Mongolia Naadam Festival and Gobi Tour

July 09. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar

After arriving in Ulaanbaatar, you'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel. After settling in, you’ll be taken on a city sightseeing tour including a visit to the Gandan Monastery with its huge gold plated Buddha: a symbol of Mongolian national pride and cultural revival. See the monks chanting, spin some prayer wheels and view the intricately embroidered thanks. On to Sukhbaatar Square, this is surrounded by all central departments including the Government house. After having lunch in a restaurant we will visit the Natural History Museum, where you have a chance to see all flora and fauna of Mongolia and complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs. Dinner and overnight in the hotel. (L+D)

July 10. Mongolia Naadam Festival Preview

After breakfast at the hotel you will go out with your guide to see the preview of the Naadam Festival. You will visit horse-racing site to watch a race of foals and archery, “Shagai” shooters. You can enjoy a national folklore performance. Overnight in the hotel. (L+D)

July 11. The Opening Ceremony of Naadam Festival

Today you will watch the inauguration ceremony of Naadam Festival which is opened by the president of Mongolia. The opening ceremony features marches and music from soldiers, monks and athletes and live performance of the national instrument Morin Khuur and a choir concert before the real fun begins! There will be tournament of wrestling and archery in the Central Stadium while horse races take place outside the city center. Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D)

July 12. Fly to South Gobi and visit Eagle Valley

After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of Umnugobi aimag. The flight takes hour and a half and on your arrival at the airstrip in Dalanzadgad, the Discover Mongolia team will be waiting for you. Take a city tour of Dalandzadgad province, South Gobi and visit museum.  Drive to Yol Am – a wonderfully picturesque place with ice even in summer, and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. These areas are situated in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park that encompasses the "Three Beauties" peaks and the most easterly points of the Altai Mountains. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

July 13. Mongolian largest sand dunes

After breakfast, take a trip to Khongor sand dunes. Furthermore, you visit to Dungene valley – a wonderfully picturesque place and surrounded by sheer rocky walls, forming incredible canyons. Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife. You will be riding on camel to explore the Khongor sand dunes. The two-humped Bactrian camels are very comfortable to ride as they walk slowly and gently, and you will be well supported by the humps, sitting comfortably in between them. Our camel guide will lead you safely through the sand dunes. Plus, you will have an opportunity to visit a camel herdsman family to experience their lifestyle, culture and traditions. These are Mongolia's largest sand dunes, reaching a height of 300 meters in some areas. The sand dunes change color with each hour of the day, from yellow to silver to rose-color at (sunrise or sunset). Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

July 14. Bayanzag, land of the Dinosaurs

Today we will drive to Bayanzag, (known as Flaming Cliffs where the first nest of dinosaur eggs ever discovered was found in 1922) a site famous for the remains of the Dinosaurs which lived here 60 million years ago. What a chance to walk around where the Dinosaurs once roamed and also get to know saksaul trees and other classic desert vegetation. Overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

July 15. Fly back Ulaanbaatar and visit Chinggis Khaan statue, city tour options

After breakfast you will fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Drive to Giant Chinggis Khaan statue. The statues in total is 40m high and see as far sighted Chinggis Khaan holds a golden whip in his right hand. You will be taken to souvenir and cashmere shops before attending a performance concert of national folklore. Overnight in the hotel.(B+L+D)

July 16. Departure Mongolia.

You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (B) Or you can take exra tour.

2013 Dates

Price

Enquiry

July 09-16

US$2074

Services included in the price

Hotel:
Hotel cost is based on two people sharing one room with twin beds at 4* hotel 2 nights including Western or Mongolian breakfast Free luggage keeping in the hotel while on tour to countryside

Tourist Ger camp:
Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp Ger (traditional dwelling) has 2 to 4 beds – very interesting and unique Western style toilets and hot shower facility is separate block – shared The restaurant serve usually Western and Mongolian meals Single supplement cannot be guaranteed but possible Click here to see picture of the tourist ger camp

Transportation:
Round way domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to South Gobi

Private Transfers on each day:
Air conditioned and comfortable Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 off road van Highly skilled driver Airports pick up and drop off service Allow only 4 passengers for 5 passenger seats - Your comfort is our priority! Click here to view picture of the vehicles that we use for our tours.

Guides:
English speaking guiding service throughout the entire time Local guides for horse and camel ride trials Boat driver

Meals:
All meals as listed in the itinerary Finest Western and Mongolian meals, deserts Authentic Mongolian Barbecue Daily supply of bottled water: 3 x 0.5 bottle per day

Entrance fees:
To all scenic spots as listed in the itinerary such as museums, monasteries, strictly protected areas, parks, concert, road fees

Camel ride trial – 1 hour
Invitation letter

Services not included in the price

International airfare or train tickets:
Discover Mongolia! offers cheap international airfares and train tickets for our clients upon request.

Mongolia entry visa fee:
Discover Mongolia! provides confirmed clients an invitation letter for obtaining entry visa to Mongolia.

Excess luggage charges:
Free luggage allowance is 15 to 20kg for domestic flights depending on the air company.

Personal expenses:
Such as laundry, beverages, alcoholic drinks, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary.

Travel insurance:
Our clients are recommended to get travel insurance coverage from their local insurance companies before traveling.

Single room supplement:
Single supplement is available at $70 in the hotel