Mongolia Horse Riding & Naadam Festival
About this tour
Mongolia horse trekking to a local Naadam Festival tour allows you to explore the most beautiful landscapes of central Mongolia, learn the authentic nomadic culture of the Mongols, and have a chance to see one of the world’s most beautiful festivals, The Naadam Festival. Get participate in the nomadic Naadam Festival, spend your time with nomadic people in nature, ride through the shores of stunning lakes, rivers and discover the historical Orkhon valley. Some areas as far as the eye can see, herders of five muzzles: goats, sheep, cattle, horses, and camels; nomads riding horses and meadows dotted with white gers. We smoothly begin that trip by visiting a semi Gobi desert, driving in the steppe by the Kharkhorin, we walk by the bank of the historical Orkhon river and we can also learn horse-riding. Then, we go to the Orkhon Valley and explore Red River Waterfall and its surrounding landscape. After, we go to Tsetserleg town. to meet a nomadic family, to celebrate their traditional Naadam Festival together with the host family. Join in this small group journey and escape to the modern-day wilderness here in Mongolia.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar city, our driver and English-speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and be transferred to your hotel in downtown. After you settled in, we will start a sightseeing tour including a visit to Sukhbaatar’s square. The Square is in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, in front of the Mongolian Parliament House. Across from the central square, we will visit the National Museum of Mongolia, the biggest museum with over 54000 exhibitions from the prehistoric period till the 21st century. Our next stop will be the Gandan Monastery. The monastery is the largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar city with over 200 years old. If time permits, we will visit the Zaisan Hill memorial, the hill provides a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia
After breakfast at the hotel, our team will pick you up from your hotel, and begin our Mongolian Horse Trekk & Naadam Festival Journey. Today we will visit Mongol els in central Mongolia. It is a unique place with three different forms of the natural landscape; a combination of Gobi sand dunes, green steppe, and rocky mountains. Here we will visit a camel breeder family to learn to milk and ride a Bactrian camel. Bactrian camels have two humps which makes them very comfortable to ride than Arabian camels. After the camel breeder family, you have some time to explore the sand dunes in the middle of the Mongolian green steppe. Overnight in a ger camp near the sand dunes.
Day 3: Elsen Tasarkhai, Högönö-Taranaiin-Hüree, Mongolia to Orkhon Waterfall, Burgaasatayn Hiid, Mongolia
Today we will visit Erdenezuu monastery, the biggest Buddhist Monastery Museum in Mongolia. Which has many expensive and precious Buddhist artworks from the 17th century including mould deities of gold and silver, thankas, split paintings and manuscripts. After the monastery museum, we will head for a long drive to the historical place Orkhon river valley. Once we reach the place, we will explore the biggest waterfall in Mongolia, and visit a nomadic family. We offer travellers to visit one of the nomadic families and experience their way of life in favour of learning about nomadic culture and traditions. You will be welcomed with open arms and you are invited to join in the milking, herding and general care of livestock. Overnight in a nomadic ger.
Day 4: Orkhon Waterfall, Burgaasatayn Hiid, Mongolia to Tsenkher Hot Spring Resort, Altan-Ovoo, Mongolia
This morning, we will have breakfast at the ger camp, and continue our journey to Tsenkher hot spring. The host spring is the 2nd hottest spring in Mongolia, elevated at 1860 m above sea level. Water from this geological spectacle emerges to the ground at 87°C with a flow rate of 101/sec. The composition of sodium carbonate, hydro-carbonate, sulphur and other chemical ingredients have healing properties for some ailments. Facilities include outdoor pools (separately for men and women), showers, and both cosy gers and houses. In the afternoon, we will drive to a village for visit to Zayan Gegeen Monastery, founded in the 17th century, housed over 1000 monks before its closing in the 1930s. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 5: Tsenkher Hot Spring Resort, Altan-Ovoo, Mongolia to Tsetserleg, Mongolia
Today we will drive to Tsetserleg town in Arkhangai province. Once we reach the town, we will visit a nomadic family near the town. We offer travellers to visit one of the nomadic families and experience their way of life in favour of learning about nomadic culture and traditions. You will be welcomed with open arms and you are invited to join in the milking, herding and general care of livestock. Overnight in a nomadic ger.
Day 6: Tsetserleg, Mongolia
Today is the first day of the Naadam Festival in Arkhangai province. Our host nomadic family belongs to Tsetserleg town, which is the provincial town of Arkhangai province. In the morning, we will go to Tsetserleg town centre to see the Naadam Festival. Naadam events draw a large number of Mongolian families creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere. You’ll mix with the locals from the small town centre as well as with traditional Mongolian herders from outside the area. Don’t expect anything to operate on time and be prepared for plenty of waiting around as well – although there are always plenty of side stalls to explore and enjoy. The most important thing to remember is to experience Naadam from a Mongolian perspective.
Day 7: Tsetserleg, Mongolia to Kharkhorin, Mongolia
After breakfast with the nomadic family, we will drive to Kharkhrin town. The city had existed as the capital of the world’s largest contiguous empire for over 40 years. In Kharkhorin city, we will visit a museum, that has many exhibitions which show the history of Mongolian nomadic life from hunter gatherers’ period till most powerful and consummate empire throughout the world. After the museum, we will visit Erdenezuu monastery, the biggest Buddhist Monastery Museum in Mongolia. Which has many expensive and precious Buddhist artworks from the 17th century including mould deities of gold and silver, thankas, split paintings and manuscripts. In the evening before sunset, you have time to wander on the bank of the Orkhon River. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 8: Kharkhorin, Mongolia to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
In the morning, we will have breakfast at the camp and drive back to Ulaanbaatar city. En route to the capital city, we will behold the Mongolian pristine steppe landscape. We will arrive in Ulaanbaatar city in the afternoon, and you have time for visiting the world’s number one cashmere store and Mongolian souvenir shops or relax in your hotel until dinner. In the evening, our farewell dinner will take place in a restaurant. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 9: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Today is the end of the “Mongolia Horse Trekking & Naadam Festival 2022” tour. Our team will transfer you to the airport in time for your international flight. Have a nice trip back to your home and thank you for choosing Way To Nomads Mongolia.
What's included
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia