10 Days Mongolia Summer Tour: Gobi Desert & Grand Naadam Festival

On this day, you will take your scheduled flight to Mongolia. You will land at the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (also known as Chinggis Khaan International Airport). Our local driver will meet you after you clear customs and collect your luggage, then transfer you to your hotel. Have a rest and enjoy free exploration for the rest of the day!

Arrival Options for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: International flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from major cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, Singapore, Istanbul, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

Welcome Dinner at Local Mongolian Restaurant (Arranged by Asia Odyssey Travel): We will meet you and your travel companions at approximately 6:00 PM for a specially arranged welcome dinner at an authentic Mongolian restaurant.

Useful Travel Tips:

1. The best time to come to Mongolia is the summer season, during June-August. The temperature will be 20°C ~ 30°Cfor the period. You will have great fun for grassland tour, Naadam Festival. We strongly recommend booking your tickets 1-2 months in advance.
2. The airport is located 18 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar city center, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour by car.
3. Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in may be available upon request for an additional fee.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Naadam Festival horse racing venue to witness the horse races.

The Naadam Festival, often called the "Three Manly Games," is Mongolia’s most celebrated cultural and sporting event. Among the three traditional games - horse racing, archery, and wrestling - horse racing holds a special place in the hearts of Mongolians, symbolizing their deep connection with horses and nomadic heritage.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival. The venue comes alive with crowds of locals dressed in colorful traditional Mongolian costumes. Feel the energy of the event as young, spirited jockeys - some as young as 5 or 6 years old - prepare to showcase their incredible riding skills.

When the race begins, hundreds of horses thunder across the vast open steppe, kicking up clouds of dust. The sight of these powerful animals galloping at full speed, combined with the cheers of excited spectators, is both breathtaking and exhilarating. This is not just a race - it is a celebration of Mongolia’s rich culture, history, and the enduring bond between the Mongolian people and their horses.

Afterwards, continue to Ulaanbaatar. Visit the Central Stadium where the archery & anklebone shooting competitions are held and see the most important competitions in the country for these sports.

Today is the highlight of your trip - the legendary Naadam Festival! You'll wake up to the buzz of the festivities. After breakfast, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Naadam Opening Ceremony, held at the central stadium in Ulaanbaatar.

Upon entering, you will enjoy the bustling, lively spectacle: locals dressed in vibrant traditional Mongolian attire, along with families, friends, and visitors, gather to share in this extraordinary event. When the opening ceremony begins, you will witness the President of Mongolia officially declare the festival open and enjoy the grand parade. This will be followed by brilliant Mongolian cultural performance (about 1.5 hours) featuring traditional Mongolian music (long song, Khöömei), dance, and pageantry. What a cultural feast this will be!

After that, you will enjoy the first round of Mongolian wrestling, one of the "Three Manly Games" at the heart of Naadam. Wrestlers, known as “bökh,” take to the arena wearing their iconic zodog (an open-chested short jacket) and shuudag (tight shorts), along with traditional hats. Before the matches, these powerful athletes perform the ceremonial “Eagle Dance” or “Lion Dance,” a ritualistic display of strength, dignity, and respect toward the spectators.

As the competition unfolds, you'll see these strong, skillful wrestlers engage in this ancient sport. Cheer for them! This morning's opening activities will absolutely move you, allowing you to immerse yourself in Mongolia's culture, spirit, and timeless traditions.

After lunch, you'll continue your exploration of the heart of Ulaanbaatar. Take a leisurely walk to Chinggis Khaan Square (also known as Sükhbaatar Square), which was originally named after D. Sükhbaatar, the hero of Mongolia’s 1921 revolution. Stroll through this iconic space, and you'll feel its rich history while admiring the impressive Damdin Sükhbaatar Statue, the State Palace, the Chinggis Khaan Monument, and the vibrant surroundings that serve as the city's activity center. It will be especially lively today, as it's the Naadam Festival period! Enjoy your time here.

Next, visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum, a new, modern giant that brings Mongolia’s history to life. With over 10,000 artifacts, the museum takes you through the Great Mongol Empire, where you’ll learn about the incredible life and achievements of Chinggis Khaan and his descendants, including Ögedei Khan, Güyük Khan, and Kublai Khan. The museum also explores Mongolia’s earlier history, before Chinggis Khaan’s time, featuring ancient states like the Xiongnu Empire (Mongolia’s first state), Xianbei, and Rouran. Through fascinating exhibits, you’ll discover the brilliant strategies, leadership, and cultural influence of these empires that shaped Eurasian history.

After fascinating history, it’s time for music and culture! Get ready to experience the magic of a live performance by the renowned Tumen Ekh Ensemble. You’ll be captivated by the hauntingly beautiful sounds of traditional throat singing, amazed by the breathtaking talent of contortionists, and charmed by the graceful movements of folk dancers.

At sunset time, we’ll gather for farewell dinner. Enjoy delicious meal and share stories, laughter, and warm conversations with your fellow travelers.

On this day, you will travel from Ulaanbaatar to Tsagaan Suvarga, a journey of about 420 km that takes 6-7 hours by car. Along the way, you will stop for lunch in Mandalgovi town. Upon arrival at the Ger camp, you will check in and prepare for an exciting adventure.

The name "Tsagaan Suvarga" means "White Stupa" in Mongolian. It is named after its appearance - this geological formation has white, pink, and reddish-brown layers of rock that look like a giant white stupa (Buddhist monument) when viewed from a distance.

The cliffs are up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall and stretch over 400 meters (1,312 feet), providing stunning views from every angle. Their colors change throughout the day, shifting from white to pink, orange, and reddish-brown.

In the afternoon, you will take an excursion to the Tsagaan Suvarga scarps, where you can enjoy an unforgettable hike through the colorful cliffs. Climb to the top for breathtaking views. At sunset, the cliffs glow in golden and pink hues, making it a dream spot for some awesome photos.

After this refreshing adventure, we will return to the ger camp, enjoy a tasty dinner, and relax for the night in comfort.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the 3 to 4-hour drive to Bayanzag, famously known as the Flaming Cliffs.

Bayanzag is renowned for its striking red sandstone landscapes and its significance as one of the world’s most important dinosaur fossil sites. The vibrant cliffs, glowing like fire under the rising or setting sun, earned the nickname "Flaming Cliffs." In the 1920s, American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews made groundbreaking discoveries here, including the world’s first fossilized dinosaur eggs and fossils of species like Protoceratops and Velociraptor.

Upon arrival, visit the information center to learn more about the site’s history through exhibits and a short documentary. Then, immerse yourself in the natural beauty by hiking along marked trails, exploring the unique formations, and spotting desert vegetation like the drought-resistant Saxaul tree.

As the day comes to an end, return to camp for dinner and have peaceful overnight stay.

In the morning, we set off on 4 to 5-hour drive to the magnificent Khongor Sand Dunes, traversing vast desert badlands that stretch to the distant horizons, adorned with remote mountains.

The Khongor Sand Dunes, world’s nature wonder, are one of Mongolia's largest and most spectacular sand formations, famously known as the "singing" or "booming" sands. These dunes span about 180 kilometers in length, 15-20 kilometers in width, and reach heights of 80-100 meters at their tallest points. The golden-yellow sands shimmer under the sunlight, creating a truly splendid landscape. When the sand shifts or the wind blows, the dunes emit a low, rumbling sound, giving them their unique name.

Upon reaching our ger camp, we will enjoy a satisfying lunch. Later in the afternoon, as the desert heat subsides, we will meet a local camel herder and partake in a serene one-hour camel ride. We'll then ascend the dunes to witness a mesmerizing sunset from their summit. After this memorable experience, we return to the camp for dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

Today, we bid farewell to the majestic Khongor Sand Dunes as we journey towards the incredible Yolyn Am Gorge, nestled within the Zuun Saikhan mountain range. After a picturesque drive of 4-5 hours, we will arrive at this enchanting natural wonder, also known as Eagle Valley.

Yolyn Am is famous for its towering rock walls, which impressively rise 200-300 meters (650-980 feet) high, creating a dramatic and secluded atmosphere. In some parts, the gorge becomes incredibly narrow, allowing only one person to pass through at a time, adding to its mysterious beauty.

Upon arrival, you'll enjoy refreshing one-hour hike from the parking area. This walk will immerse you in the gorge's stunning natural beauty, offering cool, shaded paths and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife. Take time to soak in the serene atmosphere, listen to the sounds of running streams, and admire the incredible views all around you.

Eventually, we’ll transfer to a local hotel in Dalanzadgad, a charming Gobi town, where we’ll explore the newly constructed Umnugovi province museum and savor a delightful dinner.

At the Umnugovi Province Museum, you’ll have the chance to explore a fascinating collection of dinosaur fossils and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the Gobi Desert. Highlights include displays of rare animals such as the snow leopard, ibex, and the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai).

After breakfast, we will depart from Dalanzadgad and begin our journey to the picturesque and legendary Baga Gazaryn Chuluu, a stunning granite mountain range. The drive will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering scenic views of the vast steppe along the way.

En route, we will stop at Sum Khukh Burd, a fascinating site featuring the ruins of a stone castle situated on a small island in Lake Khukh Burd. This castle, dating back to the 16th-17th century, is an important piece of history in the Dundgobi province and offers a glimpse into Mongolia’s architectural heritage.

Arriving at Baga Gazaryn Chuluu in the afternoon, we’ll check into our ger camp before heading out to explore the surrounding area. Highlights include a visit to Surtiin Am, a scenic canyon where you’ll find the ruins of a stone temple, a 20-meter-long cave, and ger-shaped rock formations.

Afterwards, we’ll return to the ger camp for a hearty dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will depart from the ger camp and begin our journey back to Ulaanbaatar, a drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours.

On the way, we will stop at the iconic Giant Genghis Khan Statue Complex, located 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar. This towering 40-meter (131 feet) stainless steel equestrian statue is the largest of its kind in the world. It stands on the banks of the Tuul River, marking the legendary spot where a young Temüjin (later Genghis Khan) is said to have found a golden whip - a symbol of his destiny to unite the Mongol tribes. Explore the complex and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the statue's viewing platform.

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will transfer to your hotel. If time allows, indulge in optional shopping for cashmere and unique Mongolian souvenirs. The day concludes with a farewell dinner, the perfect way to celebrate the end of your unforgettable journey.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, or to the train station for your onward journey to explore other parts of Mongolia. If your flight is in the afternoon today, you will have some free time to explore Ulaanbaatar at your own pace.

It is time to end your 10 Days Mongolia Desert Tour with Naadam Festival. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Mongolia tour. We hope to see you again on your next journey!