Experience Mongolia’s Naadam Festival alongside the Gobi Desert, Khongoryn Els, Flaming Cliffs and Terelj on a 13‑day small‑group cultural adventure From vast grasslands to the golden dunes of the Gobi Desert, discover a place where tradition and nature exist in harmony. Sleep beneath the stars in traditional ger camps, trace the footsteps of Genghis Khan in Karakorum, and stand in awe at the Flaming Cliffs and Khongoryn Els dunes. Experience the legendary Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s annual celebration of sport, tradition, and nomadic culture – a truly unique and unforgettable addition to your Mongolia tour.
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Get ready for a true Mongolian adventure, heading deep into remote regions with long days of driving and off-roading. You’ll stay in a mix of shared accommodation, from hotel rooms to gers camps with shared facilities, including one night with a local family for an authentic experience where you’ll get back-to-basics with no facilities. This once-in-a-lifetime tour to Mongolia is for travellers who want to embrace the wild, rugged landscapes and nomadic lifestyle of this country. In return, you’ll be rewarded with vast open plains, dramatic valleys, towering dunes, and unforgettable experiences.
For travellers who want more background before visiting Kyrgyzstan, our Kyrgyzstan Travel Resources page provides practical tips, cultural insights and region guides. From understanding nomadic traditions and yurt life to learning about key regions such as Issyk‑Kul, Song‑Kul and the remote Kel‑Suu valley, it’s a useful starting point for planning your journey and getting a sense of what to expect in the high‑mountain landscapes. For seasonal guidance, see our Best Time to Visit Mongolia guide.
Welcome to Mongolia! Once you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and join a shared group transfer to your hotel – the perfect chance to start getting to know your fellow travellers. This afternoon is free for you to relax or head out to explore the capital city before meeting your group and guide for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Get ready to experience the iconic Naadam Festival in Mongolia! Watch the grand opening ceremony and exciting wrestling, archery, and ankle bone shooting competitions. Between events, browse the many stalls selling delicious food and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a vibrant performance in the city’s main square and as the night draws to a close witness fireworks light up the sky.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
This morning, head out to the finish line of Naadam’s legendary long-distance horse race! Soak up the lively atmosphere of this Mongolian tradition, where hundreds of spectators gather to cheer as horses complete the race. In the afternoon, continue to explore Ulaanbaatar before gathering for the festival’s grand finale. Witness the test of strength and skill in the wrestling finals before the spectacular closing ceremony to celebrate the end of the Naadam Festival.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
Today you’ll leave the city behind to visit the impressive Chinggis Khaan Monument – the tallest equestrian statue in the world! Climb up the horse’s head to get a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Continue to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a beautiful region of grass valleys and dramatic granite rock formations. Along the way, stop to see Turtle Rock and the Aryaval Monastery. Tonight, you’ll stay overnight in the national park, giving you free time to explore and take in the scenery.
Optional (extra cost): Horse riding in Terelj National Park
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
Embark on a 5-6 hour journey from Terelj National Park into the Middle Gobi. Leaving the green grasslands behind, you’ll see the landscape change as you travel towards Baga Gazariin Chuluu, where towering granite formations rise dramatically from the sandy plains. Along the way, explore the remains of the Delgeriin Choir Monastery, where monks would chant inside a traditional 12-walled ger.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
After breakfast, set off deeper into the heart of the Gobi Desert. Today’s 270km drive offers a real sense of the vast, rugged terrain of this remote region of Mongolia. By the afternoon you’ll arrive at Tsagaan Suvarga, a striking limestone cliff formation in the Gobi, shaped by wind and erosion over millennia, that give it an otherworldly appearance. Tonight, get back to basics and experience traditional nomadic life by staying in a ger camp with a local Mongolian family.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Stay with a local Mongolian family (basic ger camp)
Continue your journey through the South Gobi province as you make your way to Yolyn Am, the “Valley of the Vultures”. This will bring you to the foothills of the Altai Mountain range in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. Hike through the scenic Yolyn Am gorge, then unwind and enjoy the surrounding valley at your ger camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
Today you’ll travel west to the spectacular Khongoryn Els, home to Mongolia’s largest and most famous sand dunes that reach heights of up to 275m. Spend the afternoon exploring the dunes and, for those up for the challenge, hike to the top for breathtaking views across the Gobi Desert. You’ll also visit a local camel-breeding family, gaining insight into traditional Gobi nomadic life.
Optional (extra cost): Camel ride along the dunes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
Your journey today will take you to Bayanzag, famously known as the “Flaming Cliffs”, where the first ever dinosaur eggs were discovered in the early 1920’s. These cliffs get their name from the striking mix of red sand and rugged rock formations, creating a truly dramatic landscape. Explore the cliffs and learn about the historic expeditions that led to the Gobi’s most important paleontological finds. In the evening, stay at a ger camp nearby, where you may be treated to a desert sunset and a sky full of stars.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
Today, travel to the Ongi Monastery, a serene historic site situated near the Ongi River and framed by the Delger Khangai Mountains. Wander among the ruins of the former monasteries and Buddhist universities, originally built in the 17th century. A small monastery now stands among the ruins, and many historical artifacts are preserved in the Ger Museum, offering a glimpse into Mongolia’s rich spiritual heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, shared facilities
Continue your journey to Karakorum, the ancient capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire – located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Orkhon Valley. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, built atop the city’s ruins, and wander its historic temples. Explore the Karakorum Archaeological Museum to see 13th and 14th century artifacts and visit the stone turtles that marked the original boundaries of Karakorum city.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Standard ger camp, private facilities
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and arrive in the afternoon with some time for last-minute souvenir shopping. Enjoy the final evening with your group and guide by attending a captivating cultural show with throat singers and traditional dances – the perfect end to your adventure in Mongolia!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar
It’s time to say goodbye to Mongolia and to your fellow travellers. Check out of your hotel and join the shared group transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
If you’d like to extend your time in Ulaanbaatar, why not add post-trip accommodation and private airport transfer (for an additional cost).
Want to shorter trip?
Check out our 11 day Gobi Desert & Grasslands Mongolia tour.
Each trip requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. Please ensure your departure is confirmed before booking flights to Mongolia.
It’s the heart of Mongolia’s nomadic history and a highlight of central Mongolia. Parts of the valley are recognised by UNESCO for their cultural landscape and archaeological significance. More info: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1081/
All travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to joining any trip. Your policy must provide adequate cover for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, personal liability, and loss or damage to personal belongings. Please ensure that your insurance also covers all activities included in the itinerary. Proof of insurance may be requested before departure, and participation may be refused without adequate coverage.
Horse and camel rides during the trip are optional activities offered independently by local suppliers. These experiences are not operated, arranged, or sold by Pure Nomad, and therefore aren’t included in the tour price. If you choose to take part, payment is made directly to the herders, and participation is at your own discretion. Our guide can advise on what to expect, but the activity is not part of the Pure Nomad itinerary or services.
Yes, all breakfasts, lunches, dinners and drinking water are included. Additional drinks and snacks may be available to purchase (half-way through the trip) in Dalanzadgad town. Most dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice, but in remote areas, options may be limited.
You’ll stay in 3-star hotels in Ulaanbaatar and standard ger camps in the countryside, with shared facilities in most camps. Accommodation is based on two people sharing per room in hotels, and up to six people sharing in ger camps. A single supplement is available for private rooms or gers (additional cost), except at the local family ger stay which has limited, basic accommodation with no showers or flushed toilets.
Yes, pre-trip and post-trip accommodation in Ulaanbaatar as well as private airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost. It’s recommended to book these in advance to ensure there is availability. We also offer tailor-made trips across Mongolia, so get in touch if you want to see other places not visited on this tour.
To enter Mongolia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ of at least 6 months after the date you arrive. UK citizens can visit Mongolia without a visa for up to 30 days, but it is your responsibility to check the official government website for the most up-to-date information. Pure Nomad is not responsible for any visa issues or refusal of entry to Mongolia.
Driving:
This trip includes covering long distances on several days, particularly when travelling to the Gobi Desert. The amount of time on the road ranges from approximately 3-6 hours of driving per day. As roads can be rough or unpaved, travel times can vary depending on the conditions.
Fitness:
A moderate level of fitness is recommended due to long days of exploring and opportunities for hiking valleys, gorges, and sand dunes. Please be aware that the altitude in Mongolia may be higher than you are used to and may take time for your body to adjust. The average altitude on this trip is approximately 1000–1500 m above sea level and should not exceed 2000m.
WiFi/Internet:
Connectivity can be limited in remote regions and national parks. Wi-Fi is usually available in hotels in Ulaanbaatar but may not be available in ger camps.
Luggage:
Due to limited space in the van, we advise against bringing hard suitcases and instead recommend foldable soft bags. Occasionally, these bags may need to be placed on the rooftop.
