Tour code: VMT-CHT-3 Mongolia Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert
Upon arrival at the Chinggis Khan international airport
Day 2. July 3, Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth stone)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 5-6 hours.
Travel to Baga Gazriin Chuluu (Earth stone) little mountain of Middle Gobi. Excursion to Earth stone, a sacred rocky mountain, 1,760 m above sea level, and is famous for its unique rock formation and beautiful natural environment. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 3. July 4, Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 240 km, 5-6 hours.
Travel to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), a remarkable sand dune in the formation of a White Stupa and view 3,000–5,000-year-old rock hieroglyphs. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 4. July 5, Yoliin Am (Eagle Valley)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 220 km, 4-5 hours.
Travel to Yolyn Am, or ‘Eagle Valley', located in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. The valley’s remnant streams create ice formations which you may find in the mouth of the valley as late as July. The mountains surrounding the valley also provide habitat for Argali wild sheep (one of the last wild great horned sheep) and ibex, which may be spotted in the early morning as they walk along the mountain ridges. Visit the Gobi museum and trek through the valley. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 5. July 6, Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 180 km, 4-5 hours.
Travel to Khongoriin Els Sand Dunes, Mongolia’s largest sand dunes- reaching a height of 800 meters in some highest areas and known as the “Singing Dunes”. Evening visit to a camel-breeder's family with a chance to go camel riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 6. July 7, Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 170 km, 4-5 hours.
Travel to Bayan Zag, more commonly known as the legendary “Flaming Cliffs”. Through the journey we will see arid steppe landscape with many camel herds and herding families. Bayanzag is a red rock creation, formed 60-70 million years ago, made famous by an American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews's discovery there of complete dinosaur skeletons and eggs in 1920s. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 7. July 8,Ongi Temple
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 140 km, 3-4 hours.
Travel to Ongi Monastery which was built in the 18th century, the former main religious center of South Mongolia. Hiking in nearby Gobi mountain and along the area where the ruins are situated. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 8. July 9, Ruins of 12th Century Capital City Karakorum
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 250 km, 5-6 hours.
Travel to Karakorum, the former capital city of world's greatest land empire, established by Chinggis Khan. Here we will tour the oldest Buddhist Monastery Erdenezuu, religious complex spanning over 400 sq. meters surrounded by 108 stupas. It was first built on the ruins of Karakorum in 1586 by Abtai Sain Khan. The site has some of the best works of religious art and architecture in Mongolia. Visit Karakorum museum. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 9. July 10, Hustai N/P
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 280 km, 5-6 hours.
Travel to Hustai Nature Reserve to see the Przewalski wild horses, re-introduced back into the wild in their native homeland. Visit the local information center for learn about the history of the last pure wild horses and the history of the area. In the evening you have chance to go horse riding. Overnight in a ger camp. (B, L, D)
Day 10. July 11, Ulaanbaatar and The ceremony of Naadam festival
Approximate distance covered and estimated travel time: 100 km, 3 hours.
Drive to Ulaanbaatar to participate in the Naadam Festival ceremony. Experience the great celebrations at the Central Stadium starting with the mounted escort of Chinggis Khan's nine white horsetail banners from the Parliament House. Enjoy the parades and musical entertainments. See wrestling and archery. Overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11. July 12, Second day of Naadam
Early morning we will drive to Khuu Doloon Khudag, the horse racing field to see Soyolon (four year old) horse racing. Afterwards, tour the tent camp of the horse trainers and watch as they prepare the young riders for races. You may choose a city tour where you can visit souvenir and cashmere shops. In the evening, you will attend a performance of traditional dancing and khoomii (Mongolian throat singing). Overnight in hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 12. July 13, Departure
Transfer to airport for return flight. (B)
