13-DAY Mongol Naadam and Two Gems Expedition: Gobi and Khuvsgul
Mongol Naadam and Two Gems Expedition: Gobi and Khuvsgul is a unique festival-based journey that combines Mongolia’s most iconic cultural event with its most stunning natural landscapes. Timed to coincide with the world-famous Naadam Festival, this tour offers travelers the chance to witness Mongolia’s “Three Manly Games” — wrestling, archery, and horse racing — in an authentic and vibrant atmosphere.
Key info
Overview
Mongol Naadam and Two Gems Expedition: Gobi and Khuvsgul is a unique festival-based journey that combines Mongolia’s most iconic cultural event with its most stunning natural landscapes. Timed to coincide with the world-famous Naadam Festival, this tour offers travelers the chance to witness Mongolia’s “Three Manly Games” — wrestling, archery, and horse racing — in an authentic and vibrant atmosphere.Beyond the festival, the journey explores two of Mongolia’s natural gems: the vast Gobi Desert and the pristine Khuvsgul Lake. From the dramatic Flaming Cliffs and towering Khongor sand dunes to the crystal-clear waters of Khuvsgul, travelers will experience diverse landscapes, nomadic lifestyles, and rich cultural traditions.Blending festival excitement, cultural immersion, and scenic exploration, this tour is ideal for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Mongolian experience.
The package includes:
- Meals as noted in itinerary (Breakfast-B, Lunch-L, Dinner-D)
- English speaking guide
- Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- Bottled or filtered water 2servings per day
- All ground transportation, including airport transfers
- All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary
- All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes
- Visit to shaman and nomad families
- Domestic flights
The package excludes:
- Travel Insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Round trip airfare and en-route expenses to/from your trip in Mongolia
- Passport and visa fees
- Increase in VAT or other tourism taxes, which may occur at any time
- Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes
- Personal expenses and incidentals, such as phone calls, internet, and laundry
- Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance
- Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control
- Gratuities for trip leaders, local guides, drivers, porters, and other staff
Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar - Cultural Welcome
Day 1
Juulchin World Tours professional team warmly welcomes you at Chingis Khaan International Airport. After checking into hotel and some rest you will visit Zaisan memorial, a viewpoint of our capital city and a socialist memorial of Second World War. Then visit Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace Museum, once was residence in early 1900s to our last religious leader and emperor. After lunch we check into hotel.
Khuvsgul Lake Exploration – Tsaatsan Nomadic people Encounters
Day 2
Fly into Moron town with early morning domestic flight and visit Khuvsgul province museum and enjoy lunch in Moron town. Afterwards drive to Hatgal town by crystal blue Khuvsgul Lake. After short rest we embark on boat excursion (to visit reindeer herding Tsaatsan people on the other side of Khuvsgul lake.
Yak herder family and Shaman Encounters
Day 3
Early in the morning visit local Yak herder family, learn about life around Khuvsgul Lake. In the afternoon visit Uriankhai shaman household. Conversate about Shamanism, a thousand of years old belief of Nomadic Mongolians. Accommodation: Ashikhai ger camp Distance covered: 12km on road 27km off road Meals: B, L, D .
White Stupa the Tsagaan suvarga of the Gobi Desert
Day 4
We depart to Moron town in the morning. We fly back to Ulaan Baatar. After lunch at airport we start our journey to Gobi by heading to Dundgobi Province to visit White stupa a.k.a Tsagaan Suvarga. 30-60 m high, 400 m long, colorful limestone formation, once was the ocean bed where the visitors find marine fossils and clamshells. After hiking
Yol Valley - Nature's Canvas
Day 5
The famous Yol valley, named after the lammergeier vulture. Canyon you can hike through with interesting rock walls and stream going through. Most years there is ice glacier up until end of June in the middle of Gobi Desert. *Alternate for Yol valley is Khavtsgait Petroglyphs. This 7000-15000 years old petroglyphs located on Three Beauties of the Gobi Mountain. Option is 40km shorter and much less crowded.
Khongor Sand dunes
Day 6
Early in the morning we head to Khongor river oasis, Khongor sand dunes stretching over 170km is biggest one in Mongolia. Afterwards we visit local Camel Breeding family, hop on 2 humped Bactrian camels. Learn how to make some wool products.
Flaming Cliff Adventure - Paleontological Marvels
Day 7
After driving sceneries of the Gobi Desert, we arrive at famous Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur egg nest was discovered by Roy Chapmen Andrews hundred years ago. After some hiking on the red mud cliff, we head to Gobi Sun lodge.
Baga Gazryn Chuluu Nature Reserve
Day 8
Early morning drive to Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a stunning granite rock formation. Rising from the surrounding steppe, these ancient rock formations are home to unique wildlife, rare plants, and hidden caves. Explore ruins of Lovonchombo monastery and various areas by hiking.
Terelj National Park, Chingis Khaan Equastrian Statue
Day 9
Our journey continue to Tsonjin Boldog where lies 40m tall, 250tonnes of stainless-steel Guinness record holding Chingis Khaan’s equestrian statue complex. Terelj National Park which is for granite rock formations such as Turtle Rock. This afternoon hike to Aryapala Meditation Temple visit Turtle Rock.
10th of July Day of refresh
Day 10
After lunch we head back into Ulaanbaatar. Relax and refresh after your journey and gain energy for the Grand Naadam festival.
Grand Opening of the Naadam Festival
Day 11
The Naadam Festival officially begins with a spectacular Grand Opening Ceremony at the National Stadium. State Honor Guards carry the centuries-old Nine White Banners, placing them at the center of the stadium—a tradition symbolizing Mongolia’s unity and heritage.
Khui Doloon Khudag – Horse Racing Festivities
Day 12
Today, we head to Khui Doloon Khudag, the horse racing grounds near Ulaanbaatar. This is where Mongolian horse culture shines, with thrilling long-distance horse races featuring young jockeys as young as five years old. The festival atmosphere extends here with live cultural performances, food stalls, and a showcase of Mongolian ethnic traditions. We also visit a horse trainer’s camp, where we experience Naadam celebrations in an authentic nomadic setting, interacting with local horse trainers and learning about their deep-rooted equestrian traditions.
Zaisan Memorial & Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace
Day 13
After a relaxed morning, we embark on an afternoon tour, starting at the Zaisan Memorial—a panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Ulaanbaatar. The memorial also honors the Soviet-Mongolian alliance in World War II. We then visit the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum, the former residence of Mongolia’s last emperor and spiritual leader, Bogd Khan Jevtsundamba. This well-preserved palace provides insight into Mongolia’s religious and royal history, featuring artifacts, thrones, and Buddhist relics.In the evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner
Until Next Time - Departure Transfers
Day 14
Bid farewell to Juulchin World Tours team at Chingis Khaan international airport. Distance covered: 55km on road
Gallery
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