TRADITIONAL NAADAM FESTIVAL

Wrestling – The tournanment is the focal point of the festival. Altogether 512-1024 wrestlers step onto the arena at the start of the wrestling tournament. Wrestlers come up slowly and imitating the flight of mythical Phoenix bird. Wrestlers then divide into two groups on two sides of the arena. After a signal they converge in a fierce battle. After half an hour the weakest ones are knocked out and the winners of the first round emerge, proudly waving their hands imitating eagle’s flights. The tournament lasts for two days and after eight matches only the strongest ones remain to wrestle for the title of a Titan, the highest rank. Each Mongolian wrestlers has a title of his own; Lion, Elephant and Falcon.

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar JUL09

Day 2. Ulaanbaatar JUL10

Day 3. Naadam day. JUL11

Day 4. Naadam day. JUL12

Day 5. Kharkhorin. JUL13

Day 6. Khustai National Park. JUL14  

Day 7. Ulaanbaatar. JUL15 

Day 8. Departure

Day 1. Ulaanbaatar JUL09 Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, our team will meet you at the airport. The rest of the day is for you to relax and rest before your adventure in Mongolia start. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2. Ulaanbaatar JUL10 After breakfast, we will 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. In the afternoon, we will drive to 40m high equestrian statue of Chinggis Khaan in Tsonjin boldog. Overnight and relax in the hotel.

Day 3. Naadam day. JUL11 We will visit the Central Stadium to experience the opening ceremony of Naadam festival. The opening ceremony is quite colorful with parades, music and dances and opening speech by the President of Mongolia. We will see first round of Wrestling, and then Archery and Ankle bone shooting competitions. On the 11 July, we will see Naadam Gala concert at the National Folk Songs & Dances Ensemble in Ulaanbaatar. Overnight at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Day 4. Naadam day. JUL12 In the morning, we will drive to the horse racing place to experience the Naadam Festival’s horse races on the way to Elsen tasarhai. Arrive in the ger camp in the afternoon and will visit the ruins of Uvgun monastery which is located 20 kms from the ger camp. We have opportunities to visit horse breeder’s family and experience making of airag, the Mongolian traditional drink made by mare’s milk. Hiking, horse and camel riding sessions are available. Overnight in the ger camp.

Day 5. Kharkhorin. JUL13 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 6. Khustai National Park. JUL14  After breakfast, we will start drive back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way we will visit Hustai National Park. The park lies in the southern range of Khentii mountain and it is the place you can see wild horse called Takhi known as Przewalski horse. The wild horses survive in nature by themselves as a result of successful reintroducing projects after 40 years of extinction. Currently, the number of Takhi has already reached more than 240. Overnight at the ger camp.

Day 7. Ulaanbaatar. JUL15  We will visit Bogd Khan’s Palace Museum and afternoon is free for your personal time for shopping. In the evening we will see a traditional folk concert by national Folk and song ensemble. Overnight at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 8. Departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Our Naadam experience in Mongolia ends here by transferring to the airport.