Naadam Festival

5.0 (8)
13 days 12 nights
Mongolia
Photo Odontuya A.
5.0
Odontuya A.
Tour Provider
View Odontuya’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Premium
Weight limit

Each summer, Mongolians partake in the ancient Naadam festival, which includes horse racing as one of its main events. Nomads spend weeks preparing their fastest horses for the competition, with young jockeys aged 8-16 riding them daily to help shed any extra weight. These jockeys also chant a special warlike song called Giingoo, known as the horse song, during training and the race itself, creating an atmosphere of excitement and reverence across the grasslands. 

Visitors can experience this tradition by starting their journey at Lake Hovsgol, where they can ride and camp under the stars, then continue to Central Mongolia for an inside look at how horses are trained for the Naadam Festival. The journey concludes in the Gobi Desert, where children can enjoy camel riding and search for dinosaur fossils at the legendary Flaming Cliffs.

The price displayed is for groups 6-9 people. 3-5 participants: $3,650 pp, 2 participants: $3,840 pp.

from
$3,250
per tourist for 13 days
Departing from
Tov Province, Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Only in the Horse Tours Club
  • Local prices – no extra fees
    Book tours directly from local tour providers
  • Verified tour providers
    All guides confirm their qualifications
  • Reviews from travelers
    We monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour

Tour highlights

Mongolia Events
Visit the Naadam Games
Be a part of the most popular festival in Mongolia
Experience the Nomad Life
Overnight in gers, try the Mongolian dishes and learn the local culture
Riding at Lake Hovsgol
This is Mongolia’s largest fresh water lake
Explore the Local Fauna and Flora
Visit the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Petroglyphs and History
Climb a mountain to see an amazing collection of early Bronze Age rock paintings
The Best of the Capital
You'll have a city tour through Ulaanbaatar

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Upon reaching Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khan International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and taken to your hotel. After some rest, take a short city tour which includes a stop at Zaisan Hill for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, dine at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner.

No riding.

Meals included: dinner.

Overnight: hotel.

Day 2
Ulaanbaatar / Lake Hovsgol
Day 3
Riding Along the Lakeshore
Day 4
Bulgan Province / Saikhan Soum
Day 5
Horse Breeder Family
Day 6
Kharakhorum / Naadam Festival
Day 7
To Delgerkhangai
Day 8
In Delgerkhangai
Day 9
Nomad Life
Day 10
Dalanzadgad City
Day 11
Havtsgait Petroglyphs / Flaming Cliffs
Day 12
Ulaanbaatar
Day 13
Departure
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

6 days of riding (on some days it's optional)

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic
Premium
Hotel
2 nights
Tent
6 nights
Camp Site
5 nights

Single supplement: $400 pp

2 nights
Hotel Bayangol 4*

Or similar. Situated in the heart of downtown Ulaanbaatar, is a well-known lodging with its historic 20th century features and hospitable staff. The hotel's prime location allows guests to easily access all the main attractions of UB on foot.

6 nights
Tents
5 nights
Ger Camp

Tour conditions

Included

  • horse riding;
  • accommodation;
  • meals as per itinerary;
  • activities described;
  • camping equipment;
  • transfer;
  • English speaking guide.

Extras

  • domestic flight;
  • international flights;
  • tips and personal expenses.

Group size

up to 9 tourists

Duration

13 days
12 nights

It's important to know

Can this program be extended?

Yes. Consider expanding your trip to include a visit to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. This journey in western Mongolia will include exploring the country's tallest mountains and hiking among breathtaking peaks. We'll also have the opportunity to visit Kazakh hunters' camps to observe the training of golden eagles and meet skilled Kazakh women known for their vibrant embroidery work.

Domestic flight price
Tell me about the land transportation vehicle
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 8 reviews
  • C
    Cary
    14 Sep, 2023
    about provider
    I recently took part in a scientific expedition organized by Odno's team, and it was hands down the best expedition I've ever been on! Every aspect of the trip - including travel, accommodation, equipment and meals - was expertly managed by their company. The commitment is commendable, as they offer more than just typical tourist activities. The company is dedicated to promoting conservation, knowledge, and citizen science through unique experiences such as cultural tours, wildlife excursions and paleo- and geotourism. Their expertise and dedication make them an ideal choice for learning about this incredible place. I am eager to return to Mongolia and work with you guys again.
    14 Sep, 2023
  • J
    John
    3 Aug, 2023
    about provider
    Just spent two weeks in Mongolia with Odno's team. Amazing guide, great drivers. Just amazing all around. Would highly recommend! Would definitely use them again.
    3 Aug, 2023
  • J
    Jennifer
    11 Nov, 2022
    about provider
    After traveling to Mongolia for business over 15 times, I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful my experience was working with this tour provider. I will certainly continue to collaborate with them for all future trips.
    11 Nov, 2022

Can`t decide? Our travel expert will be happy to help

Leave a request and get a consultation, and a selection of the most thrilling tours from one of our experts for free!

First name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Tell us more about your desired trip