This 8 days’ tour combines the Naadam Festival with an amazing Khuvsgul lake and reindeer festival;
- Known as the world’s second-oldest Olympics, Naadam Festival is celebrated nationwide annually. Because just like Brazil’s Carnival in Rio de Janeiro and Germany’s Oktoberfest, this festival is our most popular and largest celebration here in Mongolia. There is plenty to see and attract your attention such as traditional wrestling, archery, open field horse races of different age categories, magnificent opening and closing ceremony of the festival.
- Plus, be awed by the vast crystalline freshwater lake, often dubbed as "blue pearl of Mongolia", and admire the mountain peaks, forests, lush meadows. Also attending in Reindeer Festival is an opportunity for you to meet reindeer herders and explore their daily life not traveling far on rough roads and riding horses for several days to the remote Taiga
Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Our professional guide will meet you at the Arrival Hall of the airport, carrying a board with your name. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*.
Meals: not included this day
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the city airport for the flight to Murun, which is the town center of Khuvsgul Province. Upon land in Murun airport, your guide and driver lead you to the Khuvsgul Lake, which is known as the Switzerland of Mongolia and the second clearest lake in Central Asia.
Take a 2 hours’ drive to the Khatgal village on the shore of the lake and visit the village market and main port of the lake. This day the first day of Reindeer Festival is taking place on the western shore of the Khuvsgul Lake. Numerous tsaatan people, who live in the depths of the Taiga forest, arrived near the Khuvsgul Lake with their reindeers to participate in the Reindeer Festival. It is an opportunity for you to meet reindeer herders and explore their daily life not traveling far on rough roads and riding horses for several days to the remote Taiga. Check-in and dinner at Tourist camp, which is located near to the lake.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 120km, driving for ~2hrs.
Enjoy delicious breakfast on the shore of the lake. We will explore the national park from horse back. Mongolia is the best destination for horse riding trip and especially Khuvsgul province is the best recommended place for this experience. After horse riding, you will take an exciting boat trip on the crystal clear Khuvsgul lake. Plus, there are great opportunities to do hiking, climbing to the mountain or just enjoy wild nature to take photos.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Early this morning, we will return to Murun town and take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, you will visit Uushig ancient Deer Stone Monument as another wonder of the Khuvsgul region. This is most clearly depicted deer stones left behind by bronze-age men. If time allows, we will also visit local market to experience small town daily life.
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, transferred to Terelj National Park, the nearest and the most breathtaking sightseeing from the capital Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, we will enjoy visiting the local nomad family to experience their nomadic lifestyle which has not changed for centuries.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: Flight takes 1.5hrs and 200km driving for ~4hrs.
After delicious breakfast, we will explore the national park and see Turtle Rock – the symbol of the National Park. You can climb on the rock if you want, Also, visit the Ariyabal meditation temple - Once you reach the temple and stand on the top of hill, you will be amused by the whole park view.
After lunch, we will drive to “Genghis Khan Statue Complex” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. You can go inside and enjoy museums, souvenir shops and restaurants. Return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*, and Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Total distance: 80km driving for ~3.5hrs.
The first day of the Naadam festival: early this morning at 07.30am Your guide and driver pick you up and drive out of the city for a hour to Hui Doloon hudag (horse racing field of Naadam festival) to see Naadam horse races. The horse race encompass around 150-200 horses.
Then return to city center and enjoy to see traditional costume show “Deeltei Mongol”. In the afternoon, continue to explore the city and visit Museum of Mongolian National History – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Continue to visit and largest glorious Gandan monastery and capture the monks’ daily rituals. Dinner is at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 100km ~3.5hrs.
Today, the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival takes place at the central stadium. It’s Mongolia’s most important festival and biggest national holiday, which allows travelers to observe and experience authentic Mongolian culture.
Festival includes 3 manly games: horse racing, Mongolian-style wrestling, and archery.
In the afternoon, we will explore the city and visit Zaisan Memorial Hill is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having a best view of the city and surrounding hills.
Continue to visit Bogd Khan Palace museum - the complex was a residence of 8th Bogd Javzandamba in 19th century, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace. Afterwards, transferred to the hotel. The evening is dedicated to visit “Folklore show". It’s a great chance to hear Khöömii (throat singing) and see some fabulous costumes.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*, and Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
As your memorable trip comes to end, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination or home.
Meals: Breakfast,
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