Mongolia's Naadam Festival

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
Mongolia's Naadam Festival
15 Days
From AUD $6485
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


 (6 reviews)

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

Intrepid Travel · 15 days
4.0
6 Reviews
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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

The ancient Greeks may have the Olympics, but the Mongols have Naadam. Mongolia’s annual circus-like Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties.

Highlights

  • Visit the athletes’ training camps as they prepare to compete in the Naadam Festival.
  • Live the nomad life with a family stay at a horse breeder's camp – a rare and rewarding cultural experience to remember.
  • Attend the Naadam Opening Ceremony and watch athletes compete for glory in wrestling, horse racing and archery.
  • Encounter Mongolia's stunning natural landscape with visits to places such as the Flaming Cliffs and sand dunes of Khongor.
  • Spend time in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s fascinating capital city, where traditional Mongolian life mingles with modern ways.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Finishes

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Festivals and Events

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Sainbainuu! Welcome to Mongolia. You can arrive at any time before your welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, you'll have the option to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. If you arrive in town earlier and have time, be sure to get out and explore 'UB', a fascinating town where elderly Mongolians in traditional dress mingle with the nation's young business elite. A great place to start is Gandan Khiid, Mongolia's largest and most important monastery. The Fine Arts Museum, Winter Palace Museum of Bogd Khan and Intellectual Museum are also well worth visiting.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Archery & Wrestling Training Camp
Mongolia’s annual Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties. Wrestling, archery and horse racing – the three skills that Genghis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior – are showcased today at the country’s largest celebration of the ‘three manly sports’. You’ll get a special insight into each of these sports over the next couple of days with visits to the training camps taking place in preparation for the festival. You’ll observe Mongolian archers lining up their shots, learn how precision and technique play a key role in successful archery and have a go at using the traditional bow and arrow yourself. You’ll also watch the wrestlers practice. Your leader will explain the rules of Mongolia wrestling and the various techniques and tricks. Some of these wrestlers are huge national celebrities! Learn to cook a Mongolian BBQ and share it with the wrestlers for lunch or dinner. Tonight, you’ll either stay at the wrestler’s camp or a ger camp nearby.

Included Activities:

  • Archery Training Camp
  • Wrestling Training Camp

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Horse Training Camp
Wake up at the crack of dawn as the campsite comes alive and drive to another camp where the horse trainers and riders live during their Naadam preparations. Stop on the way at a supermarket to buy some small gifts for the families hosting you tonight – it’s tradition to bring gifts to visit someone’s home in Mongolia, and your leader can advise on what’s appropriate. Then onwards to the horse rider training camp to spend the day watching the horses and jockeys train. Your leader will tell you about why horses are so treasured by the Mongolian people. Mongolian nomads have developed deep relationships with animals over thousands of years and you will witness some of this during your time here today. Tonight, you’ll stay with a local nomadic family in their ger and learn about their life as nomads. This is truly incredible experience and you’ll get a very real insight into local Mongolian life. Bed down early tonight to rise at dawn with the trainers and riders tomorrow morning.

Included Activities:

  • Horse Racing Training Camp

Accommodation:

  • Family Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Today head to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a series of granitic formations located in the Middle Gobi province. Ruggedly beautiful, the rocks are worshipped by locals who are known to make pilgrimages here, and it is rumoured that Genghis Khan also travelled to this site during his conquests. You’ll have the opportunity to hike in the area and take in the awe-inspiring views before heading onwards to a ger camp for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Baga Gazriin Chuluu - Hike

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Tsagaan Suvarga
Also known as the ‘white stupa’, Tsagaan Suvarga is well known for its formation of rocky cliffs that are composed of different ores. When exposed to oxygen, the rock turns different shades of pink, red and orange. The cliffs dates back as far as 10 million years, with the different coloured layers indicating different times in the rock's history. Hike and explore the nearby caves after lunch. Stay in the ger camp again tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Tsagaan Suvarga - Hike

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Yol Valley
Carry on your journey to Yol Valley today – a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia more commonly known as the Vulture Canyon. Enjoy a walk through the narrow gorges, with soaring cliffs on either side and bearded vultures sailing high above. Enjoy a relaxed stay in your ger camp tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Vulture Canyon - Hike

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7-8: Khongoriin Sand Dunes
Today you’ll drive to the giant sand dunes known as Khongor, Mongolia's largest and called the ‘singing sands’ by the locals. These monster dunes stretch for over 100 km and can reach up to 300 m in height, with sweeping, wave-like patterns of sand framed by a bright blue sky and lit by a relentless sun. The dunes’ nickname comes from the sound produced by small avalanches of sand on a windy day, and the noise has been likened the distant hum of an aircraft propeller. You’ll have two nights here, so take your time to walk up the sand dune or ride a two humped camel along the iconic singing sand dunes. Otherwise you’re free to read a book, catch up on some sleep or just relax around the ger camp.

Included Activities:

  • Khongor Sand Dunes - Dune Hike & Camel Ride

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 2)
8
Day 9: Bayanzag Flaming Cliff
Bayanzag is your destination today. The large orange tinted rocks here look like they are on fire during sunrise or sunset hours, hence 'flaming cliff'. You'll head out on a hike here with an impeccable view of the large Gobi Desert around it. Then, settle into your ger camp tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs - Hike

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 10: Ongiin Khiid
Today will be a long travel day to the Ongiin Khiid. Ongiin Khiid refers to two ruined monasteries: Bari Lam Khiid, which was built in 1810 on the north bank of the river near the tourist ger camps, and Khutagt Lam Khiid, which was built in 1760 on the south side of the river and is only accessible when the water is low or frozen over. Once one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, the complex was destroyed in 1937 as part of a communist purge. Since 1990, a small but growing contingent of monks has resettled amid the ruins, gradually restoring the ancient site. Spend the day exploring the ruins and visit the small museum, then return to the ger camp in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

  • Ongiin Khiid - Ruins

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 11: Karakorum
Drive to the ancient city of Karakorum. The city twice served as a capital during the reign of the Mongol Empire and at the creation of the Northern Yuan province. Stop in Övörkhangai Province and visit Erdenezuu Monastery, which is one of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. The monastery was closed until 1965, when it was permitted to reopen as a museum but not as a place of worship. It was only with the collapse of communism in 1990 that religious freedom was restored and the monastery became active again. Today Erdene Zuu Khiid is considered by many to be the most important monastery in the country, though no doubt it’s a shadow of what it once was. While here you'll also visit the Karakorum Museum. The exhibits include dozens of artefacts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, which were all recovered from the immediate area surrounding Karakorum. Exploring the open market in town is also an option today.

Included Activities:

  • Karakorum - Erdenezuu Monastery

Accommodation:

  • Tourist Ger Camp (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar
Return to Ulaanbaatar today and make the most of a restful night, as tomorrow marks the beginning of the Naadam Festival! If you’d like to keep exploring, though, perhaps pay a visit to the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a complex of five temples showcasing a wealth of Mongolian architecture and history, or the quirky Beatles Square. Surprisingly, the Beatles are credited as playing a large role in bringing democracy to Mongolia and have been honoured with a special monument. There's also usually a lot going on at Sukhbaatar Square today as people get ready for the festival starting tomorrow.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 13: Naadam Festival - Opening Ceremony & Archery Events
The Naadam Festival begins today and your group will get the opportunity to witness the opening ceremony, which features extravagantly costumed parades, traditional music, dance and historical reenactments. Truly a sight to behold! The archery competition also takes place today. You might recognise some of the competitors from visiting their training camps at the start of the trip. Who will be crowned champion?

Included Activities:

  • Naadam Festival - Opening Ceremony
  • Naadam Festival - Archery events

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
13
Day 14: Naadam Festival - Wrestling & Horse Racing Events
Watch horse racing and wrestling today on the second day of the Naadam Festival. Cheer for your favourites as you watch them wrestle and ride for glory! After a big day at the festival head out for an optional final dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

  • Naadam Festival - Wrestling events
  • Naadam Festival - Horse Racing events

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
14
Day 15: Ulaanbaatar
Say 'bayartai' to your group as your adventure draws to a close. There are no activities planned for the day. If you'd like to stay longer in Ulaanbaatar, it's recommended that you book additional accommodation well in advance due to it being peak season.
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 $6,485
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

The ancient Greeks may have the Olympics, but the Mongols have Naadam. Mongolia’s annual circus-like Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the great Khans and their dynasties.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
3.5
Stuart
Traveled, June 2023

07/17/2023

Mongolia during Naadam is like nowhere on Earth- the noise, colour and atmosphere needs to be seen to be believed!

4.0
Nigel
Traveled, June 2023

07/23/2023

Truly amazing experience. The people, culture and history of Mongolia is very unique, and this tour explores it all.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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