Mongolia's Nadaam Festival

12 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 4 photos
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
92%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Small Group Tour
The colourful history of Asia hangs brightly on Mongolia’s sleeve, from ancient times through to the rise and fall of communism. Alongside the temples and museums is a surfeit of natural and human wonders – the singing sands of Khongoriin Els, the dramatic landscape in Khustai National Park, and the exciting Nadaam Festival!

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Celebrate the nadaam festival like a local and watch and learn about the games with the professional wrestlers and archers.
    • Stay in tourist ger camps along the way - these are cosy, funished traditional tents.
    • Travel across the vast expanses of the gobi desert and see its 'flaming cliffs'
    • Discover mongolia's rich cultural heritage, from the country’s original buddhist temple to the city built by genghis khan
    • Climb to the top of the giant sweeping sand dunes of khongoriin els and experience the natural phenomenon of the ‘singing dunes’
    • Search out the wildlife that calls mongolia home – vultures, marmots and takhi horses of khustai national park

What's this trip about?

    The colourful history of Asia hangs brightly on Mongolia’s sleeve, from ancient times through to the rise and fall of communism. Alongside the temples and museums is a surfeit of natural and human wonders – the singing sands of Khongoriin Els, the dramatic landscape in Khustai National Park, and the exciting Nadaam Festival!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityUlaanbaatar
End CityUlaanbaatar

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Festivals & Special Events

Destinations

  • Asia
  • China
  • Mongolia

Attractions

  • Gobi Desert
  • Ulaanbaatar

Activities

  • Culture

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Day 1 Ulaanbaatar
Sainbainuu! Welcome to Mongolia. Crammed between the superpowers of Russia and China, the independent nation of Mongolia is a true Peregrine destination. The capital, Ulaanbaatar (affectionately known as UB), is a city where you’ll find elderly Mongolians in traditional ...
Day 2 Dalanzadgad
After an early breakfast, take an approximately 90-minute flight south to the Gobi Desert. Land in Dalanzadgad, a provincial centre and a corner of civilization in the heart of the desert. Here you’ll be welcomed by your local drivers, who will be with you for the next f...
Day 3 Khongoryn Els
Rise and shine for a 4-hour drive to the largest and dunes in Mongolia, known as Khongoriin Els or the ‘singing sands’ by the locals. These behemoth dunes stretch for over 100 kilometres and can reach up to 300 meters in height. If asked to imagine a quintessential deser...
Day 4 Khongoryn Els
This morning you'll tackle the sand in a more traditional manner. Climb aboard a two-humped Bactrian camel to navigate the dunes, like the nomads of past and present. It may help you to understand the practical and spiritual importance of these animals for Gobi nomads. T...
Day 5 Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
Continue through the desert today onto the Flaming Red Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag or sometimes Bain-Dzak (approximately 4 hours). The area is best known for being the first ever site where dinosaur egg nests were discovered, back in the 1920s by a palaontologist who ...
Day 6 Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast you’ll return to Dalanzadgad (approximately 1.5 hours) and then take a 90-minute flight back to Ulaanbaatar. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Take some time to explore the city, perhaps visit Mongolia’s largest and most important active monast...
Day 7 Karakorum
Drive to the centre of the country and the ancient capital of Karakorum (approximately 5 hours), built by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Be sure to ask your leader and drivers to tell you some stories about this legendary figure on the way – he’s the nations' hero aft...
Day 8 Khustai National Park
Drive to Khustai National Park (approximately 4 hours) today and arrive at your ger camp around midday. The park is a typical example of the Mongolian steppe landscape – vast empty spaces and dramatic mountains in the distance – and the Tuul River, one of Mongolia’s larg...
Day 9 Ulaanbaatar
Today, travel back to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 2 hours). Before going back to our hotel, enjoy a half-day city tour in order to get to know the area better. This will include visiting Zaisan Hill, where you can look out across the city and visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. In the afternoon, walk down to the main square to enjoy the Deeltei Mongol, a parade of elaborate, traditional garb.

Day 10 Ulaanbaatar
Get into the festival spirit and embrace the biggest Mongolian national festival with the locals! The ancient Greeks may have the Olympics but the Mongols have Naadam. Mongolia’s annual circus-like festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the K...
Day 11 Ulaanbaatar
In Mongolia, horse racing is not just a sport – it's a way of life and source of national pride. The Khan empire was built on warriors on horseback, and competing in the Naadam races is a great honour. An early start is necessary today to witness the largest and most imp...
Day 12 Ulaanbaatar
Your Mongolian adventure comes to an end today in Ulaanbaatar.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,915
Price per day$410
Last Updated: 12/29/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Peregrine Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Peregrine Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
103
Great
1
Average
1
Disappointing
1
Terrible
7
Write a Review

Other Peregrine Adventures Reviews

T

Tania

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Good impression overall

My first trip with this agency, and I will not hesitate to recommend it to friends and family. The right mix of planned activities and free time. Good central locati...

R

Ruth

Mar 2020

Written on
Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

very reasonable

Thank you to Tucan Travel for early cancellation notification of June tours to Africa and the response, which is very reasonable. Even if matters improve by then, ar...

J

Jane

Apr 2020

Peregrine Adventures Company Reviewsby Peregrine Adventures

Expect I'm not the only one

they are 'fair weather friends' I did not receive so much as an email advising of changes in the cancellation policy, discovered when I contacted them to cancel. I n...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Peregrine Adventures

preferred
View Profile

It’s been more than 36 years since our first small group set out to discover Nepal. It’s this heritage and our reputation that keeps travellers coming back time and time again.

We appeal to the well-travelled, discerning traveller. The one who chooses value over price, and wants to immerse themselves in a place instead of just ticking landmarks off a bucket list. The type of person who would rather stay in a family run B&B built in a 16th century Venetian convent than a forgettable hotel. We’re for travellers who want inclusions along the way instead of fiddling around for loose change.

Almost 20 years ago, Peregrine led an industry revolution by solely employing locally born leaders. This innovative approach gives our travellers a deeper insight into the countries they visit. Doorways are opened and a true understanding of the place is fostered.

At Peregrine, we travel in intimate groups and take the time to get under the skin of a destination. Of course we all want to see the Taj Mahal in India. But imagine then heading to a remote Rajasthani village and learning about rural life while in the company of locals. Seeing the famous sites is a must, but it’s often the memory of wandering through a small village or sharing dinner with a local family that will leave a lasting impact.

We promise to share our knowledge and expertise with you, and ensure you will come home with stories you will tell for years to come.

Why we love this operator
Since their founding in 1977 by trekkers exploring Nepal, they’ve maintained a strong connection to local culture and the “traveler spirit”.
What they’re known for
Immersive experiences that prioritize value, authenticity and adventure over luxury touches for older travelers.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Twin-Share Tourist Gers (6 nights),Hotel (5 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Plane,Private Vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Plane,Private Vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Visa requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent. MONGOLIAN VISA: Citizens of the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and most EU countries will need a visa to enter Mongolia as a tourist for up to 30 days. Citizens of Canada will not need a visa for visits up to 30 days and citizens of the USA will not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required. If a visa is required, you will need to obtain it in advance. There is no visa on arrival in Mongolia at land or air borders. MONGOLIA - LETTER OF INVITATION (LOI): Most embassies do not require a LOI. However, should you be required to present one with your visa application please contact us. There may be a fee for this service. In order for us to provide a LOI through our local partners we will require a clear, colour scan of your passport along with an indication of at which embassy you will be applying for your visa. Please allow up to 3 weeks for your LOI to be processed after which you will be able to apply for your visa. MONGOLIAN VISA EN-ROUTE: You may be able to apply for your Mongolian visa in Beijing en-route if you have time here before your trip. Please plan carefully and check the current embassy requirements. You will need to organise this yourself and ensure you have all the correct documentation to obtain the Mongolian Visa. INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR MONGOLIAN VISA APPLICATION: You will need to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (J) that covers the duration of your stay in Mongolia. Visas are usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue and enable to you to stay for up to 30 days from date of entry. Name and address of host person or organization in Mongolia: Mongolian Trails Apartment 17, Building SOT 4, 4th Micro District, Bayangol District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Phone: +976 99183751, +976 96003751 DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MONGOLIAN VISA APPLICATION: You may be required to provide a copy of your itinerary, indicating the dates of your tour, along with your application.
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Finish point Bayangol Hotel Chinggis Khan Avenue-05 Bayanzurkh District Ulaanbaatar 210643 MONGOLIA Phone: +976 11312255 Alternate Finish point For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point. 02 Jul 2020 (PCMG200702), 05 Jul 2020 (PCMG200705), 10 Jul 2020 (PCMG200710) Hotel Novotel Ulaanbaatar Baga Toiruu 6Th Khoroo, Sukhbaatar Ulaanbaatar 14201 MONGOLIA Phone: +976 70101188
Trip ID
peregrine-PCMG

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >