Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival

Duration

16 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s deep-rooted nomadic traditions watching thrilling competitions at the renowned Nadaam Festival.

Highlights

Experience the ancient living traditions and competitions of Mongolia during its world renowned Naadam Festival
Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region
Visit with a nomadic family in the Gobi to learn how to build a traditional ger (yurt)
And take a lesson in archery
Mongolia’s national sport
Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe

Trip Details

Duration

16 days

Transportation

Private vehicles, 4x4, walking, hiking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Finishes

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After your welcome moment, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on your way to an optional welcome dinner.
Your tour may start or end with the Naadam Festival depending on the trip dates.

Day 2: Ulaanbaatar

Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the traditional costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the “three famous sports”—wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Take a lunch break and then head back to the stadium to watch an afternoon of Knuckle Bone Games, Archery, wrestling and time to explore the areas on your own.

Day 3: Ulaanbaatar

Head out to see the finish line of the grueling Naadam Festival Horse Races — some of the most unique horse racing in the world. During this annual race, competitors ride between 15-30 kilometres around the stadium. Visit the Khui Doloon Khudag, known as Q7 to the locals. This is the legendary horse racing field for the Naadam Festival. Today we'll experience the Soyolon Race, a race of 5-year old horses considered to be the fastest and most powerful horses. Enjoy some traditional Mongolian street food for lunch at a local Khuushuur stand. Afterwards, return for the Daaga race, a race for 2-year old horses.

Day 4: Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu

Mongolia's rich history is on full display at the National Museum of Mongolia. Explore the museum with your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) learning about the traditional ethnic groups of Mongolia and view some of the archaeological artifacts on display. We then make our way to the Gobi, one of the world's largest deserts, which covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. On the way, stop for a picturesque pond-side picnic at Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, a sacred mountain considered to be the most beautiful in central Mongolia. Arrive in the afternoon to our first traditional Mongolian ger, a round, felt-covered tent with simple furnishings–we will stay in this style of local accommodation through day 12 of the trip. Tonight at camp, get competitive and try your hand at some traditional Mongolian Games, like The Knuckle Bone game and Khorol, a Mongolian style dominoes.

Day 5: Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan

Continue onwards as the group drives to the Dungobi Aimag region—Middle Gobi—and witness the astonishing granitic formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu. Set off on a hike around the small but historic national park, and visit the site of ruins of an old temple dating from the 17th century hidden in the massif granite. Rest after your hike as we drive to South Gobi and upon arrival, check into your lodge for the evening.

Day 6: Bulgan

Start today with a hand-on activity to learn to build a Mongolian ger (yurt) and try your hand at archery, one of the most beloved sports in the country. Journey to the magnificent gorges of the Altay Mountains to the Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a vast protected area that comprises canyons, sand dunes, and a steppe. Stop for a hike in rugged Yolyn Am, the “valley of the eagles,” keeping an eye out for ibex, gazelles, argali sheep, and countless species of birds. This evening we'll return to the ger camp for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Day 7: Bulgan

Our morning begins as we drive to Moltsog Els Sand Dune and witness the seemingly never ending waves of sand. Visit the homes of the local camel herders, then walk over the ever-changing dunes. Return to the camp for lunch and some activities at the camp, like traditional massage by a local shaman or take a cooking class. For dinner, travel by 4x4 to the Flaming Cliff, a rust-coloured sandstone landscape where a vast amount of dinosaur fossils and eggs have been found. Learn about the discoveries made here and spend time exploring the dramatic crags and canyons and enjoy a firery red sunset before heading back to camp for the evening.

Day 8: Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid

Visit the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a complex of Buddhist monasteries and universities which were tragically destroyed during the communist purges. Tour the site and learn about the monks who have returned here in recent years, bringing new life to the complex.

Day 9: Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley

Drive to the breathtaking Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses rolling hills and pastureland, traditional pastoral societies, and archaeological remains. We'll arrive to our camp for lunch and settle in for the day. Enjoy free time to relax before an early start tomorrow, or if you have the energy, opt to do some eassier hikes around the camp.

Day 10: Orkhon Valley

Rise early this morning with the local Yak Herding Family to assist them in milking their yaks. Head off for a visit to Orkhon Waterfall and walk to the observation point for an incredible view of the caved out cliffside. Lunch will consist of buuz, Mongolian dumplings that we'll learn to make in a local cooking class. In the afternoon, visit the Yak Herder Family again and learn to make yak tea, cheese and even alcoholic yak yogurt that you milked earlier this morning. Try your hand at spinning yarn from yak and sheep wool. As a source of food, clothing material, transport and even a cultural symbol, yaks play a vital role in Mongolia. This evening return to your camp for a traditional Mongolian barbecue, prepared over hot stones.

Day 11: Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai

Drive to the city of Kharkhorin and onward to nearby Karakorum, Mongolia's ancient capital. Here, Genghis Khan established his headquarters in the early 13th century. Explore the remains of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, considered Mongolia's earliest centre of Buddhism, and meet with the head monk to learn about the communist purges that decimated much of the country's Buddhist heritage. Visit the Karakorum Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the 13th and 14th centuries as well as a scale model of the ancient capital. Finish up the day with a relaxing drive to the ger camp for the evening.

Day 12: Elsen Tasarkhai

This morning, drive to Khungu Khan Mountain to hike the beautiful Uvgun Monastery, perfectly on display atop the boulder covered mountain. From the monastery, admire the spectacular view of sand dunes expand into the distance and summer flowers decorating the banks of the spring water. Enjoy the hike down and return to the ger camp for time at the camp.

Day 13: Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park

Travel by 4x4 to Khustai National Park, where some of the Earth's last wild horses roam. The takhi or Przewalski's horse native to these grasslands had nearly vanished from the wild, until the species was reintroduced here as a result of a successful captive breeding program. Meet with park staff to learn about the takhi reintroduction project, and keep an eye out for these stocky, coffee-coloured horses that have never been domesticated. Settle into your ger for the night.

Day 14: Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar

Spend today driving through the Mongolian countryside to Ulaanbaatar. The drive is long and the group will arrive by the early evening. Stop to stretch your legs and have a chance to buy some souvenir like locally produced cashmere. This evening, pay a visit to Cafe No Limits, a G for Good project supporting youth with Down Syndrome who work alongside their mothers to serve delicious teas, coffee and snacks. Enjoy a farewell dinner accompanied by a memorable performance of traditional Mongolian song and dance.

Day 15: Ulaanbaatar

Travel by 4x4 to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important temple complexes in all of Mongolia to learn about the history of Buddhism and see the monks chant. Depart for Nalaikh Ger Village, where upon arrival you will be welcomed to enjoy a local lunch of Mongolian Buuz dumplings with some of the families who call this place home. After learning about life in a ger village, explorations today conclude at the statue of Chinggis Khan. The statue of Mongolia's most emblematic figure is observed as you take an elevator to the head of the horse to get the best view of both the statue itself, and the vast expanse of Mongolian mountainside completely surrounding the behemoth statue. Return to Ulaanbaatar for a farewell dinner with your group and CEO.

Day 16: Ulaanbaatar

Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $9,549

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 16 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Take a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s deep-rooted nomadic traditions watching thrilling competitions at the renowned Nadaam Festival.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 28 Jun 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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