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 walk to Sukhbaatar Square 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 the Russian army in the 1920s.

Our next stop is the Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia’s newest and largest museum. The five-storey museum showcases over 10,000 cultural exhibits revealing 2000 years of history linked to Mongolia’s Great Khans, nobles, nomads, and their statehood from the Xiongnu Empire to the end of the 20th century.

After lunch, 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.

In the evening, enjoy a 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 Manly Games.”

Archery: 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, 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.

Return to Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon and visit Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials. However, in spite of the government’s efforts to suppress Buddhism and other religious beliefs, Mongolia’s spirituality persisted and a significant resurgence of Buddhism began in 1990 when Mongolia became a democracy. Monasteries across the country are again opening their doors to worshippers and the few lamas who survived the purges are training a new generation. Extensive reconstruction and renovation projects are underway and priceless artifacts that were hidden for safekeeping by nomadic families are now being returned to monasteries.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at fine local restaurant.

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

After breakfast, drive to Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog (1 hour). 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.

Next drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park (40 minutes). 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.

After lunch, drive 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.

In the evening, return to Ulaanbaatar and 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.

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