Mongolia · Festival

14-Day Naadam Festival and Khuvsgul Lake Tour with Tsaatan Culture

14 Days Round trip from MR2C+HJ5 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the vibrant Naadam Festival with traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery
  • 02 Explore the ancient capital of Karakorum and visit historic Erdene Zuu Monastery
  • 03 Discover Orkhon Waterfall, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
  • 04 Meet the Tsaatan people and experience authentic Mongolian nomadic culture near Khuvsgul Lake

Celebrate Mongolia's Naadam Festival and explore its breathtaking landscapes on a 14-day cultural journey. Witness traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery during the vibrant Naadam celebrations in Ulaanbaatar, then travel to Karakorum and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery. Discover the beauty of Orkhon Waterfall, relax in Tsenkher Hot Springs, and explore volcanic Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Meet the Tsaatan people near Khuvsgul Lake and experience authentic nomadic culture while travelling through Mongolia's mountains, forests, and steppe.

Admire the impressive waterfall, locally known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, where water cascades from a height of around 20 metres.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 14 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Premium
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Moron, Ulan Bator, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Karakorum
Languages English, German, Korean

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Ulaanbaatar City Highlights

  • Stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar.
  • Begin a city tour exploring the capital and visit Sukhbaatar Square, the large and famous landmark located in the heart of the city.
  • Continue to Zaisan Hill for panoramic views over Ulaanbaatar.
  • Visit the Chinggis Khan Museum to learn about Mongolia's imperial history and heritage.
  • Enjoy a traditional national concert in the evening.

Lunch and dinner are included during the day.

2
Day 02

Naadam Opening Ceremony and Elsen Tasarkhai

  • Attend the colourful opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.
  • Watch traditional music performances, cultural dances, vibrant shows, and a grand parade of athletes celebrating Mongolia's history and nomadic heritage.
  • Experience the festive atmosphere that reflects the country's national pride and cultural traditions.
  • After lunch, drive to Elsen Tasarkhai.
  • Enjoy a camel riding experience across the semi-Gobi landscape.

Stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

3
Day 03

Karakorum, Mongolia's Historic Capital

  • Drive early in the morning to Karakorum, the historic capital of Mongolia.

  • Learn about the city founded by Genghis Khan in 1220 on the right bank of the Orkhon River and on the north-eastern slopes of the Khangai Mountains.

  • Discover how Karakorum became the political centre of the Mongol Empire and a major trading hub along the Silk Road, where merchants and craftsmen from many regions gathered.

  • Hear about the period when Kublai Khan moved the capital to China to establish the Yuan Dynasty, after which the city gradually declined.

  • Learn how much of Karakorum was later destroyed during an attack by the army of the Ming Dynasty in 1379.

Stay overnight at Munkh Suuri guesthouse.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

4
Day 04

Erdene Zuu Monastery and Orkhon Waterfall

  • Travel from Karakorum after visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery and drive towards the famous Orkhon Waterfall.
  • Depart early in the morning after breakfast and enjoy scenic landscapes along the journey through the Orkhon Valley.
  • Meet local horse herders on arrival and prepare for the next day's horse riding experience.
  • Admire the impressive waterfall, locally known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, where water cascades from a height of around 20 metres.
  • Enjoy the opportunity for horse riding around the beautiful natural surroundings.

Stay overnight in a traditional ger at a tourist camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

5
Day 05

Relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs

  • Depart from Orkhon Waterfall and drive towards the relaxing Tsenkher Hot Springs.
  • Pass by the historic Tuvkhun Monastery, founded by the renowned Mongolian spiritual leader Zanabazar.
  • Arrive at the camp and transfer to your traditional ger accommodation.
  • Enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot springs located in the resort area.

Stay overnight in a ger at a tourist camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

6
Day 06

Khorgo National Park and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

  • Depart from Tsenkher Hot Springs early in the morning and drive towards Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, a scenic volcanic lake.
  • Stop in Tsetserleg, the capital of Arkhangai Province.
  • Visit the Zaya Gegeenii Huree Museum to learn about the region's cultural and historical heritage.
  • Continue the drive through beautiful landscapes towards Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
  • Transfer to your ger camp before dinner and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lake.

Stay overnight in a traditional ger at a tourist camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

7
Day 07

Free Day at Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

  • Spend a free day exploring the beautiful surroundings of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
  • Enjoy activities such as swimming in the lake and relaxing in the peaceful natural landscape.
  • Take part in horse riding and fishing while experiencing the scenic beauty of the region.
  • Discover the calm atmosphere of the volcanic lake area and surrounding steppe.

Stay overnight in a traditional ger at a tourist camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

8
Day 08

Scenic Drive to Murun

  • Depart early in the morning from Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and drive towards Murun in Khuvsgul Province.
  • Travel through beautiful landscapes and scenic countryside along the journey.
  • Enjoy a packed lunch during the drive.
  • Arrive in Murun and stay overnight at a hotel.
9
Day 09

Khuvsgul Lake and Ancient Deer Stones

  • Drive approximately 100 kilometres to Khatgal in Khuvsgul Province near the shores of Khuvsgul Lake.
  • Stop for photography of ancient deer stones and petroglyphs that date back to the late Bronze Age.
  • Learn about the cultural significance of deer stones, which were believed by ancient warriors to possess mystical powers and were used in rituals before long journeys and hunting expeditions.
  • Discover the remarkable Khuvsgul Lake, located in north-western Mongolia near the Russian border at the foot of the Sayan Mountains.
  • Admire one of Asia's largest freshwater lakes, which holds nearly seventy percent of Mongolia's fresh water and is surrounded by forested mountains and taiga landscapes.

Stay overnight in a traditional ger camp.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

10
Day 10

Tsaatan Culture and Modon Khui Island

  • Enjoy traditional Mongolian national food near Khuvsgul Lake.
  • Take part in a horse riding experience across the surrounding landscapes.
  • Visit a local Tsaatan People family and learn about their traditional nomadic lifestyle.
  • Meet a Mongolian nomadic family and discover their daily way of life.
  • Enjoy a boat trip to Modon Khui Island.
  • Activities include horse riding and a boat trip.
11
Day 11

Fly to Ulaanbaatar via Murun

  • Return to Murun and transfer to the airport.
  • Take a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar.
  • After arrival, drive to Gorkhi Terelj National Park to continue your journey through Mongolia's scenic landscapes.
12
Day 12

Terelj National Park and Chinggis Khan Statue Complex

  • Begin the morning with a visit to Gandan Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia.
  • Continue the drive to Tsonjin Boldog to visit the impressive Chinggis Khan Statue Complex.
  • See the world's largest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan, holding a golden whip and featuring an indoor museum and viewing area for photos.
  • Enjoy lunch in the Tsonjin Boldog area before continuing to Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
  • Discover the park's dramatic granite cliffs and unique rock formations shaped by natural erosion.
  • Visit the famous Turtle Rock, one of the most recognisable symbols of the park.
  • Explore the peaceful Aryabal Meditation Temple surrounded by scenic mountain landscapes.
  • Visit a local Mongolian family and experience their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

Stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger.

13
Day 13

Back to Ulaanbaatar

  • Drive back to Ulaanbaatar from Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
  • Arrive in the city and settle into your accommodation.
  • Enjoy a city tour of Ulaanbaatar and explore more of the capital's cultural landmarks and local atmosphere.
14
Day 14

Departure from Ulaanbaatar

  • Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
Naadam at Central Stadium, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Khuvsgul Lake, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

Where this trip takes you

Naadam at Central Stadium, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Khuvsgul Lake, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from MR2C+HJ5 4 cities · 14 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Four-star hotel accommodation
  • Guesthouse accommodation
  • Ger camp accommodation with a shower and toilet inside
  • Professional guide in English, German, or Korean
  • Driver
  • Four-wheel-drive vehicle
  • Meals during the tour
  • Domestic flight from Murun to Ulaanbaatar
  • Entry tickets for museums and national parks
  • Horse riding experience

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • International flight ticket
  • Single supplement
  • Extra services

What to bring

  • Warm clothes

Know before you go

  • Naadam is celebrated on July 11th and 12th every year.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), Sergelen, Mongolia
Tour start
MR2C+HJ5, Sergelen, Töv, Mongolia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 14 days finish where they began, in MR2C+HJ5.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room €1,000.00 — €4,500.00
Double Sharing €1,000.00 — €1,500.00

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