Mongolia Nomadic Heritage Tour with Naadam Festival

Meet our travel team at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After a short rest, begin a guided city tour of Ulaanbaatar. Visit Gandan Monastery, the spiritual center of Mongolian Buddhism and a must-visit site in Ulaanbaatar, where you can observe local prayers, monks, and the largest indoor standing Buddha statue. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolia, which presents the country’s history and culture from the Stone Age to the present day. The tour also includes Sukhbaatar Square (also known as Chinggis Khaan Square), the main square of the capital city. 

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

After breakfast, drive to the Mongol Nomadic Camp, located about 55 km west of Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by local nomads in a traditional way. Enjoy a 2-hour nomadic heritage show, introducing traditional Mongolian customs, daily life, and cultural practices. The show presents authentic elements such as traditional clothing, ger (yurt) furnishings, carts, and native livestock that have been part of nomadic life for centuries.

Following the show, take part in hands-on experiences, including horse riding and camel riding, and spend time exploring nomadic life at your own pace. You will have the opportunity to interact with local herders and gain a deeper understanding of Mongolia’s living nomadic culture. Stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger, offering a unique first experience of nomadic living.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Today we drive to Orkhon valley's cultural landscape protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The first site is Kharkhorin - symbolic ruins of the Ancient Mongol Empire of Chinggis Khan from the 13-14th century. From here the Chinggis khan and his sons ruled the Great Mongol Empire during the XIII century, and it was a political and trade center through which passed the legendary Silk Road, the main commerce network of whole Eurasia.

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery which was built on the ruins of Kharkhorin city. Interesting Museum of Kharkhorin – important exhibits of this famous ancient city. The local market for souvenirs and art crafts.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Continue your journey through the Orkhon Valley, stopping at Khushuu Tsaidam, one of the most important historical sites of the ancient Turkic Khaganate. Afterwards, head to Lake Ugii and visit a local nomadic family to experience their daily life, including horse breeding and cow milking. With the help of your guide, you will also learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

In the late afternoon, arrive at the beautiful Lake Ugii, a designated Ramsar Site known for its rich birdlife, with over 150 species recorded in the area. Check in at a ger camp near the lake and enjoy time by the water, with opportunities for birdwatching or simply relaxing in the peaceful natural surroundings.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, visit the historic ruins of Khar Balgas (Ordu-Baliq), the ancient capital of the Uyghur Empire and an important heritage site in the Orkhon Valley. Enjoy lunch at a local roadside restaurant before continuing the drive. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, check in at your hotel and relax.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ulaanbaatar. You may choose to visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum (Optional). Then walk to the Central Square known as Sukhbaatar Square to experience the colorful Deeltei Mongol Festival, a celebration of Mongolia’s traditional national costume. The deel, Mongolia’s traditional attire, adds vibrant colors and cultural richness to the festival. Visitors are welcome to participate by wearing traditional clothing and joining the parade in the central square. In the evening, enjoy performances of traditional Mongolian music and dance.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

Drive to Khui Doloon Khudag, the famous horse-racing venue just outside Ulaanbaatar. The Naadam atmosphere is already lively, with traditional music, local families dressed in deels, and a festive spirit all around. Horse racing is one of the most iconic events of Naadam. Unlike short-track races, Mongolian horse racing takes place across the open steppe and tests the endurance of both horse and rider over long distances.

The highlight of the day is watching the thrilling race finishes, as hundreds of horses appear on the horizon and gallop toward the finish line. It is a powerful and emotional moment, shared by both locals and visitors.

Horses compete over different distances depending on their age:
Azarga (stallions) – 28 km
Ikh Nas (6+ years) – 30 km
Soyolon (5-year-olds) – 25 km
Khyazaalan (4-year-olds) – 22 km
Shudlen (3-year-olds) – 20 km
Daaga (2-year-old colts) – 15 km

There is no limit on the number of participants, and it is common to see around 100 horses in a single race. The winning horses are honored in a traditional ceremony with airag (fermented mare’s milk), a khadag (blue ceremonial scarf), and a medal. This ceremony takes place on the second day of the Naadam Festival (12 July) during the closing events at the Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.

At lunchtime, enjoy khuushuur, the traditional Naadam festival dish, freshly prepared at the site — just as local people do during the celebration. After an exciting day, return to Ulaanbaatar. 

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

Happy Naadam Festival! Today, we experience the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s biggest national holiday. Enjoy the exciting opening ceremony at the Central Stadium and feel the vibrant atmosphere of the festival as you watch traditional competitions, including wrestling and archery, where athletes compete for top honors. Athletes from all over the country gather in Ulaanbaatar to take part in this important national event.

Naadam is not only a sporting festival but also a celebration of everyday life. People come together to watch the games, meet friends, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It is a unique cultural gathering where people celebrate through music, performances, and shared traditions — a true reflection of Mongolia’s spirit and identity.

Spend the day at the stadium watching the opening ceremony and competitions.

Wrestling: The rules are very simple: The wrestling area is unrestricted; there are no weight-classes and the one who touches the ground any part of the body, other than the feet, has lost. The winner continues to the next round. The loser has to stand under the wings of the proud winner. The wrestlers wear tight pants and a small vest with arms across the shoulders, which barely cover their well-trained bodies.

Archery: Mongols are almost born with archery skills, an integral part of the nomad’s lifestyle. From the very childhood, such qualities as perfect eyesight, measurement, patience, and strength are nourished to develop a good archer. Mongolian bows are very tight ones so that it requires pure strength to stretch it out. As a rule, several teams of archers compete. Each team of 5-7 archers should hit 33 leather cylinders from a distance of 75 meters.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing to watch the games. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner together, celebrating the memories and experiences you have shared throughout your journey in Mongolia.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport and depart Mongolia, with lasting memories of your trip.

Meal: Breakfast