Duration
2 days / 2 nights
Days of riding
None
Difficulty
Easy
Price
Per person – £240
As part of a longer tour – £150
Introduction
The most important festival in the Mongol calendar, Naadam is a celebration of Mongolian traditions and history. The whole country breaks into celebration with parades, singing and sporting competitions.
A tradition that is centuries old Naadam has its roots in wedding ceremonies and even military training as Mongolians compete in wrestling, archery and horse riding. Naadam is held during the most pleasant month of the year, July, and nomadic people from every corner of Mongolia meet up to celebrate this festival. The biggest celebration is in the capital Ulaanbaatar.
Naadam begins with an elaborate introduction ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horse riders, and musicians. After the ceremony, the competitions begin.
Naadam Festival
11th to 12th July (every year)
Festival Itinerary in Ulaanbaatar
Day 1 Opening ceremony
Today you will watch the inauguration ceremony of Naadam Festival which is opened by the president of Mongolia. The opening ceremony features marches and music from soldiers, monks, and athletes and live performance of the national instrument Morin Khuur and a choir concert before the real fun begins!
There will be a tournament of wrestling and archery in the Central Stadium while horse races take place outside the city center.
Day 2 The three sports of Mongolia
Thousands of Mongolian’s compete in the capital city for greatest wrestler, archer and horse rider. There is also a fourth traditional game held during Naadam ‘Knuckle bone shooting’ a bowling kind of game where you flick a block of wood through the air to knock over stacked up targets. We shall experience all of these sports and also explore Ulaanbataar during the festivities.
Naadam Tours
Khovsgol Tour
Day 1. Airport transfer and city tour
Day 2-3. Visit Erdenet city and climb the extinct volcano of Uran Tagoo.
Day 4-6. Saddle up and ride on horseback along the beautiful shores of Lake Khovsgol with our local nomadic guides.
Day 7-9. In stunning unspoilt wilderness we leave the Lake behind and ride through the remote mountain passes of Khovsgol’s National Park.
Day 10. Meet a local wrestling champion, explore the mountain steppe and relax with a local filmmaker as we visit two remote villages.
Day 11-12. Encounter an ancient tribe of reindeer herders and learn about their unique way of life as they teach you traditional skills like riding reindeer, that’s right riding reindeer!
Day 13-14. Breathtaking walking and wild camping in picturesque wildflower meadows and mountain terrain as we return through yet more of Khovsgol’s natural paradise.
Day 15/16. We return to Ulaanbaatar via Erdenet city for a final meal together where we can celebrate our wonderful adventure.
Naadam Festival: Day 17-18. Naadam opening ceremony, displays and sporting competitions.
Per person – £1,950
≥2 people £1,750
≥4 people £1,550
Central Mongolia Tour
Day 1. Airport transfer and city tour. The 10th July is Flags Day with lots of military processions.
Naadam festival: Day 2-3. Naadam opening ceremony, displays and sporting competitions. Enjoy the festivities with a local guide.
Day 4. Drive to Khar Korum visiting the Mini Gobi and The Ancient City.
Day 5-7. Meet local herders and ride across the vast steppe.
Day 8. Sit back and relax in some revitalising hot springs.
Day 9. Visit Khorgiin Togoo’s volcanic terrains and beautiful white lake.
Day 10. Return to Ulaanbaatar and the buzz of the city before Nadaam
Per person – £1150
≥ 2 people £1100
≥ 4 people £1000
Tour Details
Naadam is the best times to visit Mongolia which is why we run two tours, one beginning with Naadam and one ending. You can find tour itineraries for these on our Khovsgol tour page and our Central Mongolia page.
Includes:
Hotel guest house in Ulaanbaatar
Overnights in Gers and tents
Three meal a day
English speaking guide
Support staff
Permits/tickets
All activities
Excludes:
International flight
Travel insurance
Personal sleeping bag and role mat