Naadam festival
Tour date: 2019 May - August / Duration: 10 days, 9 nightsMidsummer Naadam festival is the largest celebrated one in Mongolia and certainly the most attractive cultural event for visitors and travelers. Naadam simply means “games”, and also referred to as the Three Manly Games, understood as the wrestling, archery and horseracing competitions. Enjoy traditional celebrations which have been practiced by Mongol nomads for centuries. This ten-day holiday tour provides an unforgettable experience, with lots of exciting activities and memorable moments to be experienced. Immerse yourself in a peaceful paradise with an untouched natural environment and wilderness of nature.
Tour name |
NAADAM FESTIVAL |
Travel code |
AD-0419T |
Tour date |
2019 May-August |
Duration |
10 days, 9 nights |
Tour level |
Classic |
Transportation |
4x4 drive or minivan |
Why you will love this trip |
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TOUR PROGRAM
Grand crossing of Mongolia 2019
Day 1. Arrival – city tour
Day 2. Naadam festival
Day 3. Naadam festival
Day 4. Mongol nomadic show – Khustai National Park
Day 5. Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune – Nomad family visit - Erdenekhamba temple
Day 6. Orkhon waterfall
Day 7. Karakorum – Erdenezuu monastery
Day 8. Ugii Lake
Day 9. Ulaanbaatar
Day 10. Departure
ACCOMMODATION – Hotel
MEAL INCLUDED – /Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 22 km
ULAANBAATAR – CITY TOUR
A company guide will meet you upon arrival at the airport after exiting customs and immigration. A short 40-minute ride transfers you to your room with elegant interior and furnishings. Time to unwind, relax and take a break with a city view! Afterward, experience your very first lunch of Mongolian cuisine at our recommended restaurant.
Start the tour by visiting the National Historical Museum of Mongolia. Learn about the country’s rich history from the Stone Age to the present. The museum invites you to step into the 13th century Mongol empire, a highlight is a wide array and full collection of traditional clothes.
A short walk across the street takes us to the heart of the city, Chinggis Khaan main square. Monuments at the square lead you to strikingly beautiful architecture and an abundance of history.
Your welcome dinner will include a folklore performance featuring the art of throat singing. This art originated based on the sound of the hills and spirit. Wonder at Morin Khuur expressing the world with two strings, throat singing, and other artistic dance genres.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 15 km
NAADAM FESTIVAL
This ancient festival was originated from the national hero Chinggis Khan. At that time the three main components of Naadam /Wrestling, archery, horse race/ have been used as training for soldiers. At the 11th of July, the festival begins with lavishly dressed soldiers astride 9 white horses. Horsetail banners are paraded from the main square to the Naadam stadium where the opening ceremony includes a theme show and speech by the President.
Today you will experience all Mongolians celebrate their holiday with their traditional clothes and pride. After trying traditional pastry “Khuushuur” and beverage “Airag”, we watch wrestling, archery and anklebone shooting.
ACCOMMODATION –Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 30 km
NAADAM FESTIVAl
Early in the morning, we will head to the field where horse races held. It is difficult to imagine Mongolians without a horse. Children aged 7-12 would participate in the horse race. Depending on the age of the horse, a distance will be different.
Later arrive in Mongol nomadic camp where you will be greeted by a peaceful landscape unlike any other in the country.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 50 km
MONGOLIAN NOMADIC SHOW - KHUSTAI NP
In the morning, we will be welcomed by herders with yaks, camels, and horses to visit us in their dwelling. By riding yaks, you will reach Zagdaa’s family to explore how Mongolian herders used to move carts by including oxen and camel freight. You will be shown the traditional method of making felt material with sheep wool.
After the demonstration, a warm welcome with an included lunch awaits us in his home and drive to Khustai National park, one of the most popular national parks of Mongolia through the rolling steppes which are home of over 350 horses. Have you ever heard of the Przewalski horse? It is the only wild horse in the world now. What we admire most in them is their difference in physical ability than domestic horses.
The late evening is the perfect time for your mind to be filled with thoughts of freedom and relaxation.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 200 km
ELSEN TASARKHAI
Continue driving through breathtaking rolling hills to reach Elsen Tasarkhai where you will discover “Mini Gobi”. The natural wonder of Elsen Tasarkhai will appeal to you by its mixture of Khangai and Gobi.
Here is the place that our nomad family’s summer shelter settled. Welcome to Mongolian nomad’s everyday lifestyle. Today is full of activity. We will participate in milking cows and goats, and processing dairy products like soft yogurt, dried curd, and traditional organic butter.
At noontime, saddle up on your camel to reach the Sand dune. Enjoy the soft breeze while you feel a close bond between nature and humans to understand the meaning of this lifestyle.
After lunch, explore Erdene Khamba Temple, the hidden gem of Khugnu Khan mountain. Enjoy stories and legends of this special place from our knowledgeable tour guide.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 190 km
ORKHON WATERFALL
Today we reach a spectacular region of volcanic craters and rushing streams, the area also offers long lava flows south of the Orkhon river. By arriving here, the highlight of the valley is the 24 meters high Orkhon waterfall, sometimes known as Ulaan Tsutgalan.
On the way, arrival at Bayanaa’s family, a local ger wood expert. Experience the assembling of Ger structure. By visiting local life, it hard to miss the chance to try erecting how to assemble its wooden structure. Have lunch with Bayanaa’s family.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 110 km
KARAKORUM
After breakfast, it is off to the Karakorum, former capital of the great Mongolian empire. This is the location where Chinggis Khan and his successors ruled the 13th-century Mongolian empire.
When we arrive at the Karakorum, you will see first the massive wall of Erdenezuu Monastery, the oldest monastery which is surrounded by 108 stupas. Enjoy visiting the Erdenezuu Monastery which was established on the base of the ancient ruin of Karakorum.
Also, don’t forget to visit the newly built Karakorum center museum. Picnic dinner on top worshipped hill whilst enjoying the breathtaking view of Orkhon valley, home of all Mongolian empires, inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage.
Enjoy wrestling and archery show at our chosen area. Mongolian wrestlers would show their different skills to overthrow their opponents. After the show try archery shooting with them.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 80 km
UGII LAKE
After breakfast, have the experience of making the felt and felt product at the local community center. You will see how we make one of our organic material, felt, by sheep wool and further process it to final rugs and souvenirs.
Drive further north to Ugii Lake with delicate sand and soft waves. Ugii Lake is famous for its bird life. About 150 types of aquatic birds gather at Ugii Lake including scarce birds like a cape barren goose, a spoonbill, Dalmatian pelican cranes, and ducks. Here you will come across a water bird research station. Ramsar Convention has registered Ugii Lake in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance for being an important breeding and staging area for a variety of waterfowl.
Hiking along the lake provides a close-up encounter with the most valued and rare waterbirds of Anatidae family.
ACCOMMODATION – Tourist camp
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner/
DISTANCE – 350 km
ULAANBAATAR
We will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Spend some free time shopping at the famous Mongolian cashmere and department shops for delicate cashmere scarves and souvenirs. As the sightseeing comes to an end, you could return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
MEAL INCLUDED – /Breakfast /
DISTANCE – 22 km
DEPARTURE
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, it would be time to say goodbye the land of nomads and head to the airport, armed with an enriching experience and memories to last a lifetime.
Gallery
What is included
- Help before you go – We will answer all your questions, give you advice. We are gonna make sure you get constant support and make your authentic trip to Mongolia completely stress-free.
- Personal airport pickup service – Our “Agar Discovery” team will be there to greet you in the traditional Mongolian way at Chinggis khan international airport or train station after your long flight and take you to your new accommodation.
- 10 days of interesting activities – City Orientation, “Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance with Tumen-Ekh ensemble, attend Naadam festival, observation of wild horse life, enjoy Mongol nomadic life show, visit of felt making committee, visit of ger wood expert family, an evening show of wrestlers, picnic dinner on top of worshipped hill at Orkhon valley, Camel riding at golden sand dune, experience of nomad family everyday activity, wrestling show,
- 9 nights accommodation – 2 nights of twin room in hotel **** at Ulaanbaatar city, 7 nights in Tourist ger camp in the countryside
- Group leader –English speaking group leader from the moment you step off the plane. Both are awesome tour leader and company driver will support you during the tour.
- Full board meals – Breakfast + 9, Lunch + 19, Dinner 9
- All entrance fees – Museum, local sights, National parks and protected areas according to the program
- All transport: Air conditioned and comfortable Landcruiser jeep or Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 minivan
- Visa invitation letter – If you need an invitation letter for your visa, we will help you to send
- Heart touching gift – After discovering our land of eternal blue sky, we are happy to present our company cute souvenir.
- Water: 2 bottled water each day
What is not included
- International airfare - Our clients are advised to get their international plane ticket or train ticket on their own.
- Travel Insurance- Our customers are advised to get travel insurance before traveling to Mongolia.
- Single room supplement – Single room supplement is available at 50$ for one night.
- Optional excursions - If you are interested more adventure on each day, we will recommend you to possibilities. Prices may vary depending on the customer’s choice.
- Personal equipment - such as snacks, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips, and any extras