Mongolia Naadam Festival Jeep Tour – 14-Day Jeep Adventure Across the Best of Mongolia

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Day One – Journey Across Central Mongolia to Mongol Els Sand Dunes (B, L, D)

Depart Ulaanbaatar at 08:00 and travel by public bus to Rashaant village (280 km). Enjoy scenic views of vast nomadic pastures along the way. Upon arrival, transfer by rural vehicle to Mr. Byambatogtoh’s family for lunch before beginning your camel or horseback ride to the locally respected Khadagt Khoshuu sacred site (10.5 km). Learn about local customs and return for dinner and overnight in a nomadic ger.

Day Two – Horseback Ride to Northern Gobi Sand Dunes & Swan Lake (B, L, D)

After breakfast, ride to the next host family, guided by Mr. Idertsogt. Enjoy lunch and tea before continuing on horseback to Swan Lake at the base of the Mongol Desert Sand Dunes (6 km round trip). This oasis, home to nesting swans, illustrates the beautiful contrast of desert and water. Return for dinner and overnight in the family’s extra ger.

Day Three – Horseback Trip to Queen Manduhai Film Site & Overland to Ancient Karakorum (B, L, D)

Join your hosts for morning nomadic chores before breakfast. Afterwards, ride to the monument built for the film about Queen Manduhai (5 km round trip). Enjoy a farewell lunch, then travel overland to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Visit Erdenezuu Monastery inside its historic fortress walls before overnighting in a ger camp.

Day Four – Overland to Arkhangai Province & Tsenher Hot Springs (B, L, D)

Travel through the lush landscapes of Arkhangai Province—often compared to Switzerland for its mountains, rivers, and forests. Arrive at Tsenher Hot Springs, where natural 82°C mineral water flows from the ground. Relax and overnight in a ger camp.

Day Five – Overland to White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake) & Horseback to Khorgo Volcano (B, L, D)

Drive 185 km to White Lake, known for its beauty, birdlife, and crystal waters. After lunch at Mr. Batbold’s ger camp, ride on horseback 20 km (round trip) to Khorgo Volcano (2,100 m). Enjoy panoramic views before visiting Yellow Dog’s Cave. Return for a farewell dinner and overnight in a ger.

Day Six – Overland to Zuun Lake (B, L, D)

Travel through the forested slopes and mountain passes of the Khangai Range. Enjoy a picnic lunch before arriving at tranquil Zuun Lake for an overnight ger camp stay.

Day Seven – Overland to Lake Khuvsgul with Horseback Riding & Trekking (B, L, D)

Continue north toward Mongolia’s famed Lake Khuvsgul, the deepest lake in Central Asia (262 m). Reflective waters, larch forests, and mountain scenery make this one of Mongolia’s top destinations. Pass through Murun city before settling into a lakeside ger camp.

Day Eight – Trekking Day Along Lake Khuvsgul (B, L, D)

Spend a full day trekking along the beautiful Khuvsgul shoreline. Optional boat trips (full or half day) are available through the camp. Overnight at the lakeside ger camp.

Day Nine – Overland to Bulgan Province & Trekking the Uran Volcano (B, L, D)

After breakfast, travel toward Bulgan for a hike up Uran Volcano—protected since 1965 and now a Natural Monument. The crater is 500–600 m wide, 50 m deep, and contains a small crater lake surrounded by trees. Wildlife includes red deer, Argali, ibex, and waterfowl. Overnight near the volcano.

Day Ten – Overland to Amarbayasgalant Monastery (B, L, D)

Travel to Amarbayasgalant, one of Mongolia’s most revered monasteries. After lunch at a nearby camp, walk 2 km to the monastery to explore its architecture, history, and monastic life. Return for dinner and overnight in a ger.

Day Eleven – Overland to Ulaanbaatar (B, L, D)

Travel to Darkhan (160 km) for lunch at Raja’s Curry House, then continue to Ulaanbaatar. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner before resting in preparation for the Naadam Festival.

Day Twelve – Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony (B, L, D)

Experience the energy of Mongolia’s National Naadam Festival. The opening features elaborate performances by dancers, athletes, musicians, and horse riders. Watch the parade of 512 wrestlers as competitions begin. After lunch, enjoy the colorful Naadam archery events before dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day Thirteen – Naadam Horse Racing & Closing Ceremony (B, L, D)

Visit Hui Doloon Hudag race field to see the famous 10 km “daaga” race for 2-year-old horses—one of Naadam’s most emotional events. Explore Naadam tents, meet horse trainers, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, witness the powerful 25 km “soyolon” race. Return to the main stadium for the final rounds of wrestling and the closing ceremony. Overnight at your hotel.

Day Fourteen – Departure from Ulaanbaatar (B)

Breakfast at the hotel and departure.

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Included Services – Mongolia Naadam Festival Tour

• All stated breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
• Herder guiding services
• Horseback riding per itinerary
• Sightseeing and cultural activities
• Pack animals on route
• Boiled water
• Bus ticket reservation (UB → Rashaant)
• Private Russian Jeep transport
• 8 nights at tourist camps
• 2 nights in nomadic family gers
• 3 nights in a 3-star hotel
• Private English-speaking guide
• National park entrance fees
• Official Naadam Festival tickets

Not Included

• Camping equipment (sleeping bag, riding helmet)
• Personal expenses