Experience Mongolia at its most festive and colorful time of year — during the Naadam Festival, the country’s beloved celebration of sports, heritage, and national pride.
This journey blends Ulaanbaatar’s vibrant cultural life with peaceful evenings in the countryside, visits to nomadic families, and outdoor adventures in iconic landscapes. You will explore sacred mountains, visit Mongolia’s tallest horse statue, meet camel herders in the Mini Gobi, and take part in the electrifying Naadam opening ceremony and horse racing events.
Along the way, enjoy authentic food, traditional music, and warm hospitality in both the countryside and the capital. This short cultural journey offers the perfect introduction to Mongolia’s traditions, daily life, and festive spirit during the nation’s most significant holiday.
Driving time: 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
Driving time: 4 hours drive on paved roads
After breakfast, journey west to the Mini Gobi (Elsen Tasarkhai), a striking region where rolling grasslands, golden dunes, and rugged granite mountains meet in one beautifully varied landscape.
Visit a local nomadic family to learn firsthand about rural life, from dairy traditions to seasonal migration across the steppe.
Enjoy a gentle camel ride led by experienced herders, then savor a traditional Mongolian khorkhog barbecue prepared outdoors — a warm, flavorful meal cooked over hot stones. As evening settles, relax at your ger camp and take in the peaceful natural surroundings.
Driving time: 4–5 hours drive on paved road
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, pausing at scenic viewpoints to enjoy the shifting landscapes along the way. After settling into your hotel, visit Zaisan Hill for sweeping panoramic views over the capital — a perfect introduction to the city’s blend of history and modern life.
In the evening, attend a professional folk concert showcasing Mongolia’s most cherished traditions, including throat singing, horseback dance, the haunting melodies of the horse-head fiddle, and vibrant folk ensembles. It’s an inspiring and memorable immersion into the nation’s cultural soul.
Driving time: 2 hours drive on paved road
Travel east to the iconic Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex — the tallest equestrian statue in the world and a striking tribute to Mongolia’s legendary leader. Explore the museum beneath the monument and ascend to the panoramic viewing deck for sweeping views across the steppe.
Continue onward to Terelj National Park, a spectacular landscape of alpine meadows, forested valleys, and dramatic granite formations. Visit the famous Turtle Rock and, if you wish, enjoy a short hike to the serene Aryapala Meditation Temple before settling into your ger camp for a quiet and refreshing evening in the countryside.
Driving time: short city transfers
Today, join Mongolians in celebrating Naadam — Eriin Gurvan Naadam, the legendary “Three Manly Games.” Begin at the National Stadium for the spectacular Opening Ceremony, where music, dance, cavalry formations, and historical reenactments bring centuries of tradition to life in a powerful burst of color and culture.
Witness the start of the national wrestling tournament and enjoy the festival atmosphere all around you — families dressed in bright deels, sizzling food stalls, and the proud, joyful spirit that makes Naadam Mongolia’s most beloved celebration.
Driving time: 1 hour drive on paved road
This morning, travel to Hui Doloo Hudag race field to witness Mongolia’s legendary long-distance horse racing. Meet young jockeys, admire the endurance of Mongolian horses, and enjoy the fair-style celebration around the race grounds.
After the festivities, return to the city for a relaxed evening, or enjoy dinner at one of Ulaanbaatar’s recommended restaurants to conclude your day in style.
After breakfast, explore Ulaanbaatar with your guide, discovering the city’s rich blend of history, culture, and modern life. Begin with a visit to the impressive Genghis Khan National Museum, home to immersive exhibits tracing Mongolia’s imperial legacy. Continue to browse local designer boutiques and premium cashmere shops, then stop at key cultural and historical landmarks along the way.
Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon for final shopping, a café break, or a relaxing spa visit. The evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the city at your own pace.
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. Your driver will ensure you arrive at least three hours before your flight.
Driving time : 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
The Naadam Festival Journey takes place every July, when Mongolia celebrates its most treasured national holiday.
This is the country’s most festive time of year — Ulaanbaatar comes alive with performances, parades, traditional clothing, and the excitement of thousands of families gathering for the annual games.
Expect a balanced combination of cultural events, countryside nature, and relaxed urban experiences. This itinerary is designed for travelers who value comfort while experiencing authentic traditions such as horse racing, nomadic hospitality, traditional music, and the beauty of national parks.
Transportation is by private vehicle with scenic day trips around the capital, with one countryside night in the Mini Gobi and one night inside Terelj National Park.
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar – Comfortable & Convenient
Your first and final nights are spent in a centrally located 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Rooms include private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, heating or air-conditioning, and breakfast service.
The location offers easy access to city highlights, shopping areas, and dining options.
Examples include:
Premium Hotel
Aurora Hotel
Millennium Plaza
(or similar based on availability)
Tourist Ger Camps – Mongolian Nature Experience
Two nights are spent in well-managed tourist ger camps outside the capital.
Each camp features:
Private twin beds with clean linens
Restaurant ger serving hot meals
Electricity available in the evenings
Shared bathroom facilities with hot water
Scenic natural landscapes perfect for sunrise or stargazing
Ger stays allow you to connect with nature, enjoy fresh air and quiet evenings, and appreciate the peaceful rhythm of countryside life.
Please note:
Ger camps do not provide one-time amenities such as toothbrushes, robes, shampoo, or conditioner (a few upgraded camps may).
Bring personal toiletries and a towel.
Some camps have Starlink Wi-Fi, but signal strength and reliability vary.
Camps are clean, quiet, and well-managed, offering a balance of comfort and nature immersion.
Meals are included as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).
During the trip you will enjoy a variety of meals including restaurant lunches, camp dinners, and a traditional BBQ with nomadic hosts in the countryside.
Expect:
Breakfasts at hotel/camp cafés – eggs, bread, pancakes, coffee & tea
Lunches - soup, salad & main dish at local restaurants or picnic style
Dinners - hot, filling meals at ger camps or city restaurants
Special notes:
Vegetarian meals available upon request
Gluten-free options limited outside the city
Bottled drinking water is provided dail
Private air-conditioned vehicles are used throughout the journey.
Daily driving varies from short city transfers to scenic drives of 2–5 hours to reach countryside destinations.
Roads are mostly paved near Ulaanbaatar, with occasional gravel sections on rural approaches.
Expect smooth highway travel mixed with gentle countryside driving — always with scenic stops and photo opportunities.
Your professional driver ensures a comfortable, safe journey at a relaxed pace.
07:30–08:30 Breakfast
09:00 Depart for the day’s activities
12:00–13:30 Lunch at local restaurant or camp
14:00–17:00 Visits, light hikes, cultural experiences
18:00 Arrive at camp/hotel & rest
19:30 Dinner & evening free time
Internet access in rural Mongolia is limited, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Mobile network coverage is available in most towns and along major routes if you use a local SIM card.
Some ger camps offer Wi-Fi via Starlink, but service can be intermittent.
In remote locations, you’ll enjoy a true digital break — replaced by incredible stargazing and quiet evenings.
A professional English-speaking Travel Buddies guide accompanies you throughout the tour, organizing logistics and sharing cultural insight.
Additional local guides/wranglers assist during camel riding and country experiences.
Guides in other languages available on request (French, German, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, etc.)
Naadam Festival departures run from July 8–12, and horse-race events are held around this period.
Weather is warm, atmospheric, and ideal for outdoor events.
Typical conditions:
Daytime: +20°C to +28°C
Evenings: +10°C to +15°C
Mostly sunny with light breezes
Bring comfortable layers and sun protection — hats are recommended for festival days.
This journey offers a cultural-immersion experience blended with nature, city exploration, and festival excitement.
You will witness centuries-old traditions, meet nomadic families, hear ancient musical instruments, and walk among crowds in colorful deels.
Travel is relaxed but full of meaningful moments — from peaceful mornings among sand dunes to cheering crowds at horse-racing grounds. Mongolia’s Naadam is not simply an event — it is a celebration of identity, history, and pride.
To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required, payable via online payment (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer. Please note that card payments incur a 3% processing fee, which is borne by the client. Bank transfers do not have any additional charges.
The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your tour departure. There are no hidden fees beyond the card processing cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions for full details.
Kindly note that bookings close one month before the tour departure date.
Price is based on per person & double occupancy
4-12 travelers - $1781 USD
Single supplement - $600 USD
5 nights at 3★ hotel in Ulaanbaatar (twin or double room)
2 nights in comfortable tourist ger camps
All transport by private vehicle (4WD)
1-hour Bactrian camel riding fee
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees and all sightseeing as per itinerary (Naadam ticket, national parks, museums, monasteries)
International airport transfers (one-time pick-up & drop-off)
Meals as per itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Bottled water (1.5L per person per day)
International airfare & visa fees
Travel insurance (recommended)
Tips & personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks & meals not specified
Optional activities
Travel Buddies Mongolia is a locally owned Destination Management Company based in Ulaanbaatar, crafting immersive, authentic, and comfortable journeys across Mongolia since 2009. We specialize in tailor-made experiences, small group adventures, and premium comfort-eco collections designed to connect travelers with Mongolia’s landscapes, culture, and nomadic heritage.
Our dedication to exceptional service and genuine hospitality has earned us consistent recognition on Tripadvisor — proudly placing us in the Top 10% of travel experiences worldwide. Year after year, we are honored as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner, a reflection of the trust and love from our guests around the world.
At Travel Buddies, we believe in intentional travel — where every journey is meaningful, every guest is cared for, and every moment becomes a story.
For any inquiries or assistance, feel free to reach out to our friendly team:
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +976 9959 1766
✉️ Email: info@travelbuddies.info
Our Travel Buddies team is available 7 days a week to assist with bookings, tailor-made itineraries, and any questions you may have.
Let us help you make your dream journey through Mongolia a reality —
💛Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies.