Best of Mongolia Danshig Naadam 13 Days
Tour Overview
Set off on a cultural journey that takes you through Mongolia's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Experience the excitement of the Danshig Naadam Festival, where traditional sports and performances bring Mongolia's heritage to life. Wander through the wide-open spaces of Terelj National Park, and travel back through the centuries at Karakorum, the ancient Mongolian capital.
Explore the stunning Gobi Desert, where the Yol Valley and Khongor Sand Dunes offer dramatic natural beauty and a chance to see wildlife in its native habitat. Visit the peaceful Ongi Monastery, a place of spiritual calm that connects you with Mongolia's Buddhist traditions. This journey is perfect for those looking to dive deep into Mongolia's culture, enjoy its natural wonders, and learn about its historical and spiritual sites.
Tour available dates
2024-08-02 - 2024-08-14
Tour Highlights
Route
Ulaanbaatar-Middle Gobi-Yol Valley-Khongor sand dunes-Bayanzag-Ongi-Karakorum-Tsenher hot spring-Lake Ugii-Ulaanbaatar
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 - Welcome to Ulaanbaatar
After you land , our guide and driver will be awaiting for you at the airport entrance. Start your travel of Mongolia with tour of the Capital by visiting Gandan monastery - the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia. National history museum next and main square Sukhbaatar. Lunch at Mongolian cuisine restaurant. Continue the tour by enjoying Mongolian traditional folklore concert followed by dinner
DAY 2 - Danshig Naadam Begins
Step into the enchanting world of Mongolian traditions at the Danshig Naadam Festival. Witness the mythical Tsam Dance, a mesmerizing display of divine movements, and experience the ancient "Khuree Tsam" mask dance introduced in the 18th century. Immerse yourself in Mongolia's Buddhist heritage, paying homage to Zanabazar, the first Buddhist leader. Feel the energy of Naadam activities—cheer for wrestlers, race alongside thundering hooves, and witness precision in archery. This unique itinerary promises a celebration of culture, spirituality, and history.
DAY 3 - Danshig Naadam Day 2
Attend cultural performances, including traditional music and dance shows, showcasing the rich heritage of Mongolia.Spend the day immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Danshig Naadam on Day 3
DAY 4 - Baga Gazriin Chuluu
In the morning, begin the journey to a homeland of many birds and wild animals called Baga Gazriin Chuluu. In the afternoon, explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay in a Ger camp.
DAY 5 - Tsagaan Suvarga
After breakfast visit the ruins of old Buddhist temple ruin that was built in the middle of the oasis. Continue driving to Tsagaan Suvarga, a fascinating white limestone cliff that resembles a Stupa. Dinner and overnight stay in a Ger camp.
DAY 6 - Yol Valley
Drive further south. Arrive at the Three Beauties Mountain range of the Gobi desert. Spend the day on an excursion to Yol Valley; hiking and enjoying stunning photographic opportunities are available in this spot. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay in a Ger camp.
DAY 7 - Khongor Sand Dunes
After an early breakfast, travel for 4-5 hours to Khongoryn Els, the location of Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Witness the remarkable desert landscapes and explore the sand on foot. The hike will take at least 2 hours return. For the more adventurous, climb to the top for fantastic views. Visit a nomadic camel breeding family and experience the hospitality of Mongolian nomads. Enjoy a short camel ride. Lunch, dinner, and overnight stay in a ger camp.
DAY 8 - Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Drive to the world-famous Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag). Explore the site of the first paleontological discoveries in Mongolia by following the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews (January 26, 1884 – March 11, 1960), an American explorer, adventurer and naturalist.
DAY 9 - Ongi Monastery
Spend the day travelling onwards to the banks of the Ongii River, a journey of approximately 4-5 hours, some of which is on trails over dry plains where there are no direct roads. On arrival, check-in to your Ger camp close to the Ongi River and visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery.
DAY 10 - Karakorum the Ancient Capital
After breakfast, drive to Karakorum, once the capital of the 13th century Great Mongol Empire. Visit Erdene-Zuu Monastery, which was the first and the largest monastery in Mongolia, built on the ruins of the ancient capital. Tour the monastery and visit several temples with excellent examples of Buddhist Thangka paintings and statues dating back to the 17th century. Visit the Karakorum museum. Dinner and overnight stay in a Ger camp. In the evening Juulchin Party at ancient capital of Mongol Empire.
DAY 11 - Back to Ulaanbaatar
Its time to return back to Ulaanbaatar, our team will be escorting you to your hotel for check-in and its time for the final tour of the city. Bogd Khan's palace museum and Zaisan Hill for its stunning view of the city.
DAY 12 - Terelj National Park & Chinghis Khan Statue
In the morning, we'll start driving towards the Tsonjin Boldog Complex, for one last highlight of the tour. The largest Equine statue in the world , The Chinghis Khan Statue complex which is located aprox 70km outside the city you'll be visiting this site for the breathtaking views and its rich history located in its museum and souvenirs shops available inside it. Afterwards we'll head towards Terelj National park and check into to our camp for Lunch and explore the park starting with Turtle Rock and visit local family for horse ride along the Tuul River. Overnight in a ger camp.
DAY 13 - Farewell Mongolia!
After breakfast, we'll start our drive towards the airport for transfer, our guide and driver will give you farewells on your travel back home as our tour officially comes to an end