Around Ulaanbaatar
Min 4 - Max 12
This tour is designed for guests who want to fully immerse themselves in Mongolia’s most iconic celebration, Naadam. Held every July and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Naadam commemorates Mongolia’s independence and showcases the “Three Manly Sports”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery each rooted in centuries of nomadic tradition. What sets this tour apart is the depth of access and understanding. You’ll enjoy full attendance to the festival, not just brief glimpses. With the help of expert translators, you’ll grasp the meaning behind every ritual, costume, and contest making the experience richer and more personal. You’ll also have the chance to meet Mongolian locals, share stories, and feel the festive spirit from the inside out. Expect complimentary tastings of traditional dairy products and national beverages, the chance to wear traditional Mongolian costume, and evenings that shift into celebration whether through local gatherings, music, or spontaneous festivity. This is more than a tour. It’s a deep dive into Mongolia’s living heritage, designed for travelers who want to understand, connect, and celebrate.
4 nights 5 days
Tour PriceUSD 1250 per person based on 4 pax
USD 1000 per person based on 8 pax
Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Visit the National Museum of Mongolia for an insightful introduction to the country’s history, culture, and religion.
Explore Sukhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar’s central landmark and official zero point for all measured distances.
If time allows, you may discuss with your guide the option to add 1–2 nearby landmarks or cultural sites to the day’s plan.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Meals: Welcome dinner
8:00 AM – Depart for Khui Doloon Khudag, Naadam’s official horse racing venue. Watch long-distance races across the steppe featuring over 200 horses, grouped by age from two-year-olds to five-year-olds and stallions. Explore the festive grounds and enjoy traditional lunch on-site.
Afternoon – Continue to the National Stadium to visit the Archery arena, where hundreds of archers men, women, and children compete in traditional styles like Khalkha, Buriat, and Uriankhai. Learn the meaning behind gestures like “uukhai” and witness one of Mongolia’s oldest sports up close.
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
8:00 AM – Depart for the National Stadium, where the spirit of Mongolia bursts to life.
Morning – Take your seat for the official opening ceremony, a spectacular fusion of music, dance,songs, Chinggis military parade, and the presidential speech. The stadium roars with pride as performers in vibrant deels sweep across the field, honoring centuries of nomadic heritage.
Then, settle in for traditional wrestling, one of the “Three Manly Sports.” Over 500 wrestlers compete in powerful one-on-one bouts, with symbolic gestures like the eagle dance and “uukhai” cheers echoing through the crowd.
Midday – Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant, then stroll the festival grounds snap photos in costume, browse local stalls, and soak up the celebratory buzz. Your guide is on hand to translate, connect, and help you dive deeper into the Naadam spirit.
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Morning – Drive to visit the world’s largest equestrian statue of Chinggis Khaan, a gleaming 40-meter stainless steel monument. He sits astride his horse, facing southeast toward his birthplace, holding a golden whip tied to a local legend revealed on site. Enjoy panoramic views and explore the museum beneath the statue.
Midday – Return to Ulaanbaatar and stop at the historic State Department Store, a 1920s landmark perfect for picking up souvenirs, crafts, and gifts.
Evening – Attend the Naadam Festival’s grand closing ceremony, a spectacular celebration of national pride, music, and tradition. The night ends with massive salutes and dazzling fireworks, lighting up the city in a final burst of joy. Optional nightlife experiences follow cultural shows, local gatherings, and a chance to toast the spirit of Naadam with new friends.
Accommodation: Hotel ***
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
<p>At Ger camps, you’ll stay in traditional felt-covered dwellings called Ger—meaning “home” in Mongolian. Each Ger is typically furnished with 2–4 single beds or a double bed, plus basic furniture. Most camps offer hot showers and flush toilets in shared facilities located a short walk from your Ger. Meals are served in on-site restaurants, featuring both Mongolian and Western cuisine.</p> <p>Some camps offer Ensuite Gers with private bathrooms. Electricity is supplied either by the state grid, or by generators, solar panels, or wind turbines, depending on location. In camps relying on alternative power sources, device charging is limited to shared areas—usually in the restaurant or common spaces—and available only during designated hours. Camps connected to the grid allow unlimited charging directly in your Ger.</p> <p>Wi-Fi is typically available in common areas, often powered by Starlink for strong connectivity. However, in remote regions with no mobile reception, internet access may be unavailable.</p>
<p>Some our tours include airport transfers, while others do not—this depends on the tour type and logistical arrangements. Please review your itinerary carefully to understand what is included.</p> <p>If your tour includes an airport transfer, it applies only to arrivals on Day 1 of the scheduled program. To ensure a smooth pickup, please enter your flight details accurately in the How To Book form. Upon arrival, look for our representative holding a sign with your name in the Arrivals area—they will guide you to the designated vehicle or bus.</p> <p>If your tour does not include transfers, or if you arrive before Day 1, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the hotel. </p>
<p>In cities and towns, guests can enjoy a wide range of familiar foods and drinks. At Ger camps, meals are prepared based on your booking and location—meats may include sheep, goat, camel, yak, horse, or cow, depending on the region. Mongolian livestock graze freely, making the meat naturally healthy and flavorful. Dietary requests (vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, lactose intolerance etc.) must be submitted in writing during booking, as they cannot be arranged on arrival. Tea, water, and morning coffee (instant or brewed) are served; espresso drinks may cost extra. Camp bars offer alcoholic beverages, mineral water, soft drinks, and canned sodas for purchase.</p>
<p>During our tours, overland travel is arranged using vehicles suited to group size and terrain. We use Japanese 4x4 off-road jeeps for up to 4 people total (including driver), larger jeeps for up to 5, travel vans for 6–7, and buses for up to 16. All vehicles are equipped with left-hand steering, in line with Mongolia’s right-side driving regulations.</p> <p>Our drivers are responsible for maintaining daily cleanliness and tidiness of the vehicles, managing luggage loading, and ensuring water supplies are stocked. Any forgotten belongings are carefully returned to their owners by our team.</p>
<p>We recommend carrying Mongolian Tugrug (MNT) during your tour, as it is widely accepted at markets, shops, ger camp bars, and souvenir stalls. Debit and credit cards are generally usable in cities and towns and Ger camps but POS machines may be unreliable in remote areas. For convenience, it’s best to carry both cash and cards. While prices are shown in foreign currency for reference, payments should be made in Tugrug, as foreign currencies are not commonly accepted.</p> <p>As a guide for the 2026 season:<br /> - A handmade souvenir may cost around USD 7<br /> - A loaf of bread USD 1,5 <br /> - A cashmere scarf USD 35<br /> - A 500 ml beer at a ger camp bar around USD 4</p>
<p>Our tours include optional riding experiences on horses, camels, or yaks, depending on the region and itinerary. When mounting, guests should approach the animal from the left side, place one foot in the stirrup and hold the reins securely, and sit balanced on the saddle or carpet. The reins are used to guide the animal—pulling left turns the head left, pulling right turns the head right, releasing allows free movement, and gently pulling inward signals the animal to stop.</p> <p>For safety and comfort, we kindly ask guests to avoid loud noises, waving scarves, or loose hats. Flip-flops and shorts are not recommended; closed shoes and long trousers are preferred. Please apply insect repellent and handle cameras or phones carefully, as sudden drops may startle the animal.</p>
<p>You’ll find a comprehensive packing guide in our Mongolia Travel Guide section. Experienced travelers with established packing routines and gear preferences are welcome to follow their own setup.</p> <p><!--StartFragment -->Since this is a festival tour, guests are encouraged to bring small items from their home country like flags, pins, travel bumper stickers, or souvenirs. They’re great for exchanging with locals and spark friendly conversations during gatherings and celebrations.<!--EndFragment --></p> <p> </p>