Transport

Søk & reserver billetter til buss, tog og ferger. Sjekk priser på alle våre mange transport alternativer og sjekk ut unik buss & tog pass over hele verden

Transfer

Søk & reserver transfers over hele verden. Unn deg litt komfort ved ankomst og reserver smidig og trygg transport til ditt bestemmelsessted med våre mange samarbeidspartnere over hele verden →

Show search

Cruise & seiling

Søk & reserver cruise og seile opplevelser over hele verden. Opplev verden fra dekket på at av våre mange alternativ. Her finner du alt fra verdens ikoniske elver, seile opplevelser, ekspedisjonscruise og tradisjonelle cruise →

Show search

Leiebil

Få friheten og muligheten til å utforske din drømmereise i ditt eget tempo. Her finner du gunstige priser om du er på forretningsreise, planlegger en «road trip» i USA, Australia og Afrika eller bare trenger egnet transport i en kortere periode

Show search

Fly & Drive

Friheten med å utforske verden på egenhånd passer utmerket for en rekke reisemål i verden. Med vårt verktøy kan du lett finne de beste leiebilløsninger, bobilutleie og til og med leie av motorsykkel mo du vil gjennomføre noen av de legendariske veistrekningene i verden. ¨ Benytt deg av vårt interaktive kart og sett sammen den perfekte rundreisen.

Show search

Tema & Gruppereiser

Oppdag vår spennende verden med gruppe og temareiser til over 177 land og territorier. Oppdag populære og obskure reisemål, bisarre festivaler, dyreopplevelser og aktive reiser. Her finner du reiseforslag for alle interesser og ønsker med bryllupsreiser, sol & bad til ukjente strender og ekstreme ekspedisjoner for den eventyrlystne eller for familien. Se alle våre reiser her

Show search

Utflukter

Oppdag ukjente sider i noen av verdens mest kjente byer og utforsk nye steder. Bli med oss og oppdag nye sider i kanskje kjente byer. Vi gir deg alt fra fantastiske matopplevelser og gatekunst til ikoniske landemerker og tradisjonelle utflukter. Se alle våre utflukter →

Show search

Hotel & Overnatting

Finn ditt favoritt hotell eller leilighet over hele verden. Vi gir deg muligheten til å bestille ditt drømmeopphold og velg mellom en mengde ulike leverandører for å garantere best mulig tilgang og pris. Bestill ditt bosted →

Show search

Skreddersy din reise

Vi er alle individualister og av og til passer det best å utforske verden i eget tempo. Her finner du forslag til bryllupsreiser, eksotiske strender og ukjente tropiske øyer, dykkereiser og tusenvis av skreddersydde reiseforslag. Se alle reiseforslagene →

Eventbilletter

Planlegg reisen og få med deg konserter, sportsarrangement og inngangsbilletter. Unngå å miste ditt favoritt band på konsert eller lange køer til inngang på severdigheter. Bestill heller dine billetter på forhånd. Bestill billetter her →

Annon Informasjon

Enhver reise krever nøye planlegging og vi har samlet en del informasjon som kan gjøre reiseforberedelsene litt enklere. Har du en riktig forsikring til den reisen og formålet med reisen dekker? Har du sjekket visumregler?

Tour Details

Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Naadam Festival

Discover the remote Mongolian steppe, the Gobi Desert and the country's nomadic traditions, including the vibrant Naadam Festival.

BOOK THIS TRIP SEND REQUEST

Tour Code : ACMB

The journey is provided by

Destinations : Mongolia

Tour Starts : Ulaanbaatar

Tour Ends : Ulaanbaatar

Group Size : 4 - 16

Ages : 18+

Activity :

15 days from

NOK 49 495

Overview

Discover the remote Mongolian steppe, the Gobi Desert and the country's nomadic traditions, including the vibrant Naadam Festival.

Rolling steppe makes way to stark desert; small nomadic ger camp pepper this vast land where camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, sand dunes are known to ‘sing’ and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here on horseback to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people come together 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 Ulaanbaatar 29 June 2023 & 30 June 2024. For departures 09 July 2023 & o9 July 2024 please click here for an alternative itinerary.

Highlights

The spectacularly varied Mongolian landscape - vast rolling steppe, mountains and deserts
Sleep in traditional style ger camps (Mongolian tents)
Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
The rolling sand dunes and landscape of the Gobi desert
One of the last remaining nomadic cultures in the world
Wrestling, archery, horse-riding and bone-flicking at the Naadam Festival

Key Information

6 nights hotel, all en suite, 8 nights ger camps
Travel by 4WD Jeeps, bus and one internal flight
Some long drives through very remote country
Also Eagle Festival and non-festival departures
Alternative Naadam itinerary for 08 July departure

Included

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

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or Vaccinations

Itinerary

Show All

Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar
Start in Ulaanbaatar. Those not travelling with the group from London will join us at the hotel. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times and to rest after the flight. However, for anyone who arrives into Ulaanbaatar early, why not explore some of the city’s sites including UB’s main square: Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Visit Terelj National Park, including Aryabala Temple; first night in a ger camp
As we head out of Ulaanbaatar city, we visit the giant Genghis Khan statue at Tsonjin Bolog. Standing 40m tall, the statue depicts the Mongolian ruler astride his horse and sits atop the visitor’s centre (itself 10m tall). It is possible to climb up onto the horse’s head to get a closer look at Genghis Khan’s face. We then continue on to Terelj National Park. Terelj National Park is 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 Aryabala temple, a meditation centre located on a mountainside with sweeping views over the national park. As we follow the walk up to the temple there are 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
Day 3: To Khustain Nuruu N.P.; trek to see Przewalski's horses
We then drive towards Kharkhorin, making a detour to the Khustain Nuruu National Park, 2 hours west of Ulaanbaatar. Khustain Nuruu is famous for the re-introduction of Mongolia's wild horse. The Takhi Horse (also known as the Przewalski's horse) was once native to Mongolia and almost became extinct earlier in the 20th century. Through the efforts of several Mongolian and international organizations, these magnificent wild horses now roam in the steppes of the national park once again. We will visit the Project Information Centre and take a guided hike to see the wild horses. Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 4: To Karakorum; visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
Today we continue on our drive to the 13th century capital of the Mongol Empire - Karakorum - making a brief stop to see the dunes of the Little Gobi along the way. . Karakorum was established by Ogedei Khan and remained the Mongols power base 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 1930's, but an impressive wall with 108 stupas and a number of temples still remain. After lunch, we visit the monastery, the modern Karakorum Museum and the surrounding area Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 5: 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 will visit the Shankh Monastery, once the home of the great Mongolian theologist Zanabazar. We should arrive at Arvaikheer during the middle of the afternoon and check in to our hotel. In the afternoon there will be time to visit the local museum, which contains nature collections, stone figures and Turkic scripts and possibly go to a local market. Accommodation: Standard Hotel
Day 6: To Bayan Gobi via Mt Ikh Bogd
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 tarmac behind. The landscape changes as we head deeper into the Gobi and the majestic Ikh Bogd Mountain should be visible in the distance, the highest mountain in the Gobi Altai Mountain Range. Eventually, after about 9 hours travelling (with stops) we will arrive at our Ger Camp in the wilderness. This is the longest day’s driving but is also a definite highlight of the trip as we pass through some of Mongolia’s most spectacular scenery. Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 7: 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 sand dunes and arrive there in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 8: Visit 'singing' sand dunes, the largest dunes in Mongolia
We have a full day to explore the sand dunes and surrounding area. The Khongoriin Els stretch for 200km and are as high as 300m in places. They are known as the 'Singing Dunes' because of the beautiful sound that resonates through the dunes on a windy day. The South Gobi has 100,000 camels, typically used by herders for transportation of their gers. We will have the opportunity today to visit a camel breeding family and get a glimpse of the way of life of the nomadic herders of these parts. Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 9: Travel through rocky plains of Gobi Gurvansaikhan N.P.
This morning we will drive through the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Gobi Gurvansaikhan means 'Three Beauties of the Gobi' and this range marks the eastern end of the Gobi Altai mountain range. The park's 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. Yolyn Am means Vulture's Mouth and is a canyon so deep and narrow that even in the height of summer winter ice can remain on the valley floor. This region is also renowned for the diversity of its wildlife and many endangered species can be found here, including Khulan, Ibex, Argali and elusive Snow leopards. We visit a local museum and explore the canyon before transferring to a nearby ger camp for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Ger Camp
Day 10: Hiking around the 'Flaming Cliffs' of Bayanzag.
Today we have time to relax in our luxury ger camp. Either in the morning or afternoon we take a short drive to Bayanzag (70 km). Known as the Flaming cliffs, the red/ochre colour can be striking and we have the opportunity for a short hike amongst colourful sands of red, yellow and orange. Bayanzag is a world-renowned dinosaur fossil exploration site, discovered in the 1920s by Mongolian and American paleontologists. 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
Day 11: Fly to Ulaanbaatar
We leave the Gobi Desert behind and fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on what time our flight is will determine what time we get back to Ulaanbaatar. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: Ulaanbaatar & Khui Doloon Khudag Horse Racing
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 20m gold and bronze statue of Migjid Janraisig. You will also attend the horse racing in Khui Doloon Khudag and witness cultural events in Sukbaatar Square ahead of The Naadam Festival opening. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 - 14: Naadam Festival
The Naadam Festival celebrates the ‘three games of men’ (or Erin Gurvan Naadam) which are wrestling, horse racing and archery. More recently a fourth game, knuckle-bone flicking was added to the competitions. The festival is celebrated throughout the country but the biggest festival is in Ulaanbaatar. Over the next two days, we attend the grand opening ceremony before we watch Mongolians compete in all four sports. We also get to mingle with hordes of Mongolian spectators as the grounds around the stadium (where wrestling, archery and bone-flicking take place) and the horse races are filled with stands selling food, games, flags and various other things. The atmosphere is a big part of the experience and many Mongolians dress in their best traditional clothes for the occasion. In 2010 the festival was entered into the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is a great celebration of the Central Asian nation’s culture. Accommodation: Corporate Hotel (or similar)
Day 15: End in Ulaanbaatar
The tour ends after breakfast today. Flight inclusive travellers will be transferred to the airport in Ulaanbaatar in time to catch the group flight.

Photos

Important Information

The trip destination

6 nights hotel, all en suite, 8 nights ger camps
Travel by 4WD Jeeps, bus and one internal flight
Some long drives through very remote country
Also Eagle Festival and non-festival departures
Alternative Naadam itinerary for 08 July departure

Food

Traditional Mongolian diets are very meat and dairy heavy. Whilst there will be 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 will normally be some form of soup and salad as well as a main course and desert. Vegetarians are generally well catered for, if you are vegetarian or have other dietary requirements please make sure to inform us in advance. Breakfasts can vary from place to place, some are buffet style whilst others are set, normally cereal, bread and possibly a hot dish will be provided. On some days a pack lunch will be provided, this is often still a proper meal (though without the soup). Water is provided and will generally be from 5L water-containers so make sure to bring a water bottle to decant into. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer, vodka and (most of the time) wine are available to buy at the ger camps. There is opportunity to buy snacks in Ulaanbaatar and on a couple other occasions along the way when we drive through towns or villages.

Weather

July and August are summer months and daytime temperatures should be a pleasant 20’C in Ulaanbaatar and central regions. Temperatures can reach a maximum of 33’C in the capital and high 30s in the Gobi desert in July and although the average is lower, clients should expect some very warm weather. Evening temperatures are uniformly 15 to 20’C. Humidity is very low. These months are also the wet season and over a trip of this duration you should expect some rain but showers are not normally long lasting and the total rainfall during this period is very low. (June - 28mm, July - 76mm & August - 51mm).

Is this trip for you?

Mongolia is 6.5 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. On this trip we go further into the wilderness than the average visitor to Mongolia and whilst this allows us to travel through stunning parts of the country, encountering few people other than the odd nomad, it does mean that some days involve long and bumpy drives. These drives are balanced out with some downtime to relax and just take in the incredible surroundings or often, with the option of going for a walk or even, at times a horse or camel ride. There are some scheduled hikes, looking for wild Taki horses, visiting the Singing sand dunes, Vulture canyon or the Flaming cliffs, for instance. These are relatively short, no more than one or two hours on mostly flat or undulating terrain. The Flaming Cliffs hike may not be recommended if you have an acute fear of heights and can involve some scrambling, however, it’s possible to still 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 30’C, even approaching 40’C.

This is a trip that goes off the ‘tourist trail’ and comes to the encounter of local nomads. It takes us through spectacular and diverse wilderness and gives us an insight into a fascinating country unlike any other.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

Please enter the number of travelers:

Adult

Children

BOOK THIS TRIP

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 30 Jun 2024 / Sun, 14 Jul 2024	NOK 49 495	On request	NOK 9 765	Available
Tue, 09 Jul 2024 / Tue, 23 Jul 2024	NOK 49 495	On request	NOK 9 765	Available
Sun, 22 Sep 2024 / Tue, 08 Oct 2024	NOK 60 500	On request	NOK 8 390	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 30 Jun 2024 / Sun, 14 Jul 2024	NOK 49 495	On request	NOK 9 765	On request
Tue, 09 Jul 2024 / Tue, 23 Jul 2024	NOK 49 495	On request	NOK 9 765	On request
Sun, 22 Sep 2024 / Tue, 08 Oct 2024	NOK 60 500	On request	NOK 8 390	On request

We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.

SEND REQUEST

BOOK THIS TRIP SEND REQUEST