Central steppeHeart of the Steppe
Wild takhi horses, a herding family’s summer camp, and Kharkhorin, the old imperial capital.
- Length
- 6 days
- Level
- Easy
- Price
- from $1,290
All trips
Central steppe
Naadam Festival
Wrestling, horse racing and archery at Mongolia’s great summer festival, then out onto the steppe.
- Length
- 8 days
- Level
- Easy
- Runs
- July
- Price per person
- On request
Overview
Naadam is Mongolia’s national festival, held every year from 11 to 13 July. You’ll be in Ulaanbaatar for the opening ceremony and the horse races, then head west into the grasslands, where life slows down again and you may catch a smaller country naadam.
- The opening ceremony and the first rounds of wrestling
- The horse races on the steppe outside the city, ridden by young jockeys
- Archery and ankle-bone shooting
- Takhi horses at Khustai and a night with a herding family
- Erdene Zuu monastery at Kharkhorin
The route
Starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar.
Day by day
A sample itinerary. We adjust it to your dates, the weather and what you’d most like to do.
- 1
Day 1
Ulaanbaatar
Arrive the day before the festival. An evening walk and a welcome dinner.
Overnight:HotelMeals:Dinner
- 2
Day 2
Naadam opens, 11 July
The opening ceremony at the National Sports Stadium: horsemen, music and the first wrestling bouts. Afterwards, the archery and ankle-bone shooting.
Overnight:HotelMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 3
Day 3
The horse races
Out to the race grounds on the steppe west of the city, where young riders race over long distances and families gather to cheer the winners home.
Overnight:HotelMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 4
Day 4
Khustai National Park
Leave the crowds behind and watch the wild takhi horses graze at dusk.
Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 5
Day 5
With a herding family
A day on the summer pasture. If a local naadam is on nearby, we go along.
Overnight:Family gerMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 6
Day 6
Kharkhorin
Erdene Zuu monastery and the museum of the old imperial capital.
Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 7
Day 7
Elsen Tasarkhai
The sand dunes of the “little Gobi”, then a last evening on the steppe.
Overnight:Ger campMeals:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 8
Day 8
Back to Ulaanbaatar
Drive back to the city and say goodbye.
Meals:Breakfast, lunch
On the way
Included
- English-speaking Mongolian guide
- Driver and vehicle
- Tickets to the Naadam opening ceremony
- Accommodation as listed
- Meals as listed
- Park and museum fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa, if your passport needs one
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for your guide and driver
Good to know
- EasyEasy. Short walks, optional riding and comfortable camps. Fine for most ages.
- The festival dates are fixed, so this trip starts the day before the opening on 11 July.
- Ulaanbaatar is busy during Naadam and hotels fill up early, so book well ahead.
- Sun hat and sunscreen: the stadium and race grounds have little shade.
More ways into Mongolia
Central steppe
Ulaanbaatar & TereljUlaanbaatar & Terelj
The capital’s monasteries and museums, the giant Chinggis Khaan statue, and a night in a ger in Terelj.
- Length
- 4 days
- Level
- Easy
- Price
- Price on request
Ulaanbaatar & TereljWinter with the Nomads
Snow, clear skies and a herding family’s winter camp, an hour or two from Ulaanbaatar.
- Length
- 6 days
- Level
- Moderate
- Price
- Price on request