MONGOLIA

Classic Mongolia –
Naadam Festival

TOUR DATE : JULY 3-13 , 2025

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Classic Mongolia – Naadam Festival

Join Nomadic Expeditions on this classic journey which offers a fascinating introduction to Mongolia’s culture and the diverse landscape of the Gobi. Explore the cliffs and canyons of the Gobi, and take part in the celebrations surrounding Naadam, Mongolia’s national games.

Wrestling, horse racing, and archery are the three age-old competitions traditionally used to measure the courage and strength of nomads and warriors. Contemporary Naadam Games showcase the abilities of local men, women, boys, and girls, and are also a time when family and friends get together to celebrate the short, joyful summer season.

DATES:

July 3-13, 2025

5-9 TRAVELERS

$8,650 Per Person

10-14 TRAVELERS:

$7,825 Per Person

INTERNAL AIRFARE:

$380 Per Person

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

$2,750 Per Person

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INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Land Prices Includes:

Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary;
Transfers upon arrival and departure;
All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers);
Meals as noted in itinerary;
Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks during meals;
All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary;
Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip;
Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.

Land Price Does Not Include:

International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines;
Tips to guides/drivers;
Passport and visa fees;
Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
Airport taxes;
Excess baggage charges;
Photography and video fees;
Food and beverages not included in the group meals;
Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
Other items not specifically mentioned as included.

Itinerary

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Days 1-2

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, a city where ancient Mongolian customs and Buddhist heritage blend seamlessly with a 21st-century democracy. After meeting with your guide, check into Shangri La, a well-situated hotel to the nearby museums and shops. On Day 2, visit the Chinggis Khan Museum to uncover 2000 years of Mongolian history, explore Zanabazar’s Buddhist art at the Fine Arts Museum, and encounter Gobi Desert’s paleontological treasures at the Dinosaur Museum. End the day with a welcome dinner, savoring local cuisine.

Days 3-4

Tugregiin Shiree/ Moltsog Els / Havtsgtait Petroglyphs

Fly into the heart of the mysterious Gobi, where the award winning Three Camel Lodge awaits as your sanctuary. After a leisurely morning, join your guide to unveil Tugregiin Shiree’s historic “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil. The following day, drive Moltsog Els’ dunes, perhaps on a Bactrian camel, and encounter the hospitality of local herders. As dusk falls, ascend Havtsgait’s slopes to discover ancient rock carvings, and later, stargaze in the profound silence of the Gobi night.

Days 5-6

Yol Valley National Park / Flaming Cliffs

Hike in the Yol Valley National Park, a prime habitat Lammergeier or bearded vultures. Visit the local natural history museum and learn ger building. On day 6, wake up early to enjoy a relaxing walk at sunrise around the Bulagtai hillside. After breakfast, visit a a nomadic family and participate in their daily activities, including herding and milking. Explore the Flaming Cliffs where in 1923 that the exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs.

Day 7

Fly to Ulaanbaatar / Chinggis Khan Statue

Depart early morning for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. On arrival, drive to Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog. The massive statue made of 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel will take your breath away. Once inside the two-story base of the statue, visitors can see a replica of Chinggis Khan’s legendary golden whip and also take an elevator to a deck on the horse’s head and marvel at the surrounding area overlooking the beautiful Mongolian steppes.

Day 8

Deeltei Mongol Naadam

In the morning, visit Gandan Monastery, a seat of Mongolian Buddhism. Despite historical suppression, Mongolia’s spiritual life revived with democracy in 1990. Monasteries reopen, old lamas mentor new disciples, and restoration is in progress, with hidden treasures being restored. Later, witness the Deeltei Mongol Naadam at Sukhbaatar Square, where Mongolians display their finest traditional attire and jewelry, accompanied by a parade and music, a blend of traditional and contemporary fashion.

Days 9-11

Naadam Festival / Depart

Attend the Naadam Festival, the most popular festival in Mongolia. Observe as the celebrations begin with a colorful parade of marching soldiers, athletes, musicians, and people dressed as ancient warriors. Witness wrestling competitions and archery competitions. The skill of Mongolian archers and their advanced bow design was a significant asset to Chinggis Khan and his descendants during the years of Mongolian conquest. On Day 10, drive to Khui Doloon Hudag, the horse racing field to experience true Mongolian horse race. Return to Ulaanbaatar and in the evening, enjoy a performance followed by a farewell dinner. On Day 11, transfer to the airport to depart.

B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Nomadic Expeditions reserves the right to change the above itinerary if necessary.

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What to Expect When You Attend Naadam Festival

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