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.
- 24 Jun 2026 – 14 Jul 2026
from $16,880 pp twin share * - 24 Jun 2027 – 14 Jul 2027
from $17,980 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- DAYS 1-2 – Fly to Ulaanbaatar:
Fly overnight to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure. - DAY 3 – Fly to the Gobi Desert:
Fly to the Gobi Desert and transfer by 4WD to your ger camp. After lunch, explore the dramatic Yolyn Am (Eagle’s Gorge) and visit a local family to experience nomadic hospitality and traditional dairy products. - DAY 4 – Khongoryn Els Dunes:
Travel by 4WD to the Khongoryn Els, home to Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Spend the day exploring the vast desert landscapes on foot and by vehicle, with the option to hike to the summit for panoramic views. - DAY 5 – Bayanzag’s Flaming Cliffs:
This morning is free for you to continue your exploration of the Gobi Desert and the sand dunes. After lunch, travel by 4WD to Bayanzag, more commonly known as the ‘Flaming Cliffs’. This afternoon, visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and explore the surrounding landscape. Overnight in a ger camp close to the Flaming Cliffs. - DAY 6 – Ongii River:
Journey approximately 4-5 hours to the Ongii River, some of which is on jeep trails over dry plains, with no direct roads. On arrival, check into your Ger camp close to the Ongii River and 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. - DAY 7 – Kharkorin:
This morning, depart Ongii and drive approximately 6 hours to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Upon arrival, explore the ancient sites within Kharkorin, the Kharkorin Museum and get comprehensive introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon River Valley. - DAY 8 – Kharkorin:
Explore the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery, witnessing the morning chants. This afternoon, enjoy a nomadic family visit including a traditional Mongolian barbeque and Airag sampling. - DAY 9 – Tsenkher Hot Springs:
Today, you will drive 2-3 hours to the famous Tsenkher Hot Springs. Enjoy free time to relax in the springs and take in the remote scenery. - DAY 10 – Khorgo-Terkh National Park:
Drive around 5 hours west, towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur). Upon arrival, check into your Ger Camp for an overnight stay. The camp is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Take a short hike up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views or walk along the lake shore where there are excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You may also want to visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town. - DAY 11 – Murun:
Travel approximately 7 hours through the heart of the Mongolian steppe today, toward Lake Khovsgol. Due to conditions, you will stay overnight in the small city of Murun, allowing for a restful break at a local hotel before reaching the lake. - DAY 12 – Lake Khovsgol:
This morning, commence the 3-hour drive to reach Lake Khovsgol. Stop at the Uushig Deer Stones along the way. In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will be introduced to their way of life. - DAY 13 – Lake Khovsgol:
Enjoy a day at leisure around the lake, with plenty of activities available (at your own expense). - DAY 14 – Fly to Terelj National Park:
This morning, drive around 3 hours to Murun airport and board your 1.5 hour flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will drive approximately 2 hours to the scenic Terelj National Park. - DAY 15 – Terelj National Park:
This morning, enjoy exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. From here, hike over steep and uneven ground to visit the Aryabal Monastery and enjoy some hiking. After lunch, travel to Ulaanbaatar, stopping en route to visit the iconic Genghis Khan Statue. - DAY 16 – Ulaanbaatar:
This morning, visit the 19th-century built Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History where you can gain an insight into the culture of Mongolia, and the Museum of Fine Arts. - DAY 17 – Pre-Naadam:
Today, spend time taking part in the Naadam Festival opening activities, such as the Honorary Guards & White Banners ceremony and the Deeltei Mongol costume parade held in Ulaanbaatars Central Square. In the afternoon, visit the newly built Chinggis Khaan Museum. - DAYS 18-19 – Naadam Festival:
Over the next 2 days you will experience, first-hand, the annual Naadam Festival. Mix with locals and nomads alike to witness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival, at Central Stadium. Here you can see featured events that include wrestling, horseracing and archery. Then, on the second day of the festival travel approximately 50km outside the city to enjoy a thrilling day watching the cross-country horseracing. - DAY 20 – Ulaanbaatar at leisure:
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Explore Ulaanbaatar at your own pace, whether this be shopping for souvenirs, enjoying a cultural show of relaxing in a local café. - DAYS 21-22 – Depart Ulaanbaatar:
Fly overnight to Australia, arriving home the following day.
Highlights
- Experience the traditional Naadam Festival.
- Marvel at the stunning Gobi Desert.
- Explore the serene Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
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.
Inclusions
- Experience traditional Mongolia at the Naadam Festival.
- Marvel at the Gobi Desert.
- Discover Ghorki Terelj National Park.
- Venture to the Singing Sand Dunes.
- Explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
- Enjoy the spectacular Grasslands.
FAQs
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 22 days and 19 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 24 Jun 2026 and 14 Jul 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.