Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival to the Nomadic Challenge Camp

   • Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Ulaanbaatar to Deren soum, covering approximately 200 kilometres in around four hours.

   • Upon arrival, you will receive a warm introduction to the Nomad Challenge project, where participants are divided into teams and briefed on the upcoming activities.

   • Lunch introduces traditional Mongolian cuisine, featuring boiled meat, one of the most authentic dishes in nomadic culture.

   • In the afternoon, take part in the first team challenge of building a traditional Mongolian ger under the guidance of local experts. This hands-on activity highlights teamwork while offering insight into the traditional portable home design used by nomadic families.

   • In the evening, the winning team receives fresh vegetables as a prize to prepare tsuivan, a classic Mongolian stir-fried noodle dish, for dinner.

   • After the meal, enjoy leisure time to relax and unwind after an engaging first day.

2. Day 2: Dairy Traditions and Nomadic Arts

   • After breakfast, the morning challenge focuses on one of the most important aspects of nomadic culture, Mongolian dairy production.

   • During the Dairy Master Challenge, teams learn how traditional dairy products (Tsagaan Idee) are made, including curds and fermented milk products.

   • The winning team is rewarded with traditional treats such as aaruul and Mongolian milk vodka (Shimiin Arkhi).

   • Lunch offers a hands-on culinary experience where participants prepare Mongolian dried meat soup and learn traditional preservation methods for long winters.

   • In the afternoon, the Nomadic Arts and Talent Challenge introduces Mongolia’s cultural heritage through performances and creative activities.

   • Activities include Khoomei throat singing mimicry, Biyelgee dance battles, Morin Khuur demonstrations and other nomadic-inspired performances.

   • Dinner is served in the evening, followed by free time to relax and enjoy the peaceful steppe atmosphere.

3. Day 3: Nomadic Daily Life Experience

   • The day begins with a traditional breakfast featuring Mongolian cream (Urum) and Boortsog, a beloved fried pastry.

   • In the morning, participants ride horses across the steppe to water livestock, experiencing a daily nomadic routine.

   • Later, teams take part in the Argal Magic Challenge, learning about argal (dried animal dung) used as a sustainable biofuel for cooking and heating.

   • For lunch, the winning team enjoys authentic Mongolian Buuz, while others participate in a hands-on Buuz making experience.

   • In the afternoon, the group travels to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a granite rock formation in the Gobi steppe known for its dramatic landscapes and historical significance.

   • After exploration, participants enjoy free time before returning to the camp for dinner and overnight stay at a tourist ger camp.

4. Day 4: Adventure at the White Stupa

   • After breakfast, the group departs for Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa, one of Mongolia’s most spectacular natural formations.

   • Participants take part in a Content Creator Challenge, capturing dramatic cliffs, colourful sediment layers and vast desert landscapes through photography or short videos.

   • The activity encourages creativity while exploring one of the Gobi region’s most iconic locations.

   • The afternoon is kept free for exploration, relaxation and enjoying the surrounding desert scenery.

5. Day 5: Nomadic Skills and Traditional Games

   • After breakfast, the group drives back to Deren.

   • Lunch includes a DIY Dumpling Tea experience, where participants learn to prepare small traditional dumplings served with tea.

   • In the afternoon, the nomadic lifestyle experience continues with horse riding to water livestock, followed by the Argal Biofuel Challenge, highlighting sustainable nomadic practices.

   • Later, participants take part in the Nomadic Games Challenge featuring Shagai ankle bone shooting, Alag Melkhii puzzle assembly, horse racing simulations and traditional brain-teaser games.

   • Dinner is an interactive Noodle DIY cooking experience, where the winning team receives fresh bread and pickled vegetables as a prize.

   • The evening concludes with rest and preparation for the grand finale.

6. Day 6: Mini Naadam Festival and Celebration

   • After breakfast, the highlight of the journey begins with the Mini Naadam Challenge inspired by Mongolia’s national Naadam Festival.

   • Throughout the day, participants compete in traditional games and challenges reflecting the spirit of the “Three Manly Sports” and nomadic traditions.

   • In the evening, the experience concludes with a bonfire party and festive award ceremony under the open steppe sky.

   • Participants celebrate their achievements while enjoying a special Nomadic Feast.

   • Awards include “The Ultimate Nomad” Grand Prize.

   • Additional awards feature Nomadic title T-shirts such as King of Buuz, Master of Shagai and True Nomad 100%.

   • Traditional calligraphy scrolls with participants’ names are also awarded.

   • Traditional silver cups are presented as part of the ceremony.

   • Survival kits including aaruul, urum and boortsog are included as fun rewards.

   • Golden shagai game sets are awarded to selected participants.

   • The Grand Prize may include a traditional Mongolian deel and hat, a Morin Khuur instrument, or a 20 to 30 percent discount for a future Mongolia adventure.

7. Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar

   • After breakfast, the group drives back to Ulaanbaatar.

   • Upon arrival, the guide and driver will drop participants at the hotel.

   • This marks the end of an unforgettable Nomad Challenge experience filled with culture, adventure and authentic nomadic traditions.