CLASSIC NAADAM FESTIVAL

The biggest event and national pride of the year for Mongolians is the well known Naadam Festival, occurs at the height of summer in July 11-12 annually. The festival is also called “Eriin Gurvan Naadam,” meaning “Three Manly Games”. It is a true test of manhood in such traditional games as horse racing, archery and wrestling. This ancient festival dates back many centuries and was originally created as a celebration during weddings or spiritual gatherings. After 1921, the Naadam Festival became an official celebration of the National Revolution Victory. On July 11 the revolutionaries mounted a successful attack, Urguu, a capital city, and expelled Chinese military garrison.

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 07

Day 2. Elsen tasarhai. JUL 08

Day 3. Kharkhorin. JUL 09

Day 4. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 10

Day 5-6. Naadam Festival. JUL11-12

Day 8. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 13 

Day 9. Departure.

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 07 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel and start city tour in Ulaanbaatar, the nation’s capital, visit Chinggis square, Zaisan Hill; Museum of National History, famous for its exhibition for Stone and Bronze Age, Turkic and Mongol Empire, rise of Buddhism and communist regime, Gandan Monastery a centre of Mongolian Buddhism. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 2. Elsen tasarhai. JUL 08 After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the Kharkhorin, the ancient capital city of Mongolia. We will transfer to camp near the Elsen tasarhai sand dunes. Optional hiking in Khogno Khaan and visit the ruins of Uvgun Monastery. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 3. Kharkhorin. JUL 09 We will drive to Kharkhorin; an ancient Capital of Great Mongolian Empire and Erdenezuu Monastery. Kharkhorin was established in the valley of Orkhon river in 1220. We will see 800 years old Turtle Rock near the temple. Erdenezuu Monastery is the first Buddhist monastery was founded by Avtai Sain Khaan, in 1586. The monastery is surrounded by white walls with 108 stupas. Explore small town Kharkhorin and visit local museum of and the Phallic stone. Overnight at the ger camp 

Day 4. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 10 We will drive to the Ulaanbaatar, arrive and transfer to the hotel. Rest and prepare for the Great Festival of the next day. This is a lifetime experience indeed and everyone wants to take part in it. The Mongols have the saying “If you are being healthy, you will see the Naadam Festival”. Overnight at the hotel

Day 5-6. Naadam Festival. JUL11-12 We will visit the Central Stadium to experience the opening ceremony of Naadam festival. We will see first round of Wrestling, and then Archery and Ankle bone shooting competitions. On 12 July, we will drive to the horse racing place to experience the Naadam Festival’s horse races. On the 11 July, we will see Naadam Gala concert at the National Folk Songs & Dances Ensemble in Ulaanbaatar. Experience fire work in the evening. Overnight at the hotel

Day 8. Ulaanbaatar. JUL 13.  We will visit “Deeltei Mongol”or “Mongols in Deel” Festival at the Chinggis square in the morning. This festival encourages young people to take pride in national culture, and celebrate the richness of historic and contemporary fashion of traditional costumes, which has been organized since 2006. In the afternoon, we will visit Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum and see a traditional folk concert by national Folk and song ensemble. Overnight at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 9. Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Our Naadam experience in Mongolia ends here by transferring to the airport.