TRIP SUMMARY
Every summer, Mongolians celebrate their age-old festival known as the Naadam. One of the chief events of Naadam is horse racing. For the competition, nomads begin training their fastest horses several weeks in advance, daily ridden by their jockeys so that the horses get rid of the unnecessary weight. These jockeys are children aged between 8-16. During the training rides and the race itself, they shout a special war like song called Giingoo, and we call it the horse song. When Mongolians hear this song over the grassland, everyone is excited and humbled.
The journey begins at the Lake Hovsgol where you will have an opportunity to ride and camp under the stars. Then visit Central Mongolia to have an exclusive access to the horse trainers’ camps and learn how horses are trained for the Naadam Festival. The journey in the Gobi Desert, where the children can enjoy a camel riding experience and dinosaur fossil hunting at the legendary Flaming Cliffs.
Brief Daily Itinerary
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. After a brief rest, embark on a city tour, including a visit to Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of the city. This Soviet-era relic is a local hangout spot. Conclude your day with a welcome dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Bayangol or a similar accommodation. (D)
In the morning, we will transfer to the airport for our morning flight to Lake Hovsgol, Mongolia’s largest fresh water lake and the headwaters of Lake Baikal in Russia. 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)
Drive south to Bulgan province, celebrated for its horses and scenic forested mountains. Overnight in tents. Spend the day with a horse breeder family, immersing in their life and culture. Overnight in tents. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
In the morning, head south to Kharakhorum, the 13th-century capital of Mongolia. Visit Erdenezuu Monastery and nearby archaeological sites. The next day, immerse in the Naadam Festival, where Mongolians showcase archery, horse racing, and wrestling. The specific Naadam dates vary, ensuring participation in the most suitable games. Overnight in gers. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Drive southeast to Delgerkhangai soum and camp with a host herder family for the next several days. Observe their racehorse training daily and have the opportunity to ride. Overnight in tents. (Tent camp; B, L, D)
Bid farewell to the host family and drive south to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of South Gobi province. In the afternoon, head to Yol Valley in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, known for its diverse 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, explore the Havtsgait Petroglyphs, an amazing collection of early Bronze Age rock carvings located on the top of a mountain. Transfer to the ger camp near Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. In the evening, visit the Flaming Cliffs, known for dinosaur fossils. Paleontological expeditions from various countries have made significant discoveries here. Return to the ger camp in the evening. Overnight in gers. (Approx. 4 hours driving; 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)
Trip Highlights:
- Experience Mongolia amidst of its most popular festival, the Naadam games;
- Enjoy riding horses and camels along with young Mongolian nomads;
- Visit horse trainers’ camps and explore how horses are trained;
- Explore some of Mongolia’s most beautiful countries including the magnificent; Lake Hovsgol and the legendary Gobi Desert;
- Make a life-long friend and expand your horizons!
Post-Trip Altai Mountains Extension
Why not extend your journey and visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park? On this western Mongolian journey, we will visit Mongolia’s highest peaks and trek amidst stunningly beautiful peaks. We will visit local Kazakh hunters’ camps to learn how golden eagles are trained and meet talented Kazakh women who are renowned for their skill of making colorful embroideries.
GALLERY
PRICING
ACCOMMODATIONS & TRANSPORTATION
Hotel Ulaanbaatar
Hotel Ulaanbaatar is conveniently located in downtown Ulaanbaatar and is a very well established hotel with a friendly staff. All major atractions of UB are located with a walking distance of the hotel.
Field camps
During some portion of the itinerary, we will be staying expedition style tents. It is one of the best camping grounds in the entire country and be sure to watch for the northern stars and the entire Milkyway spanning over us!
Ger camps
Throughout the most part of your itinerary, you will stay at tourist standard ger camp, a rustic, eco lodges. Most past travelers said ger camp experiences are pleasant and one of the most memorable part of the travels.
Land Transportation:
Land transportation is provided by Toyota Land Cruiser jeeps seating 3 passangers per vehicle. Some roads can be bumby and hard but our drivers are some of the most experienced and reliable in the country.