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Mongolia & Naadam Festival

22 days Go Beyond Group Tour

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Mongolia & Naadam Festival

Discover the rarely visited land of Genghis Khan, with its endless plains and breath-taking landscapes, and drive through the Gobi desert to the amazing Naadam Festival.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 19 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 19
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 1
    A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Go Beyond Group Tour
22 DAYS
From $14,980PP
Flaming Cliffs Mount Khongo Khan Volcanic Hot Springs of Tsenkher Jiguur
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Tour Highlights

Our Mongolia & Naadam Festival tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Ulaanbaatar (2N+4N+1N) - Terelj National Park (1N) - Dalanzadgad - Yolyn Am (1N) - Khongoryn Els (1N) - Bayanzag (1N) - Ongii (1N) - Mt Khogno Khan (1N) - Kharkhorin (1N) - Tsenkher Jiguur Hot Springs (1N) - Great White Lake (1N) - Jargal Jiguur (1N) - Lake Khovsgo (2N) - Moron
  • Days 1-2
    Fly to Ulaanbaatar
    Dinner
    DAY 1-2: Fly to Ulaanbaatar

    Fly overnight to Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 3
    Ulaanbaatar City
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 3: Ulaanbaatar City

    Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History giving insight into the culture of Mongolia, you will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Gobi Desert
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 4: Gobi Desert

    This morning, you will fly to Dalanzadgad where you will visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring by 4WD to the ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. You will then spend the day exploring Vulture Valley and the famed Eagle's Gorge, before driving back to the camp for a visit to a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Khongoryn Els
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 5: Khongoryn Els

    After an early start you will be travelling by 4WD to Khongoryn Els to explore the remarkable desert landscapes and beautiful sand dunes.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 6: Bayanzag - Flaming Cliffs

    This morning is at leisure for you to explore. After lunch, continue to Bayanzag - more commonly known as the 'Flaming Cliffs'. This afternoon sees a visit to the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Ongiin khiid
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 7: Ongiin khiid

    Today you will journey to the banks of the Ongii River, travelling through over-dry plains. On arrival, visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Mount Khogno Khan
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 8: Mount Khogno Khan

    Depart for Mount Khogno Khan to explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery so enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Kharkhorin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 9: Kharkhorin

    Drive to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Here you will have the chance to explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Tsenkher
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 10: Tsenkher

    Enjoy the morning at leisure before continuing to Tsenkher Jiguur. You will have more free time to relax in the hot springs and soak up the spectacular surroundings

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Khorgo Terkh
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 11: Khorgo Terkh

    Today you will be heading towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur) to your ger camp which is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Why not take a walk up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views, or stroll along the lake shore with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You will also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Jargal Jiguur
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 12: Jargal Jiguur

    Enjoy a walk around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, continue to Jargal Jiguur known as 'home of the yaks', due to many local families seen herding yaks.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 13-14
    Lake Khovsgol
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAYS 13-14: Lake Khovsgol

    Today is a long drive through Môron to Lake Khovsgol watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. Your ger camp is situated on the eastern shore of the lake. In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will get introduced to their way of life. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Ulaanbaatar City
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 15: Ulaanbaatar City

    This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Naadam Eve
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 16: Naadam Eve

    This morning, visit the Mongol Nomadic Show and Khustai National Park to learn about the nomads and their way of life. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar city for the Naadam Eve, visiting Central Square where you can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Naadam Festival
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 17: Naadam Festival

    Today starts the highlight of your journey as you interact with locals and nomads, witnessing the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival. The featured events you will see are wrestling, horseracing and archery. View the procession of the athletes, officials and monks as the first round of competitions in the wrestling tournament begin.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Horse Race
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 18: Horse Race

    Travel outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam Festival. An exciting day unfolds as you view the cross-country horseracing, also known as 'tumnii ekh' (leader of ten thousand). Cheer along with the locals as the athletes compete in a carnival-like atmosphere.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Genghis Khan Statue Complex
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAY 19: Genghis Khan Statue Complex

    This morning, travel to Terelj National Park stopping en route to visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 20
    Ulaanbaatar City
    Breakfast, Dinner
    DAY 20: Ulaanbaatar City

    You have the day in Ulaanbaatar to explore as you wish. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by dinner.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Days 21-22
    Depart Ulaanbaatar
    Breakfast
    DAYS 21-22: Depart Ulaanbaatar

    Fly overnight to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.

    Breakfast
Mongolia & Naadam Festival map

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When to go

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -26
    -12
    -19
  • 1
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -26
    -16
    -21
  • 2
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -25
    -9
    -17
  • 2
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -22
    -10
    -16
  • 3
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -16
    0
    -8
  • 4
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -14
    -1
    -7
  • 4
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -6
    9
    2
  • 11
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -4
    10
    3
  • 10
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • 1
    17
    9
  • 26
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • 3
    18
    11
  • 21
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • 6
    21
    14
  • 58
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • 10
    22
    16
  • 46
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 94
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • 13
    24
    19
  • 64
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • 7
    20
    14
  • 77
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • 11
    22
    16
  • 70
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • 0
    16
    8
  • 28
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • 4
    17
    10
  • 27
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -7
    8
    0
  • 10
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -5
    8
    1
  • 10
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -17
    -2
    -10
  • 4
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -16
    -5
    -10
  • 6
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Kharkhorin
  • -24
    -10
    -17
  • 2
  • Ulaanbaatar
  • -23
    -14
    -18
  • 4

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart NZStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 November 2021, subject to change.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Customary tipping amount approximately US$110pp is paid locally in Mongolia.
    • Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
    • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
    • Land only (Ulaanbaatar - Ulaanbaatar) 19 days from $10,870 per person, twin share
    • Single supplement from $2,100
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • 19 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 19 dinners
    • International flights and current taxes
    • Domestic transportation
    • 3 – 4 star accommodation & ger camps
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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