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Tour Overview
Embark on the Naadam Festival Mini Adventure in Mongolia, a captivating journey into the heart of Mongolian culture and tradition. Experience the vibrant opening ceremonies of the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll witness the thrilling "three manly sports" of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Marvel at the finale of the Mongol Derby, the world's longest horse race, and enjoy the festival's closing ceremonies. Explore the majestic Genghis Khan statue and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Discover the natural beauty of Terelj National Park, including a visit to the iconic Turtle Rock. Delight in traditional Mongolian cuisine at a ger camp and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. With private vehicle transport and comfortable hotel accommodations, this tour offers an immersive and unforgettable cultural experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: J Hotel
Accommodation Name: J 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: J Hotel
Accommodation Name: J 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: 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.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 3: Ulaanbaatar
Location: Ulaanbaatar, National Sports Stadium
Accommodation: J Hotel
Accommodation Name: J 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
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. For travellers continuing on to another G Adventures tour, your CEO will help facilitate the joining of the new group starting in the evening.
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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Accommodation
Hotels (3 nts). -
Meals
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches -
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
Entry and transport to Naadam Festival events.
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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
Private vehicle and walking.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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International Travel
International travel is not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in hotels for 3 nights, providing a cozy retreat after each day's adventure.
Meals Included
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Transport
Private vehicle, walking.
Group Size
Max 14, Avg 4.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Solo Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with private vehicles and explore on foot, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience throughout the tour.
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.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or other holy sites. ...more ...less
Important Notes
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Please note that part of Mongolia's appeal is its wild nature and, as such, accommodation and infrastructure can be very basic in nature, with some shared rooms and limited access to showers in certain places. Mongolia is a country which is very different to anything you will have experienced before. Although this means it is not the easiest place to travel, this is also what makes it so special.
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Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO 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. ...more ...less
About Accommodation
Gers are traditional Mongolian tents made with wooden frames and layers of felt. The camps we stay at will have 2 beds with mattresses, linens, and extra blankets. The tent is on a platform and while simple, is quite comfortable and offers a truly unique experience. Our locations are remote and gers do not have built-in ensuite - all camps have shared facilities with toilette's/sinks/showers. Most ger camps have 24 hour electricity with a couple of exceptions that have generators which after 11pm they cut electricity until morning. ...more ...less
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips. Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. ...more ...less
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What is the Naadam Festival and what can I expect to see there?
The Naadam Festival is the biggest festival in Mongolia, featuring the 'three games of men': wrestling, archery, and horse racing. You can expect to see colorful opening ceremonies with dancers, athletes, and musicians, as well as competitions in these traditional sports. The festival also includes cultural performances and fireworks. ...more ...less
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What is the Mongol Derby and what makes it unique?
The Mongol Derby is the longest horse race on Earth, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Competitors ride over 1,000 kilometers across the Mongolian steppe, retracing the former mail routes of Genghis Khan. It is known for its challenging and grueling nature.
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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 towers over the flatlands of Mongolia. It is a significant landmark as it represents the legendary leader Genghis Khan, who is a central figure in Mongolian history. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the statue's head. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the visit to Gorkhi Terelj National Park?
During the visit to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, you will see natural landmarks such as Turtle Rock and the Meditation Temple. The park offers beautiful landscapes and an opportunity to learn about Mongolian Buddhism. A traditional lunch at a ger camp is also included.
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What is the purpose of the visit to No Limits Cafe?
The visit to No Limits Cafe is part of a 'G for Good Moment' where you can enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks prepared by local youth with Down Syndrome and their mothers. The cafe is an initiative by the Down Syndrome Association of Mongolia to create job opportunities and training for young people with Down Syndrome and their families. ...more ...less
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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/
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Naadam Festival Mini Adventure
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:
25560
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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