Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Naadam Festival

15 Days
From CAD 8170
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Unknown

Rating

Experience Overview

The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people unite to compete in wrestling, archery, horse racing and ankle-bone flicking during the Naadam Festival but traditions can be witnessed throughout the year. We travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. This itinerary is for departures starting in Ulaanbaatar on 9 July 2025. For a departure on 30 June 2025, please click here for an alternative itinerary.
Profile
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 8 Simple nights (traditional nomadic ger camps) — Travel by 4×4 Jeeps, bus and one internal flight — Some long drives through very remote country — Eagle Festival and non-festival departures also available — Alternative Naadam itinerary for departure on 30 June 2025
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 8 Simple nights (traditional nomadic ger camps) — Travel by 4×4 Jeeps, bus and one internal flight — Some long drives through very remote country — Eagle Festival and non-festival departures also available — Alternative Naadam itinerary for departure on 30 June 2025
Trip For You
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.   Mongolia is six and a half times larger than the UK but with a population 21 times smaller. Understandably, this means that large tracts of the country do not have much infrastructure. Much of our time is spent in areas where roads are barely tracks through the landscape. We go further into the wilderness than the average visitor to Mongolia and, while this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean some days involve long and bumpy drives. These drives are balanced with time to relax and take in the incredible surroundings often with the option of going for a walk or, sometimes, a horse or camel ride. There are some scheduled hikes, looking for wild Przewalski’s (takhi) horses and visiting the singing dunes, Vulture’s Mouth canyon and the Flaming Cliffs, for instance. These are relatively short, no more than one or two hours, on mostly flat or rolling terrain. The Flaming Cliffs hike may not be suitable if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling; however, it’s still possible to enjoy great views of the cliffs and opt out of the walk. The climate in central Mongolia is generally pleasant in summer when the trip runs. In the Gobi Desert, however, temperatures can get well above 30C (86F), even approaching 40C (104F). This trip goes off the tourist trail and encounters local nomads. It takes us through spectacular and diverse wilderness and gives us an insight into a fascinating country unlike any other.
Group Description
We are led by a local tour leader who is accompanied by an experienced Mongolian guide. Other trip staff include drivers and local assistants as needed.
Eating Drinking
Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. While there are opportunities to try some of these products, such as dry curd and fermented mare’s milk, the meals provided in the ger camps are generally Western meals, at times with an Asian influence. There is normally some form of soup and salad plus a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for; if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements, please inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffets while others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish. On some days, a pack lunch is provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and is generally from large water containers, so make sure to bring a refillable water bottle. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is the opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple of other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.
Transportation
We travel in a convoy of 4x4s (four passengers per vehicle) as we make our way around central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. Driving in the wilderness can be hard going on minivans/larger vehicles. They may experience punctures and may need to be cooled down as overheating is common. We use Jeeps as they are much more reliable and able to navigate rough roads better than the larger minivans often used. Although rare, punctures/issues can occur so please come with an open mind. We may also use a coach for getting around Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park. We also use one internal flight.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Bayangol Hotel, Chinggis Avenue-5, Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia Phone: +976-11-312255 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 1hr 30min drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer. Catching your return flight There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Weather Information
July and August are summer in Mongolia and daytime temperatures should be a pleasant 20C (68F) in Ulaanbaatar and central regions. Temperatures can reach a maximum of 33C (91F) in the capital and high 30Cs (around 100F) in the Gobi Desert in July. Although the average is lower, expect some very warm weather. Evening temperatures are uniformly 15C-20C (59F-68F). Humidity is very low. These months are also the wet season. Over a trip of this duration, expect some rain but showers do not normally last long and the total rainfall during this period is very low.
Spending Money
Budget an extra US$150 for incidental expenses such as laundry, telephone and excursions into the nightlife of Ulaanbaatar. Cashmere, leather products, carpets, woodcarvings, watercolour paintings and traditional Mongolian dolls all make great souvenirs – US$150 is a modest souvenir budget. Optional excursions Horse riding (for experienced riders) may be available at some locations within the itinerary. The price will be confirmed at the time as these are operated independently by local horsemen. Please note, riding helmets and instruction are very unlikely to be available and, where they are provided, the quality may not be the highest standard. Mongolian ponies are generally unpredictable and more suited to confident and experienced horse riders. Any horse riding undertaken in Mongolia is done entirely at your own risk. Song and dance show in Ulaanbaatar: US$15
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Mongolia and has become standard for tourism. We have found that a tipping kitty is the easiest way to ensure the correct levels are given out. This includes tips for local staff at the camps, hotels and airports plus your driver. Your leader will advise the amount, which will depend on the group size. Budget around US$80-US$110 for this. This tip kitty will not include the tip for your leader, which is discretionary, though US$35-US$55 is common.

Highlights

  • — Discover the spectacularly varied Mongolian landscape: rolling steppe, mountains and deserts — Sleep in traditional style ger camps (Mongolian tents) — Experience Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire — See the rolling dunes and landscape of the Gobi Desert — Interact with one of the last remaining nomadic cultures in the world — Enjoy the wrestling, archery, horse riding and bone flicking of the Naadam Festival

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 4254

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: l flight.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ACMC

StartStarts: Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert

FinishFinishes: Ulaanbaatar, Gobi Desert

DurationDuration: 15 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Unknown

Includes

  • — All breakfasts, lunch and dinners — All accommodation — All transport, including 4WD Jeeps — Itinerary listed activities — Tour leader throughout

Accommodation

Hotels and ger camps
We use hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Arvaikheer and ger camps elsewhere. This traditional accommodation is airy and usually contains a central wood-burning stove (in the summer the stoves are not normally needed). The bathrooms are normally shared and all have hot water (due to the remoteness of the camps, this can be erratic at times). Many of the ger camps now have 24-hour electricity in the ger itself for charging batteries. If there is no charging facility inside the ger then there are charging facilities in the common area (though this may be during limited periods, when the generator is turned on). There is normally no more than two people per ger; however, due to availability issues, we may need to have triples in the ger in some cases. There may also be rare occasions when a single cannot be guaranteed in a particular ger camp.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 8170 (CAD 545 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar

The adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times and to rest after the flight. However, if you arrive into Ulaanbaatar early, you could explore some of the city sites including: Sukhbaatar Square (the main square), the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

2
Day 2: Visit Terelj National Park, including Aryabal Temple; first night in a ger camp

As we head out of Ulaanbaatar city, we visit the giant Genghis Khan statue at Tsonjin Boldog. Standing 130ft (40m) tall, the statue depicts the Mongolian ruler astride his horse and sits atop the visitor centre (itself 33ft/10m tall). It is possible to climb onto the horse’s head to get a closer look at Genghis Khan’s face. After, we continue to Terelj National Park, a large, protected area of green mountain meadows filled with edelweiss and other wildflowers. The contrast to the Gobi Desert is striking and it feels like being in a different country. We visit the Tibetan-style Aryabal Temple, a mountainside meditation centre with sweeping views over the national park. As we follow the walk up to the temple, we can read the inspirational sayings on placards every few steps. The climb to the temple is not difficult but does involve many steps and can be tiring. Tonight, we have our first night sleeping in a ger. Accommodation: Ger camp

3
Day 5: To Khustain Nuruu National Park; search for Przewalski's horses

We drive towards Kharkhorin, making a detour to Khustain Nuruu National Park, two hours’ west of Ulaanbaatar. Khustain Nuruu is famous for the re-introduction of Przewalski’s horses (also known as takhi horses), which were once native to Mongolia and almost became extinct earlier in the 20th century. Through the efforts of several Mongolian and international organisations, these magnificent wild horses now roam in the steppes of the national park once again. We visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses. Accommodation: Ger camp

4
Day 6: To Karakorum; visit Erdene Zuu Monastery

We continue our drive to Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire, making a brief stop to see the dunes of the Little Gobi along the way. Karakorum was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongol powerbase until Khublai Khan established Beijing as the capital. Erdene Zuu (Hundred Treasures) Monastery was the largest monastery in Mongolia, built in 1586 under the direction of Abtai Khan on the ruins of the ancient capital. Much of the monastery was destroyed during Stalin’s purges of the 1930s, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and several temples remain. After lunch, we visit the monastery, the modern Karakorum Museum and the surrounding area. Accommodation: Ger camp

5
Day 7: Along northern edge of Gobi Desert to Arvaikheer via Shankh Monastery

We continue along the paved road to Arvaikheer, the capital of Ovorkhangai Aimag, on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert. On the way, we visit the Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theologist Zanabazar. We should arrive at Arvaikheer mid-afternoon. In the afternoon, we have time to visit the local museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts, and possibly go to a local market. Accommodation: Hotel

6
Day 8: To Bayan Gobi via Ikh Bogd mountain

Today is a long day as we head properly off the tourist route into some of the wilder parts of the Gobi Desert. After an early breakfast, we start our journey and rapidly leave the paved road behind. The landscape changes as we head deeper into the Gobi and the majestic Ikh Bogd should be visible in the distance, the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai mountain range. Eventually, after about nine hours of travelling (with stops), we arrive at our ger camp in the wilderness. This is the longest day’s driving but is also a trip highlight as we pass through some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. Accommodation: Ger camp

7
Day 9: Cross the Gobi via White Cave

After going over a desert pass and visiting the quartz-rich White Cave, our journey continues through classic Gobi Desert scenery of flat stony plains mixed with small rocky outcrops and patches of sand across the Khatan Suudal Steppe. We stop for a picnic lunch on the way, with views of Arts Bogd mountain to the north. We head off to the Kongoriin Els dunes, arriving in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Ger camp

8
Day 10: Visit singing sand dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia

We have a full day to explore the dunes and surrounding area. The Khongoriin Els stretch for 125mi (200km) and are as high as 985ft (300m) in places. They are known as the Singing Dunes because of the beautiful sound that resonates through them on a windy day. The South Gobi has 100,000 camels, typically used by herders for transportation of their gers. We have the opportunity today to visit a camel-breeding family and glimpse the way of life of the nomadic herders of these parts. Accommodation: Ger camp

9
Day 11: Travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

This morning, we drive through Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means Three Beauties of the Gobi and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai range. The park landscape is extremely varied, with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs and ravines, salt pans and oases. We visit a spectacular natural sight of this region, Yolyn Am. The name means Vulture’s Mouth and it is a canyon so deep and narrow that winter ice can remain on the valley floor even in the height of summer. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species live here, including khulan, ibex, argali and elusive snow leopards. We visit a museum and explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Ger camp

10
Day 12: Hike around the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag

Today we have time to relax in our luxury ger camp. Either in the morning or afternoon, we drive 45mi (70km) to Bayanzag. Known as the Flaming Cliffs, their red/ochre colour can be striking and we have the opportunity for a short hike among sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a world-renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American palaeontologists. We are free to explore the region and may even be lucky enough to spot dinosaur fossils. We later return to our ger camp. Accommodation: Ger camp

11
Day 13: Fly to Ulaanbaatar

We leave the Gobi Desert and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Our flight time determines when we get back to Ulaanbaatar. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

12
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar

We visit the Gandan Monastery, the largest functioning lamasery in Mongolia and the seat of Buddhist studies in the country. Here we may see monks praying and the 65ft (20m) gold-and-bronze statue of Migjid Janraisig. The remainder of the day is free for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing  Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)

13
Day 15: End in Ulaanbaatar

The tour ends after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home, full of tales and magnificent photos to share.

Tour Operator

Exodus Travel

It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.

In Business Since 1974

Reviews

No Reviews Available

Share a personalized trip brochure!

Why book with us?

Rating

Best Rate Guarantee

Mytours.Travel makes sure you always have the best available rate

Selection

Best Selection

The best operators from around the world

Trusted

Trusted Payments

Secure payments with Stripe

Advice

Expert Advice

Our expert agents will assist you in booking the perfect experience