14-Day Naadam Festival and Khuvsgul Lake Cultural Tour in Mongolia
Highlights
Ulan Bator, Karakorum
nature, cultural, photography
Private Tour
14 Days
Easy
English, German, Korean
Description
Celebrate Mongolia’s Naadam Festival and explore its breathtaking landscapes on a fourteen day cultural journey. Witness traditional wrestling, horse racing and archery during the vibrant Naadam celebrations in Ulaanbaatar. Travel to Karakorum and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, discover the beauty of Orkhon Waterfall and relax in Tsenkher hot springs. Explore volcanic Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, meet Tsaatan reindeer herders near Khuvsgul Lake, and experience authentic nomadic culture while travelling through Mongolia’s mountains, forests and steppe. Enjoy memorable cultural encounters and spectacular natural scenery throughout this adventure.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Explore Ulaanbaatar City
- 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.
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Day 2: 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.
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Day 3: Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery
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.
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Day 4: Journey to 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.
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Day 5: 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.
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Day 6: 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.
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Day 7: Discover 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.
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Day 8: Travel 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.
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Day 9: Discover Khuvsgul Lake
- 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.
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Day 10: Meet the Tsaatan People
- 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.
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Day 11: Return 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.
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Day 12: Terelj National Park and Chinggis Khan Statue
- 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.
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Day 13: Return 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.
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Day 14: Departure
- Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight.
What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
What To Bring
Meeting Point
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
| Adult | |
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| 1 to 1 | /person |
| 2 to 4 | /person |
| 5 to 10 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 10 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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