Mongolia Travel 2026: Gobi Desert & Naadam Festival Tour
This annual 12-day small-group trip highlights Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle, where nomadic traditions and daily life remain closely connected to the land. It is planned for solo travelers and friends who want a simple and honest experience that stays close to local life.
The itinerary begins in Ulaanbaatar with a city tour and a visit to Terelj National Park & the Chinggis Khaan statue, then continues through the main highlights of the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia, including Tsagaan Suvarga, Yolin Am, the Khongor Sand Dunes, the Flaming Cliffs, Ongi, Orkhon Valley, and Kharkhorin, with nights spent with a nomadic family.
The trip finishes with the once a year Naadam Festival event in Ulaanbaatar. Two full days are spent at the opening ceremony, Mongolian wrestling, long distance horse racing, and the living expressions of nomadic identity that make Naadam Mongolia’s most meaningful and widely recognized cultural event.
Why choose this trip:
- Nomadic lifestyle focus: This itinerary stays close to nomadic families and daily routines, making it easier to understand Mongolia’s living traditions.
- Small group for solo travelers: A group size designed for solo travelers and friends who prefer comfort, safety, and company without feeling crowded.
- Annual fixed date trip: This departure runs once a year and combines Mongolia’s key regions with two dedicated days at the Naadam Festival.
- Gobi and Central Mongolia highlights: Covers Tsagaan Suvarga, Yolin Am, Khongor Sand Dunes, Flaming Cliffs, Ongi, Orkhon Valley, and Kharkhorin in one route.
- Naadam Festival experience: Two full days to see the opening ceremony, wrestling, and long distance horse racing, giving a grounded look at Mongolia’s living nomadic identity.
- Balanced pace: A comfortable schedule that avoids rushing while still covering Mongolia’s essential places and cultural experiences.
Itinerary
Meet the tour group and start the journey exploring Ulaanbaatar city’s main sights, including Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum, and traditional art concert before enjoying a welcome dinner.
- Meal(s): Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation:Centrally located 4-star hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar or similar.
Drive to Terelj National Park, known for its scenic rock formations and open grasslands. Visit the monumental Chinggis Khaan Statue at Tsonjinboldog, the tallest equestrian statue in the world. Optional short hikes or horseback rides offer great views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Meal(s): Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation: Traditional ger camp in Terelj.
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga, the striking White Stupa cliffs. Walk along the cliffs and enjoy panoramic views of southern Mongolia’s open steppe. This area is also historically significant and often visited for its unique geological features.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in a luxury lodge in the middle of the steppe.
Head to Yolin Am canyon in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, famous for its icy river gorges and wildlife. Enjoy a scenic hike through the canyon and learn about the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation: You will stay in a classic Mongolian eco-friendly ger camp with low-pressure shower and flush toilets.
Arrive at the Khongor Sand Dunes in the Gobi Desert. Ride camels, walk on the dunes, and watch the sunset over this iconic desert landscape.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
- Accommodation: You will stay in a ger camp with low-pressure shower and flush toilet.
Visit the Flaming Cliffs, known for red-orange sandstone formations and dinosaur fossil discoveries. Explore the surrounding desert and enjoy the unique desert scenery.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
- Accommodation: You will stay in a ger camp with low-pressure shower and flush toilet. Accommodation is twin based.
Visit the ruins of Ongi Monastery before heading to a nomadic family’s ger camp. Experience authentic Mongolian life: help with herding, learn local cooking, and enjoy storytelling by the fire. Overnight with the family gives a deep cultural insight.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + drinking water.
- Accommodation: We will stay in a basic ger offered by our local host nomadic family. No shower.
Explore Orkhon Waterfall in the Orkhon Valley. Spend another night at a nomadic family’s ger camp, joining in daily routines and enjoying the quiet of the steppe under the stars.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + drinking water.
- Accommodation: We will stay in a basic ger offered by our local host nomadic family. No shower.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water.
- Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional ger camp.
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way. Enjoy some free time in the city or visit local markets.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation: Centrally located 4-star hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel or similar.
- Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
- Accommodation: Centrally located 4-star hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel or similar.
Group size:
- 3-4 Guests: $2350 US per person.
- 5-6 Guests: $2230 US per person.
- 7-8 Guests: $1990 US per person.
- Accommodation: 3 nights in centrally-located good-facility hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 5 nights in superior ger camps, 2 nights in a nomadic family’s ger.
- Guiding and interpreting service
- Full board meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation: vehicle 4×4
- Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks
- Museums and cultural performance mentioned in the itinerary
- Naadam festival ticket for 2 days
- Horse riding in Yolyn am
- Camel riding in Khongor dunes
- Nomadic family stay
- International airfare
- Personal equipment
- Optional activity cost
- Excess baggage charges
- Single room supplement
- Alcoholic drinks
- Travel insurance
Pictures from this tour
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