Mongolia and the Naadam Festival
Resort: | Mongolia and the Naadam Festival |
Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
Destination: | Mongolia |
Price From: | £6990.00 |
OverviewWitness the pageantry of the Naadam Festival, cheering on the participants alongside the crowds of locals, as they compete in the traditional Three Manly Skills wrestling, archery and horsemanship. Amongst the dramatic landscapes of Mongolias steppe, receive a warm welcome from a Mongolian family as they show you around their ger camp home and introduce you to their nomadic life as livestock herders. Immerse yourself in fascinating culture as you enjoy a Mongolian folklore show, featuring old musical traditions such as throat-singing and horsehead fiddles, dancing and performing arts. Mongolia and the Naadam Festival Tour ItineraryDays 1-2:Fly toUlaanbaatarFly overnight to Mongolias chaotic and cosmopolitan capital, Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. Day 3: Explore UlaanbaatarStart your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History giving insight into the culture of Mongolia, you will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts Day 4: Gobi DesertThis morning you will fly to Dalanzadgad where you will visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring by 4WD to the ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. You will then spend the day exploring Vulture Valley and the famed Eagle’s Gorge, before driving back to the camp for a visit to a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle. Day 5: Khongoryn ElsAfter an early start you will be travelling by 4WD to Khongoryn Els to explore the remarkable desert landscapes and beautiful sand dunes. Day 6:Flaming CliffsThis morning is at leisure for you to explore. After lunch, continue to Bayanzag – more commonly known as the Flaming Cliffs. This afternoon sees a visit to the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape. Day 7:Ongiin Khiid MonasteryToday you will journey to the banks of the Ongii River, travelling through over-dry plains. On arrival, visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery Day 8:Mount Khogno KhanDepart for Mount Khogno Khan to explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery so enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings Day 9:KharkhorinDrive to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Here you will have the chance to explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery. Day 10:TsenkherEnjoy the morning at leisure before continuing to Tsenkher Jiguur. You will have more free time to relax in the hot springs and soak up the spectacular surroundings. Day 11:Khorgo TerkhToday you will be heading towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur) to your ger camp which is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Why not take a walk up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views, or stroll along the lake shore with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You will also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town. Day 12: Jargul JiguurEnjoy a walk around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, continue to Jargal Jiguur known as home of the yaks, due to many local families seen herding yaks. Days 13-14: Lake KhuvsgulToday is a long drive through Mron to Lake Khovsgol watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. Your ger camp is situated on the eastern shore of the lake. In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will be introduced to their way of life. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely. Day 15: Ulaanbaatar City TourThis morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. Day 15: Naadam EveThis morning visit the Mongol Nomadic Show and Khustai National Park to learn about the nomads and their way of life. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar city for the Naadam Eve, visiting Central Square where you can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display. Day 17: Naadam FestivalWitness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival. The featured events you will see are wrestling, horseracing and archery. View the procession of the athletes, officials and monks as the first round of competitions in the wrestling tournament begin. Day 18: Horse RaceAn exciting day unfolds as you view the cross-country horseracing, also known as tumnii ekh (leader of ten thousand). Genghis Khan Statue complexThis morning, travel to Terelj National Park stopping on route to visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock. Ulaanbaatar CityYou have the day in Ulaanbaatar to explore as you wish. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by dinner Depart UlaanbaatarFly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day |