Mongolia’s Naadam Festival

The contrast between ancient traditions and a 21st-century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries sit side by side with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed by your Mongolian guide and transferred to a centrally located hotel within walking distance of various museums and shops.

(Shangri-La Hotel – Deluxe Room)

Begin the day with a visit to the Sukhbaatar square, situated right at the heart of the city. Sukhbaatar Square was named in honor of the revolutionary leader who commanded the Mongolian army to fight for the nation’s independence from Manchuria, with the help of Russian army in 1920s. It is also the site of the Great Khans Memorial built in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Mongolian Empire. After 80 years of Soviet domination, a time during which it was forbidden by the government to utter the words “Chinggis Khan,” many Mongols now celebrate their pride in their great ancestors.

Next, walk to the National Museum for an excellent overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. The newly remodeled museum displays traditional implements of daily nomadic life including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, historical costumes of Mongolia’s minority tribes, sacred religious relics, and agricultural, fishing, and hunting equipment. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, visit the Fine Arts Museum, named in honor of Zanabazar, the renowned 17th century artist and politician, who was also the first Buddhist leader of Mongolia. The museum contains one of the best collections of Buddhist art and artifacts in the world, including many of Zanabazar’s original works.

In the evening, drive to Zaisan Memorial, built by the former Soviet Union to commemorate fallen soldiers of World War II. Those who climb the 300 steps will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the capital city, the Tuul River, and the surrounding countryside. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

Wake early in the morning to 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. True to its name, the festival is dedicated to the three core games: archery, wrestling and horse racing.

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. In the past, sharpshooters would practice by aiming for the heads of marmots. At today’s Naadam games, small round leather targets are placed at a distance of 60-100 meters from the archers, who still use formidable compound bows made from wood, horn, and sinew. The archers wear a special glove on the thumb and index finger of the right hand and wrap the left arm in soft belts. Referees, lined up next to the targets, mark each hit, raise their hands, and move around the spot singing a short song of praise. The best archer receives the title of “mergen” or marksman.

Wrestling: Each wrestler wears trunks, an open-fronted long- sleeved silk vest, and ornamental knee boots with upturned toes. Before the wrestling match begins, the wrestlers perform the “eagle’s dance” symbolizing power and invincibility. The wrestler who forces his competitor to touch the ground with his knees or elbow is considered the winner. The victor then repeats the “eagle’s dance,” with his opponent passing under his arm (as though under a wing) as a sign of submission. Enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

In the morning, we drive to Khui Doloon Hudag, the famous horse racing field in Mongolia to experience a true Mongolian horse race. We will experience a Soyolon horse race, the most spiritual age group of horses amongst other age groups. The race’s winner is honored with a cup of airag (fermented mare’s milk), which he or she drinks and sprinkles on the head and croup of the horse. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at fine local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park (1.5 hours). Comprised of the southern Khentii mountain range, this mountain, forest, steppe region provides habitat for a variety of bird and plant life. Also sheltered in this protected area are endangered musk deer and moose, brown bear, roe, elk, wolf, fox, and badger. Explore the surrounding area on foot or horseback.

On arrival, we stop to visit Turtle Rock, a natural rock formation that resembles a turtle in its shell. Next, embark on a hike towards the Aryabal Monastery. A hike up along a steep road, leads to a wooden suspension bridge called “The Bridge that leads to wisdom”. After crossing the bridge, you trek up 108 steps to finally arrive at the temple. Along the way, the path is lined with signboards displaying Buddha’s teachings. The monastery is special for its spectacular views of the surrounding green valley.

After lunch at a local camp, explore the park on foot or on horseback before returning to Ulaanbaatar. En route stop at the 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. In the evening, enjoy traditional Mongolian music featuring throat singing (hoomii) and a contortionist followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.

(Shangri-La Hotel - Deluxe Room; B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

(B)