Naadam, is a festival that has been celebrated in the steppes of Mongolia for many millennia. Mongolians eagerly await the coming of this festival every year. It is a truly great sight to behold this thousands of years old celebration being embraced by the modern-day generations with pride and joy.
The festival is celebrated on the 11th of July, the National Independence Day. The festival is held across the whole country. Every province and village celebrate their own festival with arts performances and the three manly games with plentiful of traditional food on the side.
Meet with the local team upon arrival and transfer to Khustai National Park.
The park was formed in 1992 in an effort to re-introduce the wild horse population of ‘Takhi’ back to their natural habitat. Takhi are also known as ‘Przewalsky horses’ and are the only wild horse species that have never been domesticated before. These horses, native to Mongolia, had gone extinct in the wilds by mid-1950s.
Thanks to the efforts led by the Dutch, these horses were re-introduced to Mongolia in the 1990s and their numbers have been growing steadily since.
Depending on arrival time at the camp, we drive deeper into the National Park to witness these horses roaming freely in the nature and further learn about their history and life.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (D)
In the morning, we depart towards the town of Kharkhorin. Along the way, after 200km of driving, we have short stop at the Elsen Tasarkhai area – also reffered to as ‘Mini Gobi’ due to the long sand dunes that lie in the midst of steppes. Here we can experience sand dunes and camel riding.
Upon reaching Kharkhorin where the capital of the Mongol Empire was located, we visit the Kharkhorin Museum and Erdene Zuu monastery.
Kharkhorin museum is home to many artifacts that have been found in the vast Orkhon Valley cultural landscape. They can be traced back to empires that existed here thousands of years ago. Erdene Zuu is the oldest Buddhist Monastery in Mongolia that traces its origins to the late 16th century. For hundreds of years, thousands of monks have lived in this monastery and contributed greatly to culture of Mongolia. Sadly, the monastery was affected by political purges in the 1930s and much of the wealth has been lost to us. However, the monastic grounds were preserved and there are a number of both old temples and currently functioning temples that can be visited.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we depart for the province of Arkhangai to reach the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. The main attractions in the area include the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake which covers an area of 61 sq.km and serves as home to many birds. Next to the lake, we can find a now-dormant Khorgo volcano. The volcano erupted over 8,000 years ago; this event directly shaped the surrounding landscape and affected the shape of the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.
We shall have opportunities to visit the lake shores and trek up the crater of the volcano to experience a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
In the morning, we depart towards the camp of Ulziit Khishig. The camp is located on the way towards the highlight destination of our tour. It is located in a bountiful valley surrounded by greenery and trees on a hillside.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (cabin available) . (B+L+D)
This day, we leave to reach our main destination at Lake Khuvsgul. On the way, we stop by the town of Moron, capital of Khuvsgul province. Later, we continue on to our camp located by the shores of Lake Khuvsgul.
Khuvsgul is the second largest freshwater lake in Asia, covering a span of 2,760 sq.km and was formed around 2 million years ago. It is located on the borderline of Central Asian steppes and Siberian Taiga forests. It is home to one of the country’s most unique ethnic groups – the Tsaatan. The Tsaatan people, also known as Dukha, make their living mainly through reindeer herding.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the camp, we travel to the nearby town of Khatgal to see the opening ceremonies of the local Naadam festival. The day will be filled with colorful locals who are wearing the traditional Mongolian deel. The so called ‘Three manly’ sports will be available to spectators – there will be opportunities to witness Horse racing, archery and wrestling matches.
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrade available) . (B+L+D)
Today, we enjoy a free day to at the lake. There are a number of optional activities we can choose from. Available activities:
- Boat riding
- Horse riding
- Local nomadic family visit
- Tsaatan family visit
- Trekking along the shore lines and forests
Overnight – Standard ger camp (upgrades available) . (B+L+D)
The next morning, we depart towards Bulgan province and reach the Sod Camp in the afternoon.
The camp is located opposite a majestic mountain range and there are trekking opportunities available. In the proximity of the camp, there is a mineral spring with healing properties.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
After breakfast, we will drive to visit the dormant volcano Uran Togoo. The volcano erupted approximately 24,000 years ago and is surrounded by green steppes and forests. It is the largest of the four dormant volcanoes that can be found in the surrounding valleys. The area offers a great opportunity for trekking. The volcanic crateris 600m wide, 50-60m deep and can be walked into.
Later, we drive to the town of Bulgan for lunch. After lunch, we visit a local Nomadic family to witness the traditional lifestyle of nomads which has survived and adapted well into the modern times.
In the late afternoon, we reach the monastery of Amarbayasgalant. It is considered one of the tree major monastic centers of Mongolia. Despite the political purges of 1930s, the monastery survived in a better condition than most of the monasteries in the country. It was built in 1727, using ancient wood working techniques; thus, its construction has no metallic beams or nails in its construction. The monastic ground and nearby hills offer meditative sightseeing experiences.
Overnight – Standard ger camp. (B+L+D)
In the morning, we can enjoy additional time at the campground and monastic grounds. We have lunch on the way back to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival in the city, check-in at the hotel after dinner.
Overnight – 4*/5* Hotel. (B+L+D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we begin the tour by visiting Gandan monastery which nowadays serves as heart of Buddhism in Mongolia. Tour the monastic grounds and learn about its history which underwent turbulent times in the XX century. Later on, head to the city center area and visit Sukhbaatar square which was the main active ground of the revolution of 1990 which saw Mongolia adopting democracy. Across the Sukhbaatar square, we visit the National History Museum, which has many artifacts on display that show the history of Mongolia all the way from Bronze age, up to the times of Democratic Mongolia.
After lunch, head to the Southern part of the city to visit Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace Museum. This used to be the winter residence of the last aristocratic ruler of Mongolia, the BogdJabzandamba VIII. Later, we visit Zaisan Memorial Hill which overlooks most of the city. It was built in memory of the fallen soldiers of World War II. Learn about its history and enjoy the panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar.
Transfer to hotel after farewell dinner.
Overnight – 4*/5* Hotel. (B+L+D)
Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International airport for departure.
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