NAADAM & BEYOND THE GOBI

Horse racing – Naadam festival’s horse race opens with a parade of all participants, and young jockeys sing Tumnii Ekh or Leader of Ten Thousand Horses.The number of horses to race is not limited, and some two thousands horses race for 30 km in five age groups. Though, young, two-year-old colts run for shorter, only 15km distance. As for riders, only children aged 4-12 are allowed to be jockeys. The racing takes place not on a special track but across a rugged terrain. The first five winning horses are called airag ones according to old tradition. A young jockey is given cup of airag, some of which is poured over the horse’s head and back.

Day1. Ulaanbaatar JUL08.

Day2. Terelj National park JUL09.

Day 3. Ulaanbaatar JUL10.

Day 4. Naadam day. JUL11

Day 5. Gobi desert –Yol valley JUL12

Day 6. Bayanzag – Flaming Cliffs JUL13

Day 7. Ulaanbaatar JUL14.

Day 8. Departures JUL15

Day1. Ulaanbaatar JUL08. Transfer to hotel in downtown. This afternoon, tour the Chinggis Squarea and museum of National History Museum to view informative exhibits about Mongolia's geography with more than 40,000 archaeological, historic and ethnographic objects, including an excellent history display spanning from the Stone Age, through the Turkic and Mongol Empires, the rise of Buddhism, and the Communist regime up to contemporary society. After dinner at the hotel, enjoy an evening tour of the city, including the War Memorial at Zaisan, a towering landmark dedicated to WWII heroes, and an excellent example of Soviet monumental architecture. Overnight at the hotel.

Day2. Terelj National park JUL09. In the morning, we will visit to the Gandan Monastery, the largest and most significant in Mongolia. Built in the mid-19th century, it survived Stalinist rule and was the only place where Buddhist services continued under Communist rule. Tour inside the Megjid Janraisig Temple, built in 1911 to celebrate the end of Manchu domination and. Late morning, drive 70km to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The park is well known for its spectacular rock formations and a scenic alpine landscape including Turtle Rock and the Old Man Reading a Book. We will visit a local nomad family to learn about their traditional lifestyle. Spend the night in a traditional Mongolian ger.

Day 3. Ulaanbaatar JUL10. Enjoy a breakfast before returning to Ulaanbaatar for more sightseeing. We will visit the dinosaur museum to witness some of the most significant paleontological finds in human history two immense and complete dinosaur skeletons. Free afternoon for your own sightseeing and preparing for Naadam festival. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4. 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 5. Gobi desert –Yol valley JUL12. In the morning, fly to the Gobi Desert, one of the most exotic regions in the world. Upon arrival, we will drive to visit Yol Valley National Park, home to a narrow river canyon with surprising waterfalls, and the Gobi Glacier. Visit the small museum at the entrance, where you can get a look at fossils including dinosaur bones and eggs. In the late afternoon, visit a camel breeding camp and enjoy a camel ride and the chance to learn more about the traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Day 6. Bayanzag – Flaming Cliffs JUL13. We will take an excursion to Bayanzag, better known as the Flaming Cliffs. Follow the trail of archeologist Roy Chapman Andrews to explore the Cemetery of Dinosaurs. See petrified forests and the remains of mammals including a hornless rhinoceros, the largest known land mammal. Return and overnigh at the camp.

Day 7. Ulaanbaatar JUL14. This morning, catch your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Later, visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. Completed in 1903, this was the home of last Mongolian king, Javzan Damba Khutagt VII. View its large collection of artworks created by Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese master-sculptors of the 18th and 19th centuries, which represent the gods of the Buddhist pantheon. You will also see Bogd Khan's private collection of gifts received from around the world. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. Ulaanbaatar JUL15. Breakfast at the hotel. Our Naadam and Beyond the Gobi experience in Mongolia ends here by transferring to the airport.