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HOLIDAY PLANNER
MONGOLIA
GREAT MONGOLIAN DISCOVERY WITH NAADAM: ULAN BATOR, NATIONAL PARKS, GOBI, NAADAM FESTIVAL (MN-02)
Great Mongolian Discovery with Naadam: Ulan Bator, National Parks, Gobi, Naadam (MN-02)
Group size
2-12 people
Season
Summer
Duration
15 days
Departs
As per schedule
Starts
Ulaanbaatar
Ends
Ulaanbaatar
Countries
Mongolia
Cities
Ulaanbaatar, Hustain Nuruu National Park, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yol Valley (The Valley of the Eagles), Khongor Sand Dunes (Singing Dunes), Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), Ongi Monastery (South Gobi), Lake Ugii, Erdene Zuu, Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi), Tsenkher Hot Springs
Price
from £3,095
Reservation
View dates and prices
Embark on a 15-day journey through Mongolia, a captivating blend of modern and historical traditions. Explore Ulan Bator, Erdene-Zuu, the remnants of Karakorum, and the natural wonders of Terelj, Hustain Nuruu, Khongor's sand dunes, and the South Gobi. Witness the Naadam festival's opening ceremony and unique sporting events, concluding with a gala dinner and folk concert. This is a one-of-a-kind tour of Mongolia's magic.
This tour offers the flexibility to be arranged around two captivating festivals: the renowned Naadam festival and the Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam festival.
The Naadam festival, often referred to as the "Three Manly Games," is Mongolia's most celebrated event. It features competitions in the traditional sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, showcasing the athleticism and skills of participants.
Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam is a vibrant Buddhist festival unique to Mongolia. It involves colourful ceremonies, masked dances, and rituals, which are both spiritually significant and visually captivating. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Whether you prefer the traditional athleticism of Naadam or the cultural richness of Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam, this tour allows you to experience the best of Mongolia's festivities. The tour can be scheduled on three different dates:
This tour offers the flexibility to be arranged around two captivating festivals: the renowned Naadam festival and the Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam festival.
The Naadam festival, often referred to as the "Three Manly Games," is Mongolia's most celebrated event. It features competitions in the traditional sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, showcasing the athleticism and skills of participants.
Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam is a vibrant Buddhist festival unique to Mongolia. It involves colourful ceremonies, masked dances, and rituals, which are both spiritually significant and visually captivating. It offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Whether you prefer the traditional athleticism of Naadam or the cultural richness of Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam, this tour allows you to experience the best of Mongolia's festivities. The tour can be scheduled on three different dates:
- with the Naadam festival at the end, as displayed below, departure on 29/06/2024;
- with the Naadam festival at the beginning of the tour, departure on 09/07/2024;
- with the Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam festival, departure on 01/08/2024.
Ulan Bator
Day 1
Transfer from the airport to the hotel
Ulan Bator City Tour
Upon arrival in Ulan Bator, you will be met by your guide and a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in the capital. (D).
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Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Day 2
Transfer by car / minibus: Ulaanbaatar - Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Middle Gobi)
Visit Baga Gazriin Chuluu Lake and the ruins of Sum Khukh Burd Temple
Your adventure kicks off bright and early with a journey to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a captivating and vivid natural rock formation. In the vicinity, we'll also explore the remnants of an ancient temple and savour a picnic lunch in the midst of the wilderness. As day turns into night, you'll relish dinner and spend the night in a traditional and enchanting ger camp. The driving distance covers 245 km (150 miles). (B/L/D)
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Tsagaan Suvarga
Day 3
Drive to Tsagaan Suvarga Rock
This morning, following breakfast, we'll make our way to Tsagaan Suvarga, an intriguing white limestone cliff that bears a resemblance to a traditional Buddhist Stupa. Embracing the remote wilderness, we'll relish an open-air picnic lunch. As day transitions to night, you'll indulge in dinner and rest for the night at a ger camp. The journey spans 230 km (144 miles). (B/L/D)
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Yol (Eagle) Valley
Day 4
Yol Valley (Eagle Valley) National Park
Today's itinerary takes us on an extended, yet exhilarating, journey to Yoliin Am (Eagle Valley) National Park, promising thrilling hiking opportunities and the chance to capture the breathtaking scenery on your camera. A delightful picnic lunch is on the agenda. In the afternoon, you can opt for more hiking or simply unwind in this pristine natural setting. We'll return to the camp for a peaceful overnight stay. The day's drive covers 220 km (138 miles). (B/L/D).
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Khongor Sand Dunes
Day 5
Visit Mongolia’s Largest Sand Dunes
This morning, following breakfast, we'll journey to the mesmerizing Khongor Sand Dunes, famously known as the Singing Dunes, where the shifting sands produce an enchanting melodic sound. We'll savour a nomadic-style picnic lunch amidst the wilderness. Our adventure includes a climb up the sand dunes, where a vast panoramic vista awaits. As the sun sets, prepare your camera to capture the breathtaking spectacle. For dinner and a peaceful night's rest, we'll retire to a ger camp. The driving distance for the day spans 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D)
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Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Day 6
Explore Flaming Cliffs (Bayan Zag) - the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery
Today's focus will be on the amazing Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) and the unique saxaul trees of the Gobi. We'll delve into the historical site of Mongolia's earliest paleontological discoveries, attributed to Roy Chapman Andrews. Our journey also includes an informative session about the fascinating hump-backed creatures, camels, as we visit a nomadic camel-breeding family. We'll have the opportunity to embrace the warm hospitality of Mongolian nomads and even take a camel ride to fully immerse in the experience. The day encompasses lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at a ger camp, with a driving distance of 150 km (94 miles). (B/L/D)
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Ongi Monastery
Day 7
Visit “Ongi Khiid” Monastery
Today, our journey takes us to the north. Our goal is to explore the remnants of the once-mighty Ongi Monastery, visit a beautifully restored local temple, and relish a leisurely stroll in the nearby surroundings. As the day draws to a close, we'll have dinner and retire for the night at a ger camp. The distance covered on the road is 185 km (115 miles). (B/L/D)
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Karakorum
Day 8
Visit Erdene-Zuu Monastery & Karakorum Museum
Following breakfast, our journey will lead us to Karakorum, the illustrious 13th-century capital of the Great Mongol Empire. This historical site offers an opportunity to explore the grand Erdene-Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's first and largest monastery. We'll take a comprehensive tour of the monastery and visit various temples adorned with magnificent Buddhist Thangka paintings dating back to the 16th century. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the Karakorum Museum. For dinner and a peaceful night's rest, we'll be accommodated in a ger camp. The day's drive covers a distance of 270 km (169 miles). (B/L/D)
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Tsenkher Hot Springs
Day 9
Enjoy Tsenkher Hot Springs
Today's agenda is all about unwinding in the picturesque Mongolian countryside. We'll journey to the Tsenkher hot spring, dedicating the day to relaxing in this natural spa. For those who fancy it, an opportunity for a relaxing walk in the nearby forest awaits. Don't forget to pack your swimwear, as the hot spring beckons for a soothing dip. If you desire an extra level of relaxation, optional massage and beauty services are at your disposal. After dinner, you can return to the spa for a complete chill-out experience. The day includes lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at a ger camp, with a driving distance of 115 km (72 miles). (B/L/D)
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Lake Ugii
Day 10
Drive to Lake Ugii. Enjoy Bird-Watching
Today, we embark on a drive to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai province, renowned as one of the finest bird-watching destinations in Mongolia. Our overnight stay will be in a ger camp. The journey covers a distance of 110 km (69 miles). (B/L/D)
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Khustai National Park
Day 11
Hustai Nuruu Natural Reserve Guided Tour
Today, we embark on a journey to Khustai National Park, renowned for its preservation of Przewalski's wild horses, which have been successfully reintroduced into their natural habitat. This National Park is not only celebrated for its wild horses but also for its diverse array of wildlife, plant life, and ecosystems. Our day begins with an introduction to the park, followed by an exciting expedition deep into its heart in search of these prized wild horses. As night falls, we will find comfort and rest at a nearby ger camp, where both lunch and dinner are thoughtfully provided for your convenience. Driving distance 230 km (144 miles). (B/L/D)
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Ulan Bator
Day 12
Naadam Horse-Racing Event
After breakfast, we will make our way to the National Horse Race. A leisurely walk will lead us to the horses' finishing line, where you can witness a unique spectacle. The young horse jockeys, aged between 5 and 12 years old, have been in the saddle since the tender ages of 1 to 3. It's a truly heartwarming experience to watch these children and their trusty steeds as they complete the challenging 20-kilometer race, competing against more than 300 other horse and jockey pairs.
Following the race, we will enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch featuring Huushuur, a delightful culinary treat. In the afternoon, we'll journey back to the city, where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Naadam festival's eve. Your accommodation for the night will be at a comfortable hotel, and your meals for the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are all included. Driving distance 120 km (75 miles). (B/L/D)
Following the race, we will enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch featuring Huushuur, a delightful culinary treat. In the afternoon, we'll journey back to the city, where you can immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the Naadam festival's eve. Your accommodation for the night will be at a comfortable hotel, and your meals for the day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are all included. Driving distance 120 km (75 miles). (B/L/D)
Day 13
Naadam Festival Ceremony
Today promises to be an extraordinary experience as we partake in the grand opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival. What's more, we'll relish a Naadam Gala Dinner and an enchanting Folk Concert in the evening. The Naadam Festival, a pinnacle of Mongolia's festival calendar, holds its roots in history and occurs annually from July 11 to 13. Originally conceived as an evaluation of a nomad's skills, it demands strength, endurance, precise marksmanship, and a range of equestrian talents. With horses holding a central role in Mongolian culture, horse races carry immense significance. Herdsmen journey from far and wide to participate, including those from cities and towns. Astonishingly, the races transpire on the vast steppe itself, spanning nearly 20 miles. The night's accommodation will be in a hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Chinggis Khaan Statue & Terelj National Park
Escape the city for a day of breathtaking landscapes and adventure. Our first stop takes us to the renowned Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, where you'll behold a truly impressive sight. This colossal and gleaming statue stands as the world's largest equestrian monument dedicated to Chinggis Khaan, a historical icon. After this awe-inspiring visit, we'll continue our journey to Terelj National Park.
In the heart of Terelj, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a ger camp and then set off to explore some of the park's natural wonders. Our first stop within the park will be at Turtle Rock, a fascinating rock formation, and Ariyabala Temple, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire park.
As the day draws to a close, we'll return to the city, where you will be transferred back to your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all thoughtfully included, ensuring a day full of exploration and culinary delights. Driving distance 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D)
In the heart of Terelj, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a ger camp and then set off to explore some of the park's natural wonders. Our first stop within the park will be at Turtle Rock, a fascinating rock formation, and Ariyabala Temple, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire park.
As the day draws to a close, we'll return to the city, where you will be transferred back to your hotel. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all thoughtfully included, ensuring a day full of exploration and culinary delights. Driving distance 200 km (125 miles). (B/L/D)
Day 15
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Breakfast at the hotel. Our driver will meet you at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B).
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Dates and prices
Please read notes at the bottom of the table to learn more about the meaning of each pricing section
Travel package
Comfort - 3*
Year of travel
2024
Note on pricing:
- All prices are per person, in British Pounds. All included services are listed in the tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
- Price "Including flight" is subject to airfare availability and will be reconfirmed upon your booking. We advise not to delay with booking your tour as airfares may go up.
- Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights.
- Single supplement goes towards single room (cabin for cruises) accommodation.
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