Tour Overview
Experience the vibrant culture of Mongolia with our Naadam Festival tour. Immerse yourself in the excitement of the festival's opening ceremonies, where you'll witness the traditional "three manly sports" of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Marvel at the endurance of competitors in the world's longest horse race and enjoy the festival's closing ceremonies. Explore the stunning landscapes of Terelj National Park and stand in awe before the towering Chinggis Khan statue. Savor traditional Mongolian cuisine at a ger camp and enjoy a unique visit to the No Limits Cafe, supporting local youth with Down Syndrome. With private vehicle transport and comfortable hotel accommodations, this adventure offers an unforgettable glimpse into Mongolia's rich heritage and natural beauty. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until tonight's welcome meeting.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Central Square, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Watch the thrilling opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a Mongolian sports tradition that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. Admire the colourful costumes of the participants, and observe demonstrations of the “three manly sports” — wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Afterwards, stop for a visit to No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the festival grounds and take in the exciting atmosphere. Later, opt to watch a cultural performance and dazzling fireworks at Central Square.
ACTIVITY: The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.
ACTIVITY: Pop in for a visit to the No Limits Cafe and enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared and served by local youth with Down Syndrome, and their mothers.
The Down Syndrome Association of Mongolia is a non-profit organization that supports children who live with Down syndrome, and their families. The organization focuses on creating community awareness, advocacy, and educational efforts within Mongolia. The No Limits Cafe began as an effort to create job opportunities and training for young people with Down syndrome and their mothers who are often left out of benefitting from economic opportunities. Through the cafe, the program works to break down barriers for people and families living with disabilities.
Day 3: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, National Sports Stadium
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Head out to see the finish line of the gruelling Mongol Derby — the longest horse race on Earth, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. During this annual race, competitors ride more than 1,000 kilometres across the steppe, retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan. Return to Ulaanbaatar and watch top athletes compete in the finals for Mongolian wrestling. Later, attend the closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival at National Sports Stadium.
ACTIVITY: The Naadam festival, called local 'eriin gurvan naadam', or the 'three games of men', is the biggest festival in Mongolia. After the elaborate opening ceremony featureing dancers, athletes, and musicians, the competitions of Mongolia's three main sports begin. These are archery, wrestling, and horse racing.
Day 4: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Genghis Khan Statue, Gorkhi Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take an early morning drive to visit the gigantic Genghis Khan statue, towering over the flatlands of Mongolia astride a majestic horse. Stop by the visitors' centre and enjoy panoramic views of the desert landscape. Continue to Gorkhi Terelj National Park and visit Turtle Rock and the Meditation Temple to learn about Mongolian Buddhism. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the ger camp, then head back to Ulaanbaatar. Tour ends upon arrival at the hotel.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: Towering over the banks of the Tuul River, the 131ft tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is truly a sight to behold amid the flatlands of Uzbekistan. According to legend, this is where the mighty Khan discovered a golden whip that aided his many conquests. Stop by the visitors' centre, then ascend into the head of the horse, where a panoramic view of the landscape awaits.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment
Visit Cafe No Limits in Ulaanbaatar.
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Welcome Moment
Meet your CEO and group.
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Naadam Festival Tickets
Tickets to attend the Naadam Festival.
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Wrestling, Archery, and Horse Racing Events
Attend events showcasing wrestling, archery, and horse racing.
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No Limits Cafe
Visit the No Limits Cafe.
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Closing Ceremony of Naadam Festival
Attend the closing ceremony of the Naadam Festival.
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Genghis Khan Monument Visit
Visit the Genghis Khan Monument.
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Gorkhi Terelj National Park Visit
Visit Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
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Transport
Travel by private vehicle and walking.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Mongolia are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently by private vehicle and explore on foot to fully experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Mongolia.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 3 nights during your Mongolian adventure.
Meals Included
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Group Size
Max 14, avg 12
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
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Check out our Q&As
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What is the Naadam Festival?
The Naadam Festival is a traditional Mongolian sports festival that dates back to the time of Genghis Khan. It features the 'three manly sports' of wrestling, archery, and horse racing, and is the biggest festival in Mongolia.
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What can I expect to see at the Naadam Festival?
At the Naadam Festival, you can expect to see the opening ceremony with dancers, athletes, and musicians, as well as competitions in wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The festival also includes cultural performances and fireworks.
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What is the Mongol Derby?
The Mongol Derby is the longest horse race on Earth, where competitors ride over 1,000 kilometers across the steppe, retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan.
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What is the significance of the Genghis Khan statue?
The Genghis Khan statue is a 131-foot tall equestrian statue that stands over the banks of the Tuul River. It is a significant landmark in Mongolia, symbolizing the historical impact of Genghis Khan.
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What is the No Limits Cafe?
The No Limits Cafe is a social enterprise in Ulaanbaatar where local youth with Down Syndrome and their mothers prepare and serve coffee, tea, and snacks. It is part of an effort to create job opportunities and training for people with disabilities.
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What activities are included in the visit to Gorkhi Terelj National Park?
During the visit to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, you will see Turtle Rock and the Meditation Temple, learn about Mongolian Buddhism, and enjoy a traditional lunch at a ger camp.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Mongolia: Naadam Festival
4 Days Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Visiting: Ulaanbaatar, Central Square, Ulaanbaatar, National Sports Stadium, Genghis Khan Statue, Gorkhi Terelj National Park ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26461
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Festival & Special Events, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
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