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Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour Overview
Experientially developed, all-inclusive Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour guide you through the vastness, beauty, and diversity of the Gobi desert, central Mongolia, and northern Mongolia within 15 days.
Do not doubt between the Ulaanbaatar big Naadam Festival and the local Naadam Festival! Attending the authentic local Naadam Festival is the best way to understand this famous Mongolian holiday, mingle with the locals the same as how they celebrate, enjoy local experiences, or participate in the sports games if you desire.
The local Naadam is not the limit of your local experience. You also visit nomads, dine with them, chat with them, and ride with them.
Be sure the itinerary includes the natural and cultural highlights of Mongolian 3 diverse regions.
June 30, Day 1: Tour of Ulaanbaatar city
Your guide and driver will meet you at your accommodation and starts the tour with a city sightseeing of Ulaanbaatar. In the morning, you’ll visit Gandantegchilen Monastery to witness the morning ritual and observe the religious locals. Gandantegchilen is the largest active monastery in Mongolia consists of both old (dates back to the 17th century) and new temples. A 26m gilded statue of a Buddha in Megjid Janrasag sum is another feature of interest. Next, visit the National History Museum to view exhibits on Mongolian history, and culture followed by Sukhbaatar Square sightsee and a drive to the Zaisan Hill Memorial for a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 60 km driving
July 1, Day 2: Tsagaan Suvarga colorful mud cliffs
Continue the journey to the depths of the Gobi desert. Tsagaan Suvarga is a 30-60 m high, 400 m long, colorful limestone formation that looks like stupas. Lunch at a ger camp near Tsagaa Suvarga and free afternoon to relax and hide from the Gobi desert hot. Late afternoon, we will drive to Tsagaan Suvarga and hike along its trails to see the different angles of the beautiful formation.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 420 km driving mainly on the paved takes 7-8 hours
July 2, Day 3: Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain National Park, hiking in Eagle Valley
After breakfast, we travel more to the south heading the Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain Range National Park. It is the end of the Altai Mountains and is amazingly picturesque with lush green valleys, canyons, and crystal clear streams.
You will check-in at a ger camp and have lunch. A short tour to the mountain’s picturesque valley Yoliin Am/Eagle Valley. The valley was named after its main habitat Bearded Eagle or Lammergeier. After reaching the parking area, we gently hike along the mountain creek, which leads the way into the depths of a sheer rock canyon. The canyon does not accept sunlight. Therefore, it has ice until the end of June. The hiking continues for 2.5 to 3 hours in two ways. Return to the ger camp before dinner and free evening.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 230 km driving on the paved and rough roads
July 3, Day 4: Climb Khongor Sand Dunes, visit Gobi desert nomads and camel riding
The journey will continue to the huge sand dunes Khongor. After reaching the sand dunes, check-in a ger camp and have lunch followed by a visit to a nomad family to ride camels. Next, climb the sand dune. If you can climb one of the tallest sand dunes, don’t forget to spread the sand northwards against the wind to find the reason why locals call the sand dunes “Singing Sand.” The views are fantastic from the top of the sand dunes.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 190 km driving on the rough roads
July 4, Day 5: Flaming Cliffs
Our adventure will continue to the Flaming Cliffs, where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews found the remains of dinosaurs including the first dinosaur eggs ever discovered in the world. We will enjoy exploring the cliffs in search of dinosaur fossils we may find and visit the Gobi tree grove named “Bayanzag.” Which means “rich in saxaul trees.” This tree only grows in the Central Asian Gobi.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 170 km driving on the rough roads
July 5, Day 6: Drive to Ongi Monastery on the open steppes
Drive first through slate mountains and next on 80 km Ongi steppes leading to Ongi Monastery, one of the biggest seven monasteries in Mongolia. There were two separate monasteries consisted of more than 30 temples on the shores of the Ongi River surrounded by the Gobi mountains; however, the communists destroyed the temples in the 1930s. Now the ruins of the monasteries cover an expanse area. Visit a new active temple, a ger museum, explore the monastery ruins and climb a nearby mountain to have panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 160 km driving on the rough roads
July 6, Day 7: Kharkhorin, Erdenezuu Monastery
Today’s tour takes place in the transition zone from the Gobi desert to the mountain steppes. The Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu tour will give us the insight to unravel a history of the Great Mongol, the largest land empire the world has ever known except for exploring the country from the religious side. Kharkhorin and Erdenezuu are part of the World Cultural Heritage Site Orkhon Valley. You will see some valuable religious articles in Erdenezuu temple museums, visit an active temple, observe the religious locals, and view the stunning architecture of the monastery. You also visit the Kharakhorum Museum display remnants of the ancient city except for seeing the historical relics on the site.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 260 km driving on the rough roads
July 7, Day 8: Travel to mountainous Arkhangai province, visit a nomad family and try authentic Mongolian barbecue
The scenery turns into more mountainous, vegetated and lush green dotted with nomadic dwelling gers and the nomads’ countless animals. Today’s first stop is Tsetserleg town of Arkhangai province, where we visit the interesting local market of dairy products, handmade utensils, and meat. Continue the journey to meet a yak-herding nomadic family to sample authentic Mongolian barbecue, a famous dish. Discover more about the traditional nomadic life of northern Mongolian nomads. Next, drive through the picturesque landscapes of Arkhangai province heading Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park with a short stop at the lava canyon of Chuluut River. You arrive at this fascinating national park between 5 and 6 PM.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 320 km driving mainly on the paved roads
July 8, Day 9: Explore Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park
The Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park was established to protect the spectacular mountain scenery and endangered species of its flora & fauna. Khorgo Volcano is the latest, as well as the youngest volcano, became extinct approximately 8000 years ago. The volcano is a spectacular one among the other numerous extinct volcanoes within the National Park area. Astonishingly beautiful, clear water lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (known as Great White Lake) locates just 6 km from the volcano. The whole national park area is fertile pastureland of nomads. Therefore, the place is populated densely by the nomads or full of domesticated animals. You will spend the whole day exploring the national park – climb the volcano on stairs and trails, and upon reaching the top, walk along the volcano rim with outstanding views of surrounding areas; a small village, as well as a bird’s eye view of Terhkiin Tsagaan Lake. In the afternoon, travel to freshwater Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: short driving
July 9, Day 10: Shine Ider, an overnight area between Arkhangai and Khuvsgul
The first part of today’s driving takes place along the shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Next, we will pass a mountain pass allows us to see the panoramic views of the surrounding area and mountain tops. Have a picnic lunch in one of the picturesque valleys and arrive at a ger camp between 5 and 6 PM.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 190 km driving on the bumpy roads
July 10, Day 11: See deer stones, Khuvsgul Lake and horse riding
The journey continues to the world’s freshest pure-water lake, Lake Khuvsgul. This 136km-long, 38km-wide lake lies 1600m above sea level in the middle of a Siberian taiga forest and among majestic sheer rock mountains. The lake and its surrounding area are pristine and have much to offer its guests. Along the way, we explore ancient deer stones spread widely throughout Central Asia. Some 600 deer stones have been found in Central Asia, 500 of them found in the territory of Mongolia. Deer stones are the first monuments of humans; the earliest of them belong to the 13th to the 9th century BC, while most of them date to The Bronze Age. On restored, standing stones, pictures including the sun, the moon, belts, knives, and jumping deer were carved fantastically. Arrive at the lake late afternoon. In the evening, ride horses 1-3 hours.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 250 km driving on the paved and rough roads
July 11, Day 12: See the local Naadam Festival and visit Reindeer people
The opening ceremony of the local Naadam Festival starts between 10 AM and 11 AM. Today, we will drive short to attend the Naadam, which is held close to a small village Hatgal on the western shore of Khuvsgul Lake. See main events of the festival such as horse racing, wrestling, and archery apart from seeing the opening ceremony, how Mongolians celebrate their festival wearing their finest traditional clothes and riding their nice looking horses. You could even challenge yourself by participating in wrestling, archery, and other games. You also see the Naadam commerce and taste the Naadam main dish is “Huushuur.” On the way, visit reindeer people. The Reindeer/Tsaatan people live in the depths of the taiga forest. Few reindeer are the primary resource of their livelihood. In the summer months, few reindeer families move to the lake from the Taiga mountains to increase their livelihood.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: short driving
July 12, Day 13: Uran Togoo extinct volcano
One the long driving days. Trees cover the northern slope and inside of the extinct volcano Uraantogoo crater. The volcano crater has a small lake fed by rainwater. The summit of the mountain is accessible after a challenging hike up, but the amazing vista is well worth it once you are on the top.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 340 km driving on the paved roads
July 13, Day 14: Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Along the way to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, we will drive via copper mine city Erdenet and a central town of Bulgan province. Amarbaysgalant is the second largest and the most stunning monastery in terms of architecture. It was built in Chinese and Mongolian style between 1727 and 1736 in honor of Mongolian first religious leader Zanabazar by the initiation of Manchu emperor Yongzheng. In the afternoon, visit the monastery and climb a hill that features statues of Buddha and a huge stupa. The hilltop will allow us to see the whole monastery and the Iven River valley by birds’ eyes.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: 250 km driving mainly on the paved roads
July 14, Day 15: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar driving mainly on the paved roads of the unique and unforgettable countryside of Mongolia. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, check into a hotel and enjoy a restful free afternoon.
Accommodation: 3* hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: 360 km driving mainly on the paved roads
July 15, Day 16: Departure transfer
The driver meets you at the hotel and transfer to the airport/railway station.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 45 km
TOUR PRICE PER PERSON
Group tour price: 1898$ per person
Single supplement: 320$
DISCOUNTS
- For children of a family trip
- One free space for every 16 pax (Regards private group tour)
- Early booking discount 10%
- 2 nights in a 3* hotel
- 13 nights stay at ger camps
- Transfer service
- English speaking guide
- Entry fees to national parks and museums
- 0.5*2 bottled water per person per day
- 44 meals – 15 breakfast, 15 lunch, 14 dinner
- Departure transfer
The tour includes:
- Items of personal use
- Travel & medical insurance
- International travel
- Visa fee
- Arrival transfer
- Single supplements
- Gratuity for guides & drivers
The tour excludes:
Is Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour suitable for me?
On the Explore Mongolia group tour, you will travel approximately 3400 km driving overland both on the paved and rough roads. The daily driving duration is 4.5-6 hours. The longest driving days are Day 2 and Day 13 – drive approximately 7-7.5 hours.
The tour does not include demanding physical activities. There will be 1-3 hours of gentle hiking on some days and short horse and camel riding supported by local equestrians.
The group members have an option to climb one of the higher dunes of Khongor, remain at the bottom, or climb lower dunes. The same option when climbing Khorgo Volcano and Uran Togoo volcano.
Accommodation
On the Explore Mongolia group tour, you will stay in a centrally located 3* hotel for 2 nights at the beginning and end of the tour. We always book the best location best hotel available within the budget for your comfort, safety, and your easy access to city attractions, shopping, dining, etc.
In the countryside, you will stay 13 nights in western friendly traditional dwelling ger camp located near the main attractions.
The same as the hotel, we always choose the best ger camps for your enjoyment, comfort, and safety.
You will stay in twin rooms and gers both at the ger camps and hotels unless you request a single supplement and pay additional.
The ger camps have restaurants that serve western and Mongolian cuisines. However, the running water WC and showers are in a separate block to share with other travelers. Some of the ger camps have private bathroom gers available at an additional fee of 35$-45$ per person.
Some of the ger camps have connected with central electricity while the other half sources the electricity from a generator, solar and wind. Learn more about the ger camps and see pictures at What is a ger camp in Mongolia?
What meals will I eat during Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour ?
The tour includes 15 breakfast, 15 lunches and 14 dinners. In the countryside, ger camps serve some European and Mongolian meals. Meat is the main recipe for lunch and dinner and is served along with vegetables, salads, and soups. There will be more meat in traditional Mongolian meals.
BREAKFAST: A typical breakfast consists of tea, coffee, bread, jam, butter, eggs, sausage, cookies, cheese, and cereals.
LUNCH: They serve some salads, Mongolian soups, main courses (pasta, rice, vegetables, beef/mutton/chicken/fish near lakes/rivers, traditional meal), and dessert with tea.
DINNER: Salad, a main course, dessert, and tea will be served.
Are you a vegetarian or have a dietary restriction? If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance. We will arrange the meals accordingly.
Water; Bottled water is provided daily.
Meals with the nomads: On the day 8, you will try authentic Mongolian lunch with the nomads.
Guides
An English speaking guide will serve the group. They are all friendly, helpful and most of them were born and raised in the Mongolian countryside. Therefore, they have good knowledge about every aspect of Mongolia and have at least three years or more years of guiding experience. During the camel riding, a local guide will support you
Transportation
Full-time Japanese van Toyota Hiace is the main vehicles serve for the group tour. Depending on the group size, Mitsubishi Delica and 4WD Hyundai Starex may serve.
When is the Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour?
The regular Explore Mongolia Overland Tour is available between 15 May and 15 September. About the Explore Mongolia and Local Naadam Festival Group Tour, we matched the program with Khatgal Local Naadam Festival takes place on 11 and 12 July annually. Therefore, the tour is available between 30 June and 15 July.
In terms of weather, July is the warmest, as well as the wettest month in Mongolia. The wet does not mean it rains regularly. Mongolian rain tends to be a temporary shower. Expect hot weather in the Gobi desert, fluctuates between +25°C and +35°C daytime and +18°C to +22°C at nights. The temperature cools a bit down when you travel central and further to northern Mongolia. The temperature in north Mongolia could drop down to +10°C. Therefore, bring clothes suitable for hot, wet and chilly weather. Here is July weather
What to bring and wear?
As Mongolian weather is inflexible and fluctuates a lot, not regarding the month, we suggest you pack according to below.
As Mongolian weather is inflexible and fluctuates a lot, not regarding the month, we suggest you pack according to below
• Torch/headlamp will be useful when going to bathrooms in the evenings and at nights while staying at the ger camps
• Lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket
• Lightweight travel trousers that can be unzipped into shorts would be ideal for most summer days.
• T-shirts and long-sleeved t-shirts will be comfortable and help you protect your arms from the sun and stay warm on chilly days.
• Sturdy pair of walking sandals and boots will be useful when you hike. If not the hiking shoes, bring sneakers and sandals. Some of the ger camps do not have slippers in their gers
• Pajamas/tights or something similar to stay warm at night.
• Shorts and whatever suitable at high up to +38°C during daytime in summer months and +8 to + 18°C in the evening/night temperature. The temperature drops sharply when it rains
• Bringing your eyeglasses is preferable instead of lenses on dusty roads
• Sun cream, lip balm, sunglasses, and a sunhat are vital
• Some pills for common symptoms such as travel sickness pills, allergies pills (there is a vast expanse of grasslands), Pepto-Bismol for the inevitable upset stomach, Antibiotic cream for cuts, scratches, and insect bites, etc. The pills should be carried in the original, clearly labeled container, in your handbag, and should be checked with the Mongolian Embassy if necessary
• A watch or alarm clock can be useful if your mobile phone does not have enough charge or you do not want to use your phone
• Both backpack and suitcases work. The bell boys and service staff of ger camps will help you transfer your luggage between the ger and the parking area
• Shampoo, lotions, deodorant, and toothpaste are all available extensively in Ulaanbaatar. However, they are not available at ger camps. Therefore, bring your supply
• The ger camps provide big and small towels. Bringing dry/wet tissues, and hand sanitizer will be handy. Particularly, during some important stops in the countryside (call of nature)
• Travel and medical insurance, passport, and other documents
• Camera with a spare battery or with a mobile charger.
• Check the allowed power bank Wh with your flight operator and make sure you carry it in the handbag.
• Resealing (Ziploc) plastic bags – to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from wetness, sand, and dustCheck the allowed power bank Wh with your flight operator and make sure you carry it in the handbag.
• Check herevaccinations and health information needed to travel to Mongolia
• If you do not mind, bring small gifts for nomad children, but not mandatory. The gift ideas are some candies, biscuits, or school stationaries.
