Mongolia Travel 2027: Gobi Desert & Naadam Festival Tour

This annual 11-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, 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.

Archery Mongolia

Itinerary

July 02, 2027: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar & city tour

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 hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar or similar. Twin sharing.
July 03, 2027: Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga - Colorful Clay Cliffs in the Gobi

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.
July 04, 2027: Travel to Yolin Am or Eagle Valley in the Gobi Desert

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.
July 05, 2027: Explore Khongorin Els - Mongolian sand dunes

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. 
July 06, 2027: Bayan Zag - The Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi

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.
July 07, 2027: Visit Ongy Monastery & Nomadic Family Stay

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.
July 08, 2027: Orkhon Waterfall & Nomadic Family Stay

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.
July 09, 2027: Kharkhorin
Our team will head to Travel through Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Overnight stay in the ancient capital.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water.
  • Accommodation: You will stay in a traditional ger camp in Kharkhorin. 
July 10, 2027: Return to Ulaanbaatar

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 hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel or similar. Twin sharing.
July 11 & 12, 2027: Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar
Experience the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s iconic cultural celebration. Watch traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing, and enjoy local performances and festival activities.
  • Meal(s): Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner + Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Centrally located hotel – Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar hotel or similar. Twin sharing.

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

Personal Information

Tour Information

2-12 years old

Pictures from this tour

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