Mongolia Naadam Festival and Nomadic Cultural Experience

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 7D6N Beginner-friendly
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
7D6N Beginner-friendly

Highlights

#CoreMemories

Why we love this experience

Nature
80%
Relax
75%
Culture
85%
City
60%

Experience the Legendary Naadam Festival

Witness Mongolia’s biggest cultural celebration featuring traditional wrestling, horse racing, archery competitions, and vibrant opening ceremonies.

Go Deeper into Naadam with Locals

Celebrate alongside horse trainers, wrestlers, and nomadic families in a rural Naadam gathering beyond the main stadium.

Horse & Camel Riding Adventure

Ride horses in Terelj National Park, watch thrilling steppe horse races, and explore the golden dunes of Mini Gobi with a camel ride.

Experience Mongolia during its most vibrant time of year — the legendary Naadam Festival. This 7-day adventure blends Mongolia’s biggest cultural celebration with breathtaking landscapes and authentic nomadic encounters. Witness the excitement of Naadam in Ulaanbaatar, where traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing showcase centuries-old warrior traditions. Travel beyond the capital to Terelj National Park, a scenic alpine landscape known for its granite rock formations and peaceful monasteries, where you’ll enjoy a horseback riding experience through the valleys. Continue to the Mini Gobi (Elsen Tasarkhai), a stunning stretch of sand dunes surrounded by endless steppe, where you will ride camels, meet nomadic families, and experience Mongolia’s legendary hospitality. From cheering at steppe horse races to tasting fermented mare’s milk and meeting horse trainers and wrestlers, this journey offers a rare chance to experience Mongolia’s nomadic culture, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant traditions all in one unforgettable trip.

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What's included

foodfood

Day 1: Dinner Day 2-6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7: BreakfastDay 1: Dinner Day 2-6: Breakfast, Lunch, Di..

transporttransport

Private transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar airport. Private vehicle throughout the trip.Private transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar ai..

lodginglodging

Twin-sharing/triple-sharing rooms in Ulaanbaatar, and multi-sharing ger camps (4 people ..Twin-sharing/triple-sharing rooms in Ulaanb..

instructorinstructor

English-speaking guide throughout the tripEnglish-speaking guide throughout the trip

activityactivity

Naadam festival entry tickets Horseback riding in Terelj National Park Watch Naadam hors..Naadam festival entry tickets Horseback rid..

group leader servicesgroup leader

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience aut..Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers..

More details

4.8

Past memories

Latest reviews

"Naadam Festival is a plunge into the country’s sou ...
Song 26 Jul 26
"Love the authenticity in this trip - truly experie ...
Hong Kai, Wesley 17 Jul 26
"Really interesting activities that are varied - wa ...
Tesia 17 Jul 26

Itinerary

Additional Information

Arrival information

Fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN); you'll be picked up at 12:00 PM and transferred to Zaya Hostel.

Pick up

12:00 PM

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

Arrive and check in

Accommodation

How does accommodation & rooming work?

By default, solo travelers are matched with same-gender roommates. If you're traveling with friends, you can choose to room together. Private rooms are sometimes available at an additional fee at checkout.

Trip confirmation & minimum participants

Most trips require a minimum of 4 and cap at 20 participants. Booking early helps the trip reach confirmation faster — and you'll enjoy our early bird discount.

Is flight included?

Flights are not included, giving you flexibility to book your own. We recommend booking after your trip is confirmed. Once you've booked, we'll send you a detailed trip pamphlet with recommended flight options and more details about your trip.

Cancellation & refund policy

Cancel before the deadline shown at checkout and receive a full refund in credits. If we cancel the trip due to insufficient participants, you'll receive a full cash refund.

Physical level

This itinerary is perfect for those seeking an adventure at a relaxed pace. Expect minimal physical exertion with short walks and gentle activities suitable for all fitness levels. Activities include short hiking and horseback and camel riding. Incorporate regular short walks and gentle exercises into your routine to build basic endurance.

Sotravel Signature

Mongolia rewards good judgement.

Design your own custom Mongolia

The map is vast, roads are variable and the best moments rarely happen on command. We design with that reality—not against it. That means sensible drive days, trusted locals, the right accommodations and enough time at each location to feel its magic.

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Why choose to travel with us?

Guides & leaders you can trust

Our guides and leaders are carefully selected and trained to deliver a safe and unforgettable Sotravel adventure.

Can't do alone adventures

We put together adventures that are best experienced with a group of like-minded individuals.

Just show up and enjoy yourself

Our team has done the heavy lifting on our end so all you have to do is show up for your adventure!

Have questions?

Contact us on Telegram to chat with us! If you are looking for an instant reply, try searching for a quick answer here.

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Day 1

Arrival Day and Explore Mongolia’s Capital

Touch down at Chinggis Khaan Airport, where your private transfer awaits to take you to the hostel in the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
Enjoy free time to explore Ulaanbaatar’s vibrant mix of modernity and tradition.
In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at Ikh Mongol Restaurant.

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals included: Dinner

Image for Explore the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar

Explore the vibrant city of Ulaanbaatar

Day 2

Naadam Festival – Mongolia’s National Celebration

Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Naadam Stadium.
Attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s largest and most important cultural celebration.
Witness the “Three Manly Games” that define Mongolian heritage:
Traditional Mongolian wrestling, a sport dating back to the era of Genghis Khan.
Archery competitions using traditional bows and techniques.
Long-distance horse racing, where young riders race across the open steppe.
Enjoy cultural performances featuring traditional music, costumes, and ceremonial parades.
Return to accommodation and have dinner in the city.

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Experience the Naadam Festival opening ceremony

Experience the Naadam Festival opening ceremony

Image for Enjoy traditional archery competitions

Enjoy traditional archery competitions

Image for See Mongolian wrestlers compete

See Mongolian wrestlers compete

Day 3

Naadam Horse Racing & Horseback Riding in Terelj National Park

Drive to Khuu Doloon Khudag (1-2 hours), the famous steppe racecourse where Mongolia’s long-distance Naadam horse races take place.
Watch thrilling horse races across the open steppe, covering distances of 10–30 km and ridden by young jockeys aged 5–13.
Celebrate Mongolia’s deep horse culture while interacting with local spectators and herding families.
Enjoy a picnic-style lunch on the steppe.
Continue driving to Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most scenic protected areas known for its dramatic granite rock formations and alpine meadows.
Take a scenic horse ride through the valleys.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Enjoy your own horseback riding experience

Enjoy your own horseback riding experience

Image for Watch young jockeys race across the open steppe

Watch young jockeys race across the open steppe

Day 4

Nadaam Celebrations with Local Communities

Experience a unique side of the Nadaam Festival by celebrating with Uyaach horse trainers, whose lives revolve around Mongolia’s centuries-old horse racing traditions. Join local horsemen as they gather with their prized horses for a lively community celebration.
Watch informal horse races up close as riders and trainers showcase their horses.
Take part in the celebration as locals sing traditional songs of praise (Tsol) dedicated to the winning horses, a heartfelt tradition honoring their strength and speed.
Meet Mongolian wrestlers and learn about the techniques and traditions behind this iconic sport.
Taste Airag (fermented mare’s milk), a traditional Mongolian drink deeply connected to nomadic culture.
Spend the day interacting with locals, trying traditional archery, and enjoying the festive atmosphere of rural Naadam celebrations.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Join Uyaach horse trainers for a lively community celebration

Join Uyaach horse trainers for a lively community celebration

Image for Meet Mongolian wrestlers and learn about their techniques and traditions

Meet Mongolian wrestlers and learn about their techniques and traditions

Image for Try traditional archery

Try traditional archery

Image for Have a taste of airag (fermented mare’s milk)

Have a taste of airag (fermented mare’s milk)

Day 5

Mini Gobi and the Desert Experience

Greet the sunrise and prepare for a day exploring the Mini Gobi, a smaller version of the vast Gobi Desert, stretching 80km. It packs all the excitement of golden sand dunes and allows you to immerse in the magic of Mongolia's desert landscapes without the long journey!
Climb the dunes to take in the picturesque views.
Ride on a Bactrian Camel, recommended for a complete desert experience.
Visit a traditional nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle and daily routines on the steppe.
Spend the evening watching the sunset over the dunes.

Accommodation: Tourist Ger Camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Camel ride through Mini Gobi desert

Camel ride through Mini Gobi desert

Image for Chill and watch the sunset over the dunes

Chill and watch the sunset over the dunes

Day 6

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Have a relaxed morning to explore at your own pace
Return to Ulaanbaatar and enjoy some free time. You can explore the state department store for souvenirs, just a 5-minute walk from the hostel.
End the day with a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Image for Enjoy some free time to explore before heading back

Enjoy some free time to explore before heading back

Day 7

Farewell Mongolia

Bid farewell to Mongolia as you check out and transfer to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of your adventure!

Accommodation: None

Meals included: Breakfast

Image for Departure with cherished memories of your adventure

Departure with cherished memories of your adventure

Please note

The itinerary is subject to change in order to provide an adventure that best suits your needs, weather and operating conditions. For safety reasons, we reserve the right to interrupt your participation at any time if your medical condition is deemed unfit or you are deemed a danger to yourself or those around you.

What's included

food

Day 1: Dinner Day 2-6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7: Breakfast

transport

Private transfer to and from Ulaanbaatar airport. Private vehicle throughout the trip.

lodging

Twin-sharing/triple-sharing rooms in Ulaanbaatar, and multi-sharing ger camps (4 people per ger).

instructor

English-speaking guide throughout the trip

activity

Naadam festival entry tickets Horseback riding in Terelj National Park Watch Naadam horse racing on the steppe Traditional Mongolian archery experience Airag tasting – fermented mare’s milk Meet Mongolian wrestlers and learn about traditional wrestling Camel riding

group leader services

Our Group Leaders are passionate travellers just like you. They share the experience authentically, keep the trip running smoothly, and help you make the most of every moment.

flight

Flights not included. By joining you will receive our recommended routes.

miscellaneous

Depending on the activity and location, locals may sometimes ask you to pay fees such as tourist taxes or park fees.

4.8 (12 bookings)

4.7 (12 bookings)

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3 reviews

Song26 Jul 26
"Naadam Festival is a plunge into the country’s soul. The opening ceremony alone is worth the trip. Our eyes were overwhelmed with the thundering drums, riders in their traditional costumes, and banners marking centuries of tradition. Then come the “Three Manly Games”: wrestlers grappling in ancient holds, archers drawing horsehair bows, and jockeys as young as seven racing bareback across the steppe. Not just watching, you wou ..."Naadam Festival is a plunge into the country’s soul. The opening ceremony alone is worth the trip. Our eyes were overwhelmed with the thundering drums, riders in their traditional costumes, and banners marking centuries of tradition. Then come the “Three Manly Games”: wrestlers grappling in ancient holds, archers drawing horsehair bows, and jockeys as young as seven racing bareback across the steppe. Not just watching, you would also get to enjoy horse riding, camel riding, archery, and many more. Unforgettable experience "
Hong Kai, Wesley17 Jul 26
"Love the authenticity in this trip - truly experiencing the Naadam festival like how the locals do. It was amazing how we got to experience Ger camps of various standards as well - from a luxury ger camp to staying with a Herder’s family. This is an experience not to be missed! "
Tesia17 Jul 26
"Really interesting activities that are varied - watching the opening ceremony of Naadam, horse riding, camel riding, sliding down sand dunes, watching cows get milked, star gazing. Really great bunch of people to travel with as well - would not have done this with any other bunch. They were amazing. Great guides as well, really informative and you can tell that they are really invested in our experience. "

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