Naadam Festival: Mongolia’s Great Games

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide, and get your first feel for the city before the festival begins. This is a relaxed arrival day designed to settle in and prepare for the days ahead.

Explore Ulaanbaatar through its monasteries, museums, and central squares. Learn about Mongolia’s history and traditions before the festival begins. In the evening, attend a lively acrobatic performance that showcases the country’s energy, strength, and cultural creativity.

Attend the Naadam opening ceremony with VIP access. Watch traditional wrestling, archery, and the ceremonial start of Mongolia’s biggest event. The stadium fills with color, music, and national pride, offering a unique insight into the country’s identity and culture.

Leave the city and head into the countryside to witness Mongolia’s famous long-distance horse races. Set out across the steppe to watch riders race over vast distances. Enjoy a picnic in the open landscape before returning to Ulaanbaatar.

Drive to Terelj National Park and step into a quieter side of Mongolia. Ride horses across open landscapes and experience the steppe away from the crowds. This is where the trip shifts from festival energy to a more relaxed and natural setting.

Spend the day exploring the park and visiting a nomadic family. Learn about daily life, enjoy the slower pace, and take in the surrounding landscape. The day ends with sunset views and time to relax in a traditional ger setting.

Return to the city and visit the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue. Take in the views across the steppe before heading back to Ulaanbaatar for a private dinner featuring traditional throat singing, a memorable way to end the journey.