10 Days / 9 Nights
Tour grade: Easy
Style: Join in Group Departure
Join the grand Naadam Festival, with thrilling games and a captivating opening ceremony!
Experience an unforgettable trip to the world renowned Gobi Desert.
Uncover the secrets of the Flaming Cliffs, renowned as the ancient birthplace of dinosaurs.
Immerse yourself in genuine cultural exchanges with local nomadic families.
Enjoy the comfort of staying in Mongolian Traditional Ger/Yurt accommodations.
Traveling overland in safari style, you will visit the vast expanses of the Gobi Desert, where a three-day circuit explores the lofty sand dunes of Khongoriin Els, the glacial canyon of Yolyn Am, and the red cliffs of Bayanzag, where the world’s richest deposits of dinosaur fossils are found. Every day, we travel to new places for new attractions and adventures, such as gentle hiking in the wilderness, paying a visit to local nomadic families, riding horses in vast steppe and riding camels in the Gobi Desert.
One of the highlights of this tour is attending the exciting “Great Naadam Festival of the Mongols” that the nomads have cherished for thousands of years. Naadam Festival originates from the era of the Hunnu state, the first nomadic state in Central Asia and the ancestors of the Mongols. The Festival is comprised of the world’s second old Olympic Games “Three Sports of Men” namely Archery, Horse racing, and Wrestling.
July 09. Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Meet your driver at the airport after clearing customs & claiming your luggage. You will then be transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation
Centrally located 4* hotel /standard check-in time is 2 pm/
July 10. Naadam Festival: Horse race
After breakfast, we will drive to the Naadam festival horse-racing venue and witness the horse races. Afterwards, continue to UB, and arrive in town in the early afternoon. Visit the Central stadium where the archery & anklebone shooting competitions are held and see the most important competitions in the country for these sports. In the evening, we will attend a traditional cultural performance. Dinner is independent and overnight in a hotel.
Please note: We will be joined by a group of 4-6 other travelers from July 9-11, bringing the total group size to around 12 people.
Accommodation
Centrally located 4* hotel
Meals Included
July 11. Naadam Festival: Opening Ceremony
See the fantastic opening ceremony of the Naadam festival in the central stadium where the president of Mongolia opens the ceremony, followed by 1.5 hr of entertainment, and the first round of wrestling match. After lunch, we will drive to the Giant Genghis Khan Statue Complex to explore its impressive grounds. Later, we will return to Ulaanbaatar and visit the city’s Central Square, named after Sukhbaatar D., the hero of the 1921 Mongolian People’s Revolution. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Dinner will be at your own arrangement.
Accommodation
Centrally located 4* hotel
Meals Included
July 12. Baga Gazaryn Chuluu
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, a picturesque and legendary granite mountain, located about a 4–5 hours’ drive away. In the afternoon, we will arrive at Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, where you will check into a tourist ger camp for an overnight stay. You will then explore the area, including a visit to Sudutiin Am — a 20-meter-long cave — and the nearby ger-shaped rock formations. Return to the camp for dinner and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
July 13. Yolyn Am (Lammergeier Valley), Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Today, we embark on a picturesque journey to Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, a drive that spans approximately five to six hours, allowing us ample opportunities for scenic photography stops. Our expedition includes a pit stop in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where we’ll savor a delightful lunch. Afterwards, we’ll embark on a brief drive to reach the enchanting Yolyn Am. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to partake in a one-hour hike from our parking spot, immersing yourself in the breath-taking natural beauty. Eventually, we’ll transfer to a ger camp
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
July 14. Khongor sand dunes, the Singing Dunes
On this day, we will drive to Khongor Sand Dunes after breakfast. Our expedition continues as we make our way to the Khongor sand dunes, renowned as Mongolia's longest dunes. The drive to reach these dunes will span approximately 5 to 6 hours, traversing vast desert badlands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Along the way, remote mountains silhouette the horizon, and solitary gers dot the landscape as nomads travel on camelback or horseback, creating surreal mirages. The desert floor itself is adorned with an array of colorful rocks and rare minerals. It's the Gobi at its most rugged and striking, offering countless opportunities to pause and capture the stunning landscapes and the people who call this place home. Upon arrival, we'll explore the magnificent sand dunes nestled alongside the Khongor river, gracefully flowing through the sands. You'll even have the chance to experience a camel ride amidst this breathtaking desert backdrop. As the day ends, settle in for a cozy dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
July 15. Khavtsgait Petroglyphs and Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs
This morning, we will drive towards Gobi Gurvan Saikhan park, and our journey takes us to the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs, nestled within the Dund Saikhan Mountain. Here, we embark on a trek to the mountain, where a captivating natural gallery of rock paintings from the Bronze Age awaits. Continuing our northern journey, we head towards the renowned Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Upon arrival, we'll visit the information center, which features informative exhibits and a brief documentary to enhance your understanding of the area. Then, immerse yourself in the wilderness and explore the unique natural formations as you hike along a designated trail. As the day draws to a close, we'll return to our camp in the evening, where a delicious dinner awaits, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
July 16. Tsagaan Suvarga aka White Stupas
After breakfast, we will check out from the ger camp and drive 1.5 hours to visit the newly constructed Umnugobi Province Museum. We will then continue our journey to Tsagaan Suvarga, a remarkable sedimentary formation that dates back to an ancient seabed. Upon arrival at a camp, you will check in and settle in. In the late afternoon, we will embark on an excursion to the Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs, where you can enjoy a scenic hike through the vibrant, colourful formations, ascending to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views. After this invigorating adventure, we will return to the ger camp for a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Accommodation
Ger camp /standard ger/
Meals Included
July 17. Ulaanbaatar city
After breakfast, we will depart for Ulaanbaatar, a 6–7-hour drive with a lunch break along the way. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. If time allows, you may enjoy optional shopping for cashmere and souvenirs. In the evening, the day concludes with a memorable farewell dinner — a perfect way to celebrate the end of your journey.
Accommodation
Centrally located 4* hotel
Meals Included
July 18. Departure from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
In the morning, we will arrange your transfer to the airport or train station. This marks the conclusion of our services. Safe travels, and we hope you had a wonderful experience!
Please note: Standard checkout time is at 12 pm
Meals Included
Tour Dates:
If you prefer a private tour experience, click the "Customize this tour" button at the bottom of the page to personalize the itinerary according to your preferences. Upon submitting your request, our team of travel advisors will promptly provide you with a tailored proposal and quote.
Tour Price:
Group tour price: 2550 USD per person
Single supplement charge: 620 USD per person
INCLUDED SERVICES
EXCLUDED SERVICES
ACCOMMODATION INFO ON YOUR MONGOLIA TOURS
In Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, features a wide range of accommodations, from basic guesthouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Some of our tours do not include hotel stays in Ulaanbaatar, allowing you the flexibility to select a hotel that fits your needs and budget. Be sure to check the Inclusions and Exclusions section of your tour program to see if your hotel stay is part of the package.
If you’d like assistance with booking, your travel consultant is ready to recommend and arrange the perfect hotel for your stay.
Here are some of our recommended hotels:
- Springs hotel (3*)
- Holiday Inn (4*)
- Novotel (4*)
- Best Western Premier (4*)
- Shangri-La Hotel (5*)
Outside Ulaanbaatar: Outside of Ulaanbaatar, where hotels are scarce, tourist Ger (yurt) camps provide the ideal accommodation for travelers. A Ger is a traditional Mongolian dwelling made from layers of felt and wooden frames, a design that has served the Mongolian people for thousands of years. These tourist Ger camps offer comfortable accommodations, with each Ger featuring 1-3 beds and quality bedding (1 Ger is equivalent to 1 hotel room). Guests can enjoy well-maintained public western-style showers and restrooms on-site. Some camps also provide en-suite bathroom facilities for an additional fee. For more information, please consult your Selena Travel advisor when booking your Mongolia tour.
MEALS ON SELENA TRAVEL TOURS:
In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, a great variety of restaurants can be found and you will be eating at some of the best restaurants of Ulaanbaatar on your Mongolia tour while in the capital. Once you are outside the capital, Ger restaurants in Ger camps, local cafes in the small towns and sometimes nomadic families will be the places where you will be eating most of your meal. Ger restaurants often offer set continental breakfasts, set menu lunches and dinners consisting of salad or soup, main course, and dessert.
While on the tour, during your longer driving days you will take a packed lunch from Ger camps, often vegetable salad, main course such as fried chicken/noodles/dumplings and a small dessert, while hitting the road. Most of the food restrictions and allergies such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and many others, can be accommodated with easy on your Mongolia adventure.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE ON SELENA TRAVEL TOURS:
When you travelling overland in a vehicle (minivan & jeep), it would be suitable if you have 20 kg luggage per person (max). Please kindly note that domestic flight luggage allowance per person is also 20 kg (15 kg for the check in luggage and 5 for the carry-on luggage). For 1kg extra luggage you pay US$2 - 5.
Naadam Festival
The Naadam Festival is the biggest and most joyful celebration in Mongolia, taking place annually on July 11-12.
Why join a Naadam Festival tour?
The Naadam Festival Tour includes the Great Naadam Festival Holiday, a once-a-year event in mid-July. This tour is the highlight of any trip to Mongolia, offering a unique opportunity to experience the country's most fantastic event. We invite you to join our Naadam Festival trips in Mongolia.
More about the Naadam Festival:
The Mongolian Naadam Festival is the pinnacle of all festivals and events in the country. Held in mid-July, this three-day celebration showcases Mongolia's greatest athletes in horse racing, archery, and wrestling—Mongolia's most beloved sports. Women participate in all but the wrestling category. "Naadam" means game or competition in Mongolian. The first two days are filled with competitions, and the third day is reserved for merry-making.
History and Festivities:
The Naadam Festival has been celebrated for centuries as a memorial, an annual sacrificial ritual honoring mountain gods, or a community celebration. The festivities begin with a colorful parade featuring athletes, monks, soldiers, musicians, and participants dressed in Chinggis-style warrior uniforms. It is the most widely watched festival in Mongolia, believed to have existed for centuries in various forms.
What to Expect:
The Great Naadam Festival is vibrant with music, dance, and sports. Originally called "the three manly sports," the competitions were once restricted to men. Over time, and under the influence of former communist rulers who promoted female equality, the horse races and archery were opened to all. Only wrestling remains exclusively male. Highlights of the festival include the opening ceremony, Mongolian wrestling, traditional archery, and horse racing. These events attract hundreds of participants and spectators.
On festival day, Mongols don their most colorful attire and head to the Naadam stadium. Selena Travel organizes wonderful Naadam Festival tours, inviting you to spend your holiday in Mongolia and witness the Great Naadam Festival firsthand.
Join Us:
Travel to Mongolia and experience the magic of the Great Naadam Festival with us!
Aug 10, 2012. Gobi & Karakorum Explorer tour
Our recent "The Gobi & Karakorum Explorer" tour with you was excellent, everything exceeded our expectations! It was a super trip in our lives and we loved our Mongolia holiday so much. Our guide Joe was kind, well organised, accurate and informative, polite and caring and always provided us with timely information. And our driver Jack is super, very friendly, professional and always on time.
We are wild travelers, having been to many places in the world - but Mongolia is still truly unspoiled and uncontaminated. Selena Travel's services were perfect right from the very first email. We would like to thank Selena Travel, our guide and our driver for having made this Mongolia experience a truly beautiful one with so many wonderful memories.
by Rafaella, Benedetta, Lidia
Sending you some of our nicer pictures. Some are chosen for their beautiful scenery while the rest are just us happily playing and goofing around. There are a couple of shots of us doing some Mongolian wrestling, as suggested by Oyuna since we missed out on the mini-Naadam festival. She said since we missed it, we might as well organise our own festival by playing some Mongolian games. Haha... We had so much fun playing those games!!! :)OK, I hope you like the pictures we send you. Best regards to everyone at Selena Travel and thank you once again for all your assistance.
by Margaret Suganda
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