Mongolia & Naadam Festival Reversed

Fly overnight to Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join a welcome meeting at the hotel, a chance to meet your fellow travellers and learn about travelling in Mongolia.

After breakfast begin your explorations with a visit to Gandan, Mongolia's largest and most significant monastery. Afterwards, delve into the country’s rich cultural heritage at the Museum of Mongolian History. Conclude your day with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Today you will embark on a morning drive to the Mongol Nomadic Show, a place to witness the nomadic way of life. Enjoy lunch at the camp before returning to Ulaanbaatar for the Naadam Eve festivities. Stroll through Central Square to admire the vibrant Naadam Mongol costumes on exhibit before spending the rest of the day relaxing or exploring at your leisure.

Prepare for an extraordinary experience over the next two days as you immerse yourself in the annual Naadam Festival. Join locals and nomads at Central Stadium for the grand Opening Ceremony and watch the procession of athletes, officials, and monks. Enjoy the first rounds of wrestling and archery competitions that kick off in the afternoon.

Head beyond the city limits to relish the excitement of the Naadam Festival's second day. Experience the exhilaration of cross-country horseracing, also known as 'tumnii ekh' (leader of ten thousand), a highly anticipated event among young competitors. Join the locals in cheering on the athletes as they showcase their skills amidst the vibrant carnival atmosphere.

After breakfast, fly to Môron and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Khovsgol, watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. On arrival, check into your ger camp on the eastern shore of the lake then enjoy a leisurely walk through the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family to gain insight into their way of life. The next day is at leisure for you to explore as you wish.

Set out bright and early to travel by road for Jargal Jiguur, known as the ‘home of the yaks’, due to the many families in the area who herd them. En route there will be plenty of awe-inspiring vistas to admire.

This morning you will soak in the breathtaking scenery as you drive southwards towards the tranquil Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur). Arrive at your spectacularly placed ger camp, nestled between the Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Enjoy a short hike up to the crater of the volcano for panoramic views, or wander along the lakeshore, where you'll find excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Savour a leisurely morning at your ger camp before departing for Tsenkher Jiguur after lunch, pausing to explore Zayaiin Huree Monastery en route. On arrival, unwind in the soothing hot springs, admire the picturesque surroundings, and settle into your yurt at tonight’s ger camp.

Travel the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery. Stay overnight in a ger camp.

Travel to Mount Khogno Khan and delve into history as you explore the remnants of the 17th-century monastery, Uvgun Khiids, nestled at the base of the mountain. Take some time to wander through the monastery and its surroundings before continuing your journey to your ger camp accommodation, situated near the enchanting Mongol Sand Dune.

Traverse jeep trails through dry plains to reach the serene and scenic banks of the Ongii River. Settle into your riverside ger camp then explore the historic remnants of the revered Ongiin Kiid complex, consisting of two renowned monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south.

Begin your explorations of the Gobi Desert. Travel by four-wheel drive vehicles to Bayanzag, the ‘Flaming Cliffs’, then visit the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and explore the surrounding landscape. Your overnight stay here will be in a ger camp close by.

Journey on to Khongoryn Els, home to Mongolia's largest sand dunes. Marvel at the breathtaking desert vistas as you enjoy an immersive experience of the sand dunes both by vehicle and on foot.

Enjoy the morning at leisure. Depart for the Three Beauties Mountain range, where you'll explore Vulture Valley. Marvel at the sharp peaks and huge sand dunes while taking in the breathtaking scenery of Eagle's Gorge, also known as Yolyn Am. Return to the camp and visit a nearby Mongolian family to gain insight into their lifestyle and savour traditional Mongolian dairy products.

This morning you will travel to the airport for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, continue the journey to Terelj National Park, with a stop en route to visit the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the area and spend the night at a ger camp, making the most of these tranquil surroundings.

Today will be free for leisure. In the evening enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance, followed by a farewell dinner.

Fly overnight to Australia, arriving home the following day.