  • Traditional concert

EXCLUDED

  • International airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Single room supplement – Single room supplement is available at 50$ for one night.
  • Optional excursions 
  • Personal equipment 

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