Trip Summary
Naadam means “games.” Naadam originally was a way to train men in military skills: every soldier had to be able to ride fast, shoot arrows, and wrestle with enemies during combat. In Mongolia, with its sparse population and nomadic ways, where individual herders live far apart from each other, it was important to come together from time to time for training. That is why Naadam is often referred to as the “three manly sports”: horse racing, archery, and wrestling. As time passed, it became a way to celebrate important events, and not necessarily the same men participated in all three sports. July 11 and 12 commemorate the regaining of Mongolian independence in 1921.
During Naadam, even city dwellers put on their best traditional costumes and join everyone else to celebrate these games. In these games, fame and honor are more important than the prizes. There is no betting involved in any of the sports. Join us to witness this colorful festival where the best athletes and archers, and the fastest horses from around the country come together and compete for three days for the honor of being named the best of the best.
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
- Experience the vibrant atmosphere with traditional music, dance, and festive activities;
- Witness the thrilling competitions in horse racing, archery, and wrestling, the three manly sports of Naadam;
- Savor authentic Mongolian dishes and delicacies during the festival;
- Experience the sense of community as people from across the country come together to celebrate;
- ESee locals dressed in their finest traditional attire, adding to the festive spirit;
THIS TOUR IS PERFECT FOR…
- Culture Enthusiasts who are passionate about experiencing and understanding different cultures and traditions.
- Travelers looking for an exciting and unique festival experience in a vibrant and dynamic setting.
- Families who want to enjoy a cultural event together, with activities and spectacles that appeal to all ages.
- Photography enthusiasts who want to capture the colorful costumes, dynamic sports, and lively celebrations.
- Those who prefer genuine cultural experiences over commercialized events.
Trip Map & Itinerary
Upon landing at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, your guide will escort you to the hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour, including Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view. The expedition kicks off with a briefing by your leader, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Shangri La or similar; (D).
Begin the day with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Here, you will learn about Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage. Next, drive to the Hustain Nuruu National Park to explore world’s only true wild horse, takhi. After lunch, there will be an opportunity to ride Mongolian horses for a short distance.Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Lake Hovsgol. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the lake. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of horseback riding along the lakeshore. We will start riding south and return to the camp from its northern direction by making a large loop. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and explore the local flora and fauna along the route. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will begin our journey driving back to Ulaanbaatar. Stop for a picnic lunch along the road. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner is independent.(Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L)
Enjoy two full days attending the Naadam festival games in Ulaanbaatar, featuring wrestling, archery, and horse racing.Witness archery competitions, where both men and women compete at distances between 70-100 meters. Experience traditional wrestling, where competitors of all ages and sizes participate, reflecting the historical battlefield context where one had to face any opponent. Attend the exciting horseracing events outside the city, featuring jockeys aged 6-12 and races ranging from 12 km for 2-year-olds to over 30 km for adult horses. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and sporting heritage of Naadam.Overnight in a hotel. (Hotel Shangri La or similar; B, L, D)
After breakfast, fly south to the Gobi desert. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer us to a ger camp. Visit Yol Valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, known for its wildlife. Stroll through the valley, enjoy a picnic lunch, and return to the ger camp in the evening.Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our return flight back to Ulaanbaatar for our last day of exploration. Spend the remainder of the day for last minute shopping and sightseeing. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance featuring the khoomii or “throat” singing followed by a hearty farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant.(Hotel Bayangol or similar; B, L, D) . In the next morning, after breakfast,transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
Pricing
- Land transportation based on using Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passengers each;
- Accommodations in a standard room at hotels, gers and expedition style camping in the countryside;
- Airport arrival and departure transfers;
- Sleeping bags; and mats;
- All meals indicated as B, L or D;
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary;
- English speaking national guide throughout your stay; B
- Bottled water per person per day and unlimited supply of boiled waters.
- Domestic and international airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance;
- Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees
- Any other item not mentioned as included.
Photos & Review
We were welcomed to Mongolia by Mongolia Quest in Ulaanbaatar and taken on a wonderful tour of their country. We saw the wild horses, Tekhi in Hustai National Park, Stayed in Gers in the original capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum and the Gobi Desert. We visited herder families and saw their way of life and toured religious shrines and temples. A very well organized trip that I will never forget. We are planning to return and will contact Mongolia Quest to plan our next visit.
