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Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival

Take a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s deep-rooted nomadic traditions watching thrilling competitions at the renowned Nadaam Festival. The vibrant celebrations, rich cultural performances, and the infectious energy of local people make it an unmissable event that showcases the heart and soul of Mongolian heritage. Continue the exciting adventure on a 4x4 journey through the country, visiting the famed Gobi Dessert, learning from local Buddhist monks, searching for wild horses, all while staying in yurts, just like the nomadic people of Mongolia still do today. Enjoy the incredible opportunity to connect with a unique culture, breathtaking nature and ancient ways of life.

16 DaysUlaanbaatar to Ulaanbaatar
Valid on May 5 2026Trip Code: AMNNG
From $6449 USDIncluding taxes and fees

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Merchandising: Planeterra Project

Trip Type: Small Group

Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.

Age requirements: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival - Itinerary

Trip Start: UlaanbaatarTrip End: Ulaanbaatar

DAY 1

Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After your welcome moment, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on your way to an optional welcome dinner. Your tour may start or end with the Naadam Festival depending on the trip dates.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader 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.

Chinggis Khaan Hotel:
Chinggis Khaan Hotel

Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival - Itinerary

Trip Start: UlaanbaatarTrip End: Ulaanbaatar
DAY 1
Ulaanbaatar

DAY 1

Ulaanbaatar

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. After your welcome moment, join your group for an orientation walk around Ulaanbaatar on your way to an optional welcome dinner. Your tour may start or end with the Naadam Festival depending on the trip dates.

Arrival Transfer:
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader 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.

Chinggis Khaan Hotel:
Chinggis Khaan Hotel

DAY 2
Ulaanbaatar
+
DAY 3
Ulaanbaatar
+
DAY 4
Ulaanbaatar/ Baga Gazriin Chuluu
+
DAY 5
Baga Gazriin Chuluu/ Bulgan
+
DAY 6
Bulgan
+
DAY 7
Bulgan
+
DAY 8
Bulgan/ Ongiin Khiid
+
DAY 9
Ongiin Khiid/ Orkhon Valley
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DAY 10
Orkhon Valley
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DAY 11
Orkhon Valley/ Elsen Tasarkhai
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DAY 12
Elsen Tasarkhai
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DAY 13
Elsen Tasarkhai/ Khustai National Park
+
DAY 14
Khustai National Park/ Ulaanbaatar
+
DAY 15
Ulaanbaatar
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DAY 16
Ulaanbaatar
+

What’s Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nomadic Family Desert Ger Building & Archery Lesson Experience, Bulgan
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Milking with Herding Family, Orkhon Valley
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Family Farm Experience, Orkhon Valley
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin
  • Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
  • Naadam Festival Tickets
  • National Museum of Mongolia Visit & Tour
  • Nalaikh Village Family Ger District Lunch
  • Genghis Khan Monument Visit
  • Gandan Monastery Guided Tour
  • Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain & Picnic Lunch
  • Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park Hike
  • Yolyn Am Visit
  • Moltsog Els Sand Dunes
  • Free time in Bulgan, Elsen Tasarkhai
  • Flaming Cliffs Visit
  • Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu Monasteries Visit
  • Orkhon Waterfall Hike
  • Mongolian Dumpling (Buuz) cooking class
  • Khorkhog (Mongolia Traditional BBQ)
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery
  • Karakorum Museum
  • Uvgun Monastery Hike
  • Khustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu) Visit
  • Mongolian Cultural Show
  • Arrival Transfer
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
  • Hotels – 5 nts, Ger camps – 9 nts with ensuite bathroom; 1 nt with shared bathroom.
Meals
  • 15 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 10 dinners
Transportation
  • Private vehicles, 4x4, walking, hiking.
Staff & experts
  • National Geographic Expedition Leader

Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival Departure Dates

All Years

StartEndingAvailabilityPrices from
Sun, Jun 28 2026Mon, Jul 13 2026Sold Out $6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jul 10 2026Sat, Jul 25 2026Sold Out $6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Fri, Jul 10 2026Sat, Jul 25 2026Sold Out $6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jul 10 2027Sun, Jul 25 2027Sold Out $6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Sat, Jul 10 2027Sun, Jul 25 2027Open (8)$6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Jul 10 2028Tue, Jul 25 2028Open (12)$6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)
Mon, Jul 10 2028Tue, Jul 25 2028Open (14)$6,449 USD
(price includes taxes and fees)

USEFUL INFO

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nomadic Family Desert Ger Building & Archery Lesson Experience, Bulgan
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Milking with Herding Family, Orkhon Valley
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Yak Family Farm Experience, Orkhon Valley
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin
Your G for Good Moment: Cafe No Limits Visit, Ulaanbaatar
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Naadam Festival Tickets. National Museum of Mongolia Visit & Tour. Nalaikh Village Family Ger District Lunch. Genghis Khan Monument Visit. Gandan Monastery Guided Tour. Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain & Picnic Lunch. Baga Gazriin Chuluu National Park Hike. Yolyn Am Visit. Moltsog Els Sand Dunes. Free time in Bulgan, Elsen Tasarkhai. Flaming Cliffs Visit. Ongiin Khiid and Hoshuu Monasteries Visit. Orkhon Waterfall Hike. Mongolian Dumpling (Buuz) cooking class. Khorkhog (Mongolia Traditional BBQ). Erdene Zuu Monastery. Karakorum Museum. Uvgun Monastery Hike. Khustai National Park (Khustain Nuruu) Visit. Mongolian Cultural Show. Arrival Transfer. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Experience the ancient living traditions and competitions of Mongolia during its world renowned Naadam Festival, Discuss the history of Buddhism in Mongolia with the head monk of Erdeni Dzu Monastery-one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in the region, Visit with a nomadic family in the Gobi to learn how to build a traditional ger (yurt), and take a lesson in archery, Mongolia’s national sport, Hear from rangers at Hustai National Park and track wild horses across the grassy steppe

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders 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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