Mongolia & Naadam Festival

DAY 2: ULAANBAATAR CITY

Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Later, explore the Museum of Mongolian History giving insight into the culture of Mongolia, you will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

DAY 3: GOBI DESERT

his morning, you will fly to Dalanzadgad where you will visit the local market and dinosaur garden before transferring by 4WD to the ger camp near Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauty) National Park. You will then spend the day exploring Vulture Valley and the famed Eagle's Gorge, before driving back to the camp for a visit to a Mongolian family to learn about their lifestyle.

DAY 4: KHONGORYN ELS

After an early start you will be travelling by 4WD to Khongoryn Els to explore the remarkable desert landscapes and beautiful sand dunes.

DAY 5: BAYANZAG – FLAMING CLIFFS

This morning is at leisure for you to explore. After lunch, continue to Bayanzag - more commonly known as the 'Flaming Cliffs'. This afternoon sees a visit to the Gobi Dinosaurs Cemetery and an opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape.

DAY 6: ONGIIN KHIID

Today you will journey to the banks of the Ongii River, travelling through over-dry plains. On arrival, visit the ruins of two famed monasteries, the Barlim Khiid to the north and the Khutagt Khiid to the south. Combined they form the complex known as Ongiin Khiid Monastery.

DAY 7: MOUNT KHOGNO KHAN

Depart for Mount Khogno Khan to explore the remains of the 17th-century monastery, the Uvgun Khiids, located at the foot of the mountain. The monastery offers views of the spectacular scenery so enjoy some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings.

DAY 8: KHARKHORIN

Drive to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, situated on the Orkhon River. Here you will have the chance to explore the ancient sites within Kharkhorin and the memorable Erdene Zuu Monastery.

DAY 9: TSENKHER

Enjoy the morning at leisure before continuing to Tsenkher Jiguur. You will have more free time to relax in the hot springs and soak up the spectacular surroundings

DAY 10: KHORGO TERKH

Today you will be heading towards the serene Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur) to your ger camp which is located within one of the most beautiful areas of the famous Great White Lake and Khorgo Volcano. Why not take a walk up to the crater of the volcano for wonderful views, or stroll along the lake shore with excellent opportunities for bird and wildlife spotting. You will also visit Zayaiin Huree Monastery in Tsetserleg Town.

DAY 11: JARGAL JIGUUR

Enjoy a walk around the shores of the lake, which is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and birds and take in the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, continue to Jargal Jiguur known as 'home of the yaks', due to many local families seen herding yaks.

DAYS 12-13: LAKE KHOVSGOL

Today is a long drive through Môron to Lake Khovsgol watching plains and glacial peaks pass by. Your ger camp is situated on the eastern shore of the lake. In the afternoon, take a walk to the forest and visit a reindeer breeding family, where you will get introduced to their way of life. You have the next day at leisure to explore freely.

DAY 14: ULAANBAATAR CITY

This morning, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival you will transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 15: NAADAM EVE

This morning, visit the Mongol Nomadic Show and Khustai National Park to learn about the nomads and their way of life. After lunch, return to Ulaanbaatar city for the Naadam Eve, visiting Central Square where you can view the Naadam Mongol costumes on display.

DAY 16: NAADAM FESTIVAL

Today starts the highlight of your journey as you interact with locals and nomads, witnessing the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival. The featured events you will see are wrestling, horseracing and archery. View the procession of the athletes, officials and monks as the first round of competitions in the wrestling tournament begin.

DAY 17: HORSE RACE

Travel outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam Festival. An exciting day unfolds as you view the cross-country horseracing, also known as 'tumnii ekh' (leader of ten thousand). Cheer along with the locals as the athletes compete in a carnival-like atmosphere.

DAY 18: GENGHIS KHAN STATUE COMPLEX

This morning, travel to Terelj National Park stopping en route to visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock.

DAY 19: ULAANBAATAR CITY

You have the day in Ulaanbaatar to explore as you wish. This evening you will enjoy a traditional Mongolian performance followed by dinner.

DAYS 20-21: DEPART ULAANBAATAR

Fly overnight to Australia, arriving home the following day.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888.
 
Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288.
 
You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout cities in Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate.
 
Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently. 

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

When travelling in Mongolia embrace the local cuisine where possible, as western and exclusively vegetarian options are often not available.
The combination of vast barren plains and nomadic lifestyle has created a unique culinary tradition in Mongolia, which you will have the opportunity to experience on your tour. Food in Mongolia tends to be simple as they have limited ingredients, such as mutton (used in a variety of ways), beef, chicken, potato, cucumber, tomato, onion, carrot and sheep’s milk. People on restricted or vegetarian diets can be catered for on a limited basis with foods such as noodles, rice and steamed vegetables.
Please ensure you specify dietary requirements at the time of booking. We suggest mentioning them to the National Escort/Local Guides on arrival. They will do their utmost to cater to any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or foods to avoid in the case of allergies.

Accommodation