Highlights of Mongolia and Ancient Gobi with Nadaam Festival

Duration

12 days

On specific dates

on Friday

Guaranteed

with 4 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

From AUD $4,856

WHAT TO EXPECT

Explore Mongolia on a 12-day journey showcasing its dramatic landscapes and rich history. Begin in Ulaanbaatar, then venture into the Gobi Desert to witness White Stupa cliffs, Yol Valley, and the stunning Khongor Sand Dunes. Discover the Flaming Cliffs and Ongi Monastery before heading to Orkhon Valley and the historic city of Kharkhorin, home to Erdene Zuu Monastery. At Kharkhorin you will participate in the Naadam Festival, a vibrant celebration of traditional sports showcasing the rich cultural heritage and nomadic spirit of the Mongolian people. Experience the wild beauty of Khustai Nature Reserve, spotting rare Przewalski horses, and unwind in Terelj National Park, exploring Turtle Rock and nomadic culture. Conclude with a visit to the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue and Ulaanbaatar’s cultural landmarks. A truly unforgettable adventure!

Highlights of Mongolia and Ancient Gobi with Nadaam Festival

  • Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

    Upon arrival our professional team will warmly welcome and transfer to city center for check-in at the hotel. (Depending on the arrival time, could arrange lunch, dinner and half day city tour) Overnight at Millennium Plaza in Ulaanbaatar

  • Day 2: White Stupa

    After breakfast, transfer to Tsagaan Suvarga /White Stupa/, which is a deep escarpment formed over time due to erosion of a sedimentary mud in the sea bottom and looks like a stupa from far distance. From far-east it looks like a city ruin or a settlement, but from west it looks like a flat steppe. This escarpment is 60m high, about 400m wide, and believed to have almost 900 steep banks. Lunch in a small local town on the way. In the late afternoon arrive and check-in to Gobi Caravanserai resort. Enjoy the vastness of Gobi and have a relaxing evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort. (twin occupancy at house with shared bathroom)

  • Day 3: Yol Valley

    Early in the morning transfer to The White Stupa for sunrise as it’s the best time to see the beauty of escarpment. Enjoy coffee picnic while greeting the sun rising over the vast horizon. Then transfer back to resort for breakfast and check-out. Our next destination for the day is Yol Valley, a beautiful gorge located within the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain range. Upon arrival have lunch and check-in to ger camp. Then drive to Yol Valley and hike through the gorge, surrounded by majestic rocky mountains. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at ger with private bathroom)

  • Day 4: Khongor Sand dunes

    After breakfast, transfer to Khongor Sand Dunes, the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the country. Upon arrival have lunch and check-in to the ger camp to relax. In the afternoon drive to small river at the foot of the sand dunes and enjoy the beautiful sceneries. Then climb to the Singing Sand dunes, tallest part of the dunes for amazing panoramic view. Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at wooden house with private bathroom)

  • Day 5: Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs

    Following breakfast, enjoy the serenity of Gobi morning. Then check-out from the camp and transfer to our next destination, Bayanzag, otherwise known as the Flaming Cliffs for its red and orange appearance during sunset. After checking in at the camp and having lunch, explore the red cliffs that became famous for the first findings of dinosaur eggs and skeletons by American explorer Roy Andrews Chapman. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at ger with private bathroom)

  • Day 6: Ongi Monastery

    Today transfer to Ongi Monastery, ruins of an old temple located on the banks of Ongi river, nestled within the rolling hills. We will arrive at the camp in time for lunch. After the lunch and check-in to the camp, visit the ruins of the temples and small museum with artifacts left from the Monastery. The place is full of mystic energy surrounded by beautiful hills and steppe. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at ger with shared bathroom)

  • Day 7: Orkhon Valley

    Following breakfast, transfer to Orkhon Valley while driving through green steppes of central Mongolia. Have lunch at a local café en-route and continue driving to Orkhon Valley. Arrival at the camp in the afternoon and relax for the day. You can take short hike and look for petroglyphs in the nearby rocky river valleys. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at ger with shared bathroom)

  • Day 8: Kharkhorin

    After early breakfast transfer to Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire. Upon arrival enjoy Naadam festival in Kharkhorin town which includes traditional performances, traditional “Three Manly Sports” which are horse racing, wrestling and archery. After the festivities, have Mongolian traditional cuisine for lunch and then visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Museum for in-depth knowledge about history of Ancient Mongolian Empires and States. Dinner and overnight at tourist Ger camp (twin occupancy at ger with private bathroom)

  • Day 9: Khustai Nature Reserve

    In the morning, transfer to Khustai Nature Reserve. Lunch on the way in local café. Khustai Nature reserve is inhabited by various kinds of wild lives including takhi otherwise known as Prezwalski horse, one of the remaining wild horse species. Upon arrival at the camp watch a documentary about the Reserve and reintroduction of takhi horses back into the wild. Then transfer deeper into the Reserve and have a close look at these magnificent horses in their natural habitat. After exploring, transfer to Ulaanbaatar for dinner and check-in to hotel Overnight at Millennium Plaza in Ulaanbaatar

  • Day 10: Terelj National Park

    Following breakfast at the hotel, transfer Terelj National park. Spend the day touring the area and enjoying the magnificent alpine scenery. Visit local nomadic herder’s family to learn about their unique lifestyle. Then visit top attractions of the National Park including the Turtle rock, and Aryabal temple. Lunch at the camp and Mongolian traditional Lamb BBQ “Khorkhog” for dinner. Overnight stay in Deluxe Ger camp (twin occupancy in a Ger with private bathroom)

  • Day 11: Chinggis Khaan Statue – Ulaanbaatar

    After breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex and see the largest equestrian statue in the world. Climb up the statue via elevator and enjoy the view from above. By noon, transfer to Ulaanbaatar city have lunch and explore some of the highlights, such Zaisan Memorial Hill and Buddha Park and Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy traditional concert in the evening. Farewell dinner at fine-dine restaurant. Overnight at Millennium Plaza in Ulaanbaatar

  • Day 12: Departure Ulaanbaatar

    Following breakfast, transfer back to the international airport for your departure point. Say ‘Bayartaiy’ (goodbye) to the Land of BlueSky and depart to your home country with full of adventure and great memories.

Inclusions

  • Insider Experiences

    Naadam Festival: a vibrant celebration of Mongolia's "Three Manly Games" - wrestling, horse racing, and archery - showcasing the nation's rich cultural heritage and nomadic traditions.
    Yol Valley: Hike through a stunning gorge with towering cliffs, ice formations, and unique wildlife in the Gobi Mountains.
    Bayanzag, The Flaming Cliffs: Explore the red sandstone cliffs, famous for dinosaur fossils, and enjoy mesmerizing desert sunsets..
    Terelj National Park: Discover alpine landscapes, visit nomadic families, and hike to iconic landmarks like Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple..
    Chinggis Khaan Statue: Stand beneath the world's largest equestrian statue and enjoy panoramic views of the vast Mongolian steppe.

  • Accommodation

    4 nights in 4 star hotels
    7 nights in Deluxe Ger camp

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast
    10 local lunches
    10 local dinners
    2 bottles of 500ml drinking water per day

  • Transport

    Airport transfer on arrival and departure
    Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Touring

    English speaking tour guide
    All entrance fees


SKU: IJDB-SGJ-91-Mongolia-2025 Categories: , Tags: , ,

Departure Dates

START DAYEND DAYTWIN ROOMSINGLE ROOM
Friday, 04 July 2025Tuesday, 15 July 202548566759

Booking Request Form

Insider Journeys
Logo
Compare items
  • Total (0)
Compare
0

Thank you!

One of our Journey Designer will contact you shortly to confirm the details.