7 Days Mongolia Naadam Festival Tour (July 6 - July12, 2025)

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, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar. You will head west toward Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of Genghis Khan's empire. The 380 km (6-hour) drive west reveals Mongolia's stunning landscapes, blending rolling steppe with rugged mountains.

En route, your highlight is Elsen Tasarkhai, the "Mini Gobi," where 80 km of golden sand dunes collide with grasslands and peaks. Walk on the warm sands, photograph the surreal contrast, and feel the desert's vastness.

After lunch, explore two hidden gems:

• Khugnu Khan Nature Reserve: Hike the dunes for panoramic views of rocky outcrops.
• Erdene Khamba Ruins: Touch the 17th-century monastery walls and stupas, and hear tales of Mongolia's Buddhist heritage.

Then, ride a camel for about 1 hour! Experience the wild fun of the desert, swaying across dunes like Silk Road traders centuries ago and view local nomadic life.

As sunset nears, arrive in Karakorum (Kharkhorin), located in central Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley. Established in 1220 by Genghis Khan, the city served as the capital of the Mongol Empire and reached its peak during the reign of his successor, Ögedei Khan. Now, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have the chance to retrace the legacy of the Mongol Empire.

Check into your hotel in Karakorum and spend the night there (Urgoo Ger Camp or a similar standard ger), dreaming of conquests under starry skies.

On this day, you will spend a full day exploring the highlights of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.

Begin your morning with a visit to the legendary Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Central Mongolia, founded in 1586. Nearby, you can also explore fascinating landmarks such as Turtle Rock and the symbolic Phallic Stone, each with its own unique stories.

Erdene Zuu Monastery is the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and treasure of Tibetan Buddhism’s Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect. As part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Mongol Empire. Much of the monastery’s construction material came from the ruins of ancient Karakorum, blending Mongolia’s imperial history with its religious heritage. The architecture reflects a unique fusion of Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese styles.

As you approach, the 108 white stupas, forming a rectangular wall, will immediately catch your eye. These stupas, symbolizing enlightenment and protection, create a stunning visual experience. Step inside the monastery to see surviving temples adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant thangka paintings, and ornate roofs. Observe monks chanting and performing Buddhist rituals, and take a moment to spin the prayer wheels, making your own wishes.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Karakorum Museum, an essential stop for understanding Central Mongolia’s history and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Orkhon Valley. It brings the ancient capital, Karakorum, to life. One of the highlights is the reconstructed model of Karakorum, which offers a vivid depiction of the city’s layout during its peak in the 13th century. You’ll gain insights into the royal palace, religious buildings, workshops, and residential areas, experiencing how the city thrived as the political and trade center of the Mongol Empire. As you explore the relics and daily artifacts, you’ll uncover how people lived, worked, and traded in that era. The display of military artifacts, including weapons, armor, and horse equipment, reveals the sheer strength and power of Genghis Khan’s army, helping you imagine the dominance of the Mongolian cavalry.

In the evening, you will visit the newly established Erdenesiin Khuree Calligraphy Center, a good place to experience the charm of Mongolian calligraphy. This center offers a glimpse into the history, art, and unique formation of traditional Mongolian script. If you’re interested, you’ll even have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on workshop (optional, with additional payment on-site). Under the guidance of skilled calligraphy artists, you can try your hand at writing the elegant and flowing Mongolian script - a truly memorable and interactive cultural experience.

Stay overnight at the Mongol Nomadic Ger Camp (standard gers) in Karakorum.

After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Ulaanbaatar, driving through Mongolia’s raw and untouched landscapes. The drive takes about 4 hours, during which you can enjoy the serene beauty of the steppe. Upon arrival at your camp, settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to visit one of Mongolia’s most renowned destinations, Hustai National Park. Once there, have a trek through the park's stunning landscapes as you search for the endangered Przewalski’s wild horses, known locally as takhi. These are the last remaining species of wild horse in the world and were successfully reintroduced into the wild here after becoming extinct in their natural habitat during the 1960s. Today, Hustai is home to over 400 takhi, which roam freely across the steppe. As you explore, you may also encounter other wildlife, such as red deer, Mongolian gazelles, wild boars, grey wolves, lynx, and foxes.

Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking scenery - vast open steppe, rolling green hills, and forested mountains with the Tuul River winding peacefully through the landscape. For a truly immersive experience, enjoy horseback riding (about 1 hour) through the hills of the Mongolian steppe, connecting with the land in the most authentic way.

In the evening, return to your camp and embrace the nomadic lifestyle. Interact with local herder families to gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and daily lives. This night will be a chance to fully experience the warmth and simplicity of Mongolia’s timeless culture.

After breakfast, embark on a journey from Hustai National Park to the Horseracing Venue of the grand Naadam Festival, one of Mongolia’s most iconic cultural experiences.

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.

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.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Mongolia tour. We hope to see you again on your next journey!