Naadam Festival, Mongolia - 8 days

Naadam, the `manly games´ or Suur-kharbaan as it is called in Buryatya is a festival of the three major traditional sports in Mongolia: Wrestling, Horse Racing and Archery. It is the biggest event in Mongolia.

Small Naadams are celebrated throughout the country and in the first part of July (11, 12 and 13) the National Naadam in Ulaanbaatar is celebrated. The three day event brings all the best sportsmen from over the country to Ulaanbaatar. It is the most widely watched festival in the country, and is believed to have existed for centuries in one fashion or another. Originally it was a religious festival as an annual sacrificial ritual honouring various mountain gods and to celebrate a community endeavour. Now it formally commemorates the 1921 revolution when Mongolia declared itself a free country. The 2006 National Naadam was introduced as the as the 85th Anniversary of the revolution and the 800th celebration of Mongolian Statehood.

LAND COST

From US$ 2153.00

LAND COST INCLUDES/EXCLUDES

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LEVEL EXPLANATION

Easy

BEST TIME

July

DEPARTURE DATE

On Request

ITINERARY IN DETAIL
Day 01 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar,

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, our guide and driver will meet us at the airport and aid with check-in at 3* Narantuul hotel or similar. After checking in, we take a tour of the city, including the Gandan Monastery, Museum of Mongolian National History and Genghis Monument on the Sukhbaatar Square.

Day 02 Ulaanbaatar – Elsen Tasarkhai.

After breakfast we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital city of Mongolia through the rolling steppes. We will stop at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes and Khogno Khaan National park. Stay overnight at friendly Hoyor Zagal camp.

Day 03 Elsen Tasarhai– Karakorum.

After having breakfast at the tourist camp we drive for 1 hour to Karakorum and visit the legendary Erdene Zuu Monastery from the 16th century and its surroundings: the ruins of Tumen Amgalant Palace of Ogoodei Khaan, the Turtle monuments and the Phallic Rock. V

Day 04 Karakorum – Ulaanbaatar.

We drive to the east to Ulaanbaatar, arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for the Great Festival of the next day. This is a lifetime experience indeed and everyone wants to take part in it. The Mongols have the saying “If you be healthy, you will see the Naadam”.

Day 05 Naadam Festival. Ulaanbaatar.

See the fantastic opening ceremony of Naadam festival and watch the first round of Wrestling, and then Archery and Ankle bone shooting competitions. In the afternoon we drive to the horse racing place to experience the horse races. Meals at restaurants and hotel overnight.

Day 06 Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve.

We will leave the bustling city this morning to the serene Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve. Arrive and transfer to lovely Steppe Nomads tourist camp. Short hiking or horse riding to view wild mountain sheep Argali and other endangered birds such as White Napped Crane, White Crane, Black Stork and Whooper Swan etc.,

Day 07 Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve - Ulaanbaatar.

We visit a Mongolian nomadic family this morning and see their lifestyle. Drive to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel. We will visit the Bogd Khaan’s Palace Museum and the Buddha Park. We will enjoy traditional folk concert with farewell dinner this evening.

Day 08 Departure.

You are transferred to the airport/train station after breakfast.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • Full-time services of your local guides. • Sightseeing and entrance fees • Private transfers and transports • Twin share accommodation where possible, 3* hotel in Ulaanbaatar, good tourist camps at each destination • Meals as listed • Horse riding fees in Gun-Galuut • Daily supply of bottled water • Naadam Festival tickets and arrangements

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • International Airfare • Travel insurance. • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, camera fees at any sites etc. • Tips (discretionary).