Central Mongolia & Naadam festival 8 days tour
CENTRAL MONGOLIA COMBINED WITH NAADAM FESTIVAL 8 DAYS TOUR
Experience Mongolia’s Naadam Festival and Central Mongolia’s stunning landscapes, ancient capitals, and nomadic traditions on this 8-day cultural adventure.
⚡ QUICK FACTS FOR VISITORS
ICON | INFO |
---|---|
📅 | Duration: 8 Days, 7 Nights |
📍 | Destinations: Ulaanbaatar, Karakorum, Elsen Tasarkhai, Hustai NP, Terelj NP |
🗓️ | Available: July 9 – 16 (Annually) |
👥 | Group Size: 1 – 16+ people |
💲 | Tour Cost: From $1,950 to $3,130 per person |
🎊 | Main Highlight: Naadam Festival (Wrestling, Archery, Horse Racing) |
🏕️ | Accommodation: Hotels in Ulaanbaatar, Ger Camps elsewhere |
🧭 | Tour Type: Guided Cultural & Festival Tour |
🚗 | Transport: Private 4WD or Minivan |
🌤️ | Best Time to Visit: Mid-July (for Naadam) |
🏞️ ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Celebrate Mongolia’s biggest national festival — Naadam — with its thrilling opening ceremony, wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
Visit Gandan Monastery, the National Museum, and local markets in Ulaanbaatar.
Experience authentic horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag.
Explore Hustai National Park, home of the wild Przewalski’s horse.
Ride camels at the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes.
Visit Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Discover the serene beauty of Terelj National Park and visit a local nomadic family.
See the towering Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex.
📍 ABOUT CENTRAL MONGOLIA
Central Mongolia is rich in history, culture, and diverse landscapes. It is home to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the ancient capital Karakorum once thrived. You’ll encounter steppe, sand dunes, forests, and river valleys — all within short distances. Nomadic culture is deeply rooted here, making it an ideal region to experience both the historical and modern life of Mongolia’s herders.
🎉 ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL
Naadam, celebrated from July 11 to 13, is Mongolia’s biggest cultural event. It features the “Three Manly Sports”: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The grand opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar includes traditional music, dance, parades, and the revered Nine White Banners of Chinggis Khaan. While deeply symbolic and historical, today’s Naadam also celebrates Mongolia’s 1921 independence revolution. The festival was recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
🐪 TOUR PACE: MODERATE
This is a moderate-paced tour ideal for cultural explorers. It includes walking tours, festival attendance with crowds, and short hikes in national parks. Travel between destinations is by comfortable vehicle, with overnights at ger camps and hotels. No technical skills or intense physical fitness required.
🛖ACCOMMODATION
We provide the highest range of ger camps, equivalent to 4-star accommodation, ensuring you experience traditional Mongolian hospitality with exceptional comfort. These premium ger camps offer private beds, modern sanitation, and hot meals—all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Do I need to buy Naadam tickets separately?
A: No, Naadam Festival tickets and access to events are included in the tour package.
Q: Will we see all three Naadam sports?
A: Yes, you’ll see wrestling, archery, and horse racing at different venues over two days.
Q: Are vegetarian meals available during the tour?
A: Yes, vegetarian and other dietary preferences can be accommodated with prior notice.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: You’ll stay in a 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and traditional ger camps in the countryside.
Q: What’s the weather like in July?
A: July is summer in Mongolia, with temperatures ranging from 15–30°C (59–86°F). It can be hot during the day and cool at night.
🎒 WHAT TO BRING FOR THE TOUR
Lightweight layers for warm days and cooler nights
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
Rain jacket or windbreaker
Camera and extra batteries
Travel adaptor (220V, European socket)
Personal medications and toiletries
Small daypack for festival days
Cash for souvenirs and snacks
CENTRAL MONGOLIA COMBINED WITH NAADAM FESTIVAL 8 DAYS TOUR PACKAGE PRICE
Group size | 1 pax | 2-3 pax | 4-6 pax | 7-9 pax | 10-12 pax | 13-15 pax | More than 16 pax |
Price/Per person | 3130$ | 2480$ | 2350$ | 2280$ | 2180$ | 2080$ | 1950$ |
No | Include service | Exclude service | Include service of Meals |
1 | Vehicle with a driver. | Items of personal nature | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
2 | English speaking guide | Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry | Per day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/ |
3 | Accommodation/Ger camps and Hotel/ | Travel and insurance | One time Mongolian traditional food /lamb with vegetables/ |
4 | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | International transportation | |
5 | All cooking and camping gears. | Taxi | |
6 | Airport shuttle | Optional activities | |
7 | National park and Other permits | Single supplement /For hotel or Ger camp/ | |
8 | Gratuity for the tour team |
CENTRAL MONGOLIA COMBINED WITH NAADAM FESTIVAL 8 DAYS TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1/July 10/ - Ulaanbaatar capital city of Mongolia

Upon your arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport, our dedicated driver and guide will warmly welcome you. We'll start your exploration by driving to your selected hotel, ensuring a comfortable and convenient transfer. The adventure kicks off with a visit to the vibrant local outdoor market, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, exploring the diverse array of goods and experiencing the local culture. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the magnificent Gandan Monastery, a spiritual and cultural center adorned with traditional architecture and Buddhist significance. You'll have the opportunity to witness the serene ambiance and perhaps engage in a moment of contemplation. Following the spiritual journey, we'll delve into Mongolia's rich history at the National Museum, providing insights into the country's past, traditions, and cultural heritage. It's a captivating experience to better understand the unique tapestry of Mongolia's story. As the day winds down, you'll have leisure time in Ulaanbaatar city to explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll through the city streets, indulge in local cuisine, or simply relax, the evening is yours to enjoy. Rest assured, your overnight stay at the hotel will provide a comfortable and restful conclusion to your first day in Mongolia. Get ready for more adventures that await you in this enchanting land.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
n/a | n/a | n/a | Hotel | Dinner |
Day 2/July 11/ - First day of Naadam festival

Experience the grandeur of the main event day at the Naadam Festival. The festivities commence at 9 o'clock as Chinggis Khaan's 9 knights elegantly carry the State Nine Banners on horseback, parading them to the Naadam Court at the Central Square. At 11 o'clock, witness the official Opening Ceremony at the Central Stadium, marking the beginning of an exhilarating day filled with traditional Mongolian sports. Stay enthralled at the Naadam court, where the three manly games—wrestling, archery, and ankle bone shooting—unfold. Immerse yourself in the vibrant holiday atmosphere, savor local cuisine, and revel in the rich tapestry of Mongolian culture. It's a day of excitement and celebration!
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
n/a | n/a | n/a | Hotel | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 3/July 12/ - Second day of Naadam Festival

Embrace the authentic essence of Mongolian tradition as we embark on a journey to the horse racing court, "Khui doloon khudag," situated on the western outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. Delve into the fervor of the locals as they passionately engage in horse racing, a centuries-old tradition deeply ingrained in Mongolian culture. Horses, symbolic and revered creatures in Mongolian heritage, take center stage as they thunder towards the finish line. Witness the exhilarating spectacle, with racing horses competing in various age divisions. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and discuss the optimal timing for witnessing one or two divisions with your knowledgeable guide. Today, experience the genuine thrill of Mongolian horse racing in the picturesque countryside.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
n/a | n/a | n/a | Hotel | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 4/July 13/ - Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes

As the sun casts its first light, your journey begins anew. With anticipation in the air, your guide and driver collect you from your hotel for an exploration into the heart of Mongolia's natural wonders. The destination is Khustai Nuruu National Park, a sanctuary where the legendary Przewalski's horse, locally known as Tahki, has been successfully reintroduced since the 1990s. The park not only boasts the presence of these once-extinct horses but also serves as a haven for diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, you delve into the history and conservation efforts at Takhi's small museum, gaining insights into the fascinating tale of the Tahki's return to the Mongolian steppe. Your journey continues to unfold as you drive towards Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes, an enchanting landscape nestled within the Khogno Khan Nature Reserve. Here, the vast expanse of golden sand dunes evokes the spirit of the Gobi Desert, creating a miniature oasis against the backdrop of the Khangai mountain range. The evening promises a unique adventure—camel riding through the undulating dunes. Accompanied by a skilled camel man, you embark on a journey across the shifting sands, embracing the tranquility of the desert. As the day gives way to night, you find comfort and repose in a traditional Ger camp, where the whispers of the wind carry the essence of the Mongolian wilderness. Under the vast, star-studded sky, you rest, preparing for the wonders that await in the days ahead.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
280km | Asphalt | 4 Hours | Ger camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 5/July 14/ - Karakorum city and Erdene Zuu monastery

After breakfast, we drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital founded in 1220 by Genghis Khan along the Orkhon River Valley. In 1388, after the collapse of the Yuan dynasty, invaders sacked the city, leaving ruins and a tragic history. Two centuries later, Erdene Zuu, the first Mongolian Buddhist monastery, was built in 1586 using materials from the Karakorum ruins. At its peak, the complex housed over 1000 lamas and boasted ornate gardens and 62 temples. However, the communist purges of 1937 led to the complete destruction of the monastery. Our visit includes the Karakorum Museum, Karakorum Ruin Open Museum, and Erdene Zuu Monastery Complex. Overnight in Karakorum.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
80km | Asphalt | 1 hours | Ger camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 6/July 15/ - Khustai Nuruu national park

Embark on a journey to Hustai National Park, a conservation area where the re-introduction of the wild takhi horses, also known as Przewalski’s horses, has been a significant effort since 1992. The takhi is the last surviving wild horse subspecies in the 21st century, initially discovered in western Mongolia in the late 1870s by the Russian explorer N.M. Przewalski. Spend the rest of the day immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the park, hiking around the surrounding mountains. In the evening, witness a unique and awe-inspiring sight as you visit the wild horses at their watering hole, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. Experience the tranquility of the Mongolian wilderness as you stay overnight in a Ger camp within the park.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
230km | Asphalt | 3 hours | Ger camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 7/July 16/ - Gorkhi-Terelj national park

Embark on a scenic drive to the enchanting Terelj National Park, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes characterized by high granite cliffs shaped by natural forces, forming a captivating terrain that appears as though crafted by a colossal sculptor. Explore notable landmarks within the park, including the iconic Turtle Rock formation, a symbolic feature of Terelj. Discover a sense of tranquility at the "Aryabal" meditation temple, offering panoramic views of the park's beauty. Immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life by visiting a local nomad family, gaining insights into their daily routines. Experience the allure of the park with a horse riding adventure through its picturesque expanses. As the day unfolds, find comfort and warmth in a Ger camp, where you'll spend the night surrounded by the serene ambiance of Terelj National Park.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
150km | Asphalt | 1 hours | Ger camp | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 8/July 17/ - Ulaanbaatar city via Chinggis Khan statue complex

Embark on a journey to the majestic Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, a remarkable testament to the legacy of Chinggis Khaan. Admire the grandeur of the 40-meter high stainless steel statue depicting Chinggis Khaan on horseback, an unparalleled masterpiece and the largest of its kind globally. Ascend to the open balcony atop the horse's head for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Subsequently, commence the return journey to Ulaanbaatar, soaking in the diverse scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be seamlessly transferred to your accommodation, marking the conclusion of this captivating adventure.
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
80km | Asphalt | 1 hours | Hotel | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Day 9/July 18/ - Home sweet home

As your time in Ulaanbaatar concludes, our dedicated driver will ensure a timely drop-off at Chinggis Khan International Airport. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing to explore the wonders of Mongolia with us.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and we hope the memories created during your visit will linger as souvenirs of a truly enriching experience. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Mongolia in the future. Until then, farewell and bon voyage!
Distance | Route | Drive time | Accommodation | Food |
70km | Highway | 1 hour | n/a | Breakfast |
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