Mongolia: Naadam Festival & the Khan Legacy

Arrive in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you are transferred to your hotel.

Visit the recently opened Chinggis Khaan Museum, the largest in Mongolia, with thousands of artifacts on display. View items from tombs and private collections, and other priceless objects related to Ghenghis Khan and Mongolian history, accompanied by an expert on the subject. Return to your hotel for time at leisure. Tonight, gather for a special welcome dinner at your hotel.

Gain entry to Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 75-foot statue made of copper, gold and precious stones, accompanied by a top-ranking lama who discusses monastic life. Afterward, visit a fine arts museum. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure before dining at a local restaurant.

Fly to the Gobi Desert, home to such diverse species as Bactrian (two-humped) camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and many endemic reptiles. In the late afternoon, witness local archers demonstrate a skill that gave rise to the former Mongol empire. After dinner, marvel as the stars paint the vast desert skies.

Journey overland to the Yol Valley, a narrow, craggy chasm. Hike the valley for a chance to spot vulture-like lammergeiers and Altai snowcocks as well as ibex, yak and Argali mountain sheep. Afterward, visit the Flaming Cliffs, a place rich with dinosaur fossils and the site where dinosaur eggs were first found.

Ride like a local on a Bactrian camel through the dunes of Moltsog Els for insight into a way of life that has endured for centuries. Visit a local camel-herding family in their home and later witness the construction of a ger (traditional Mongolian dwelling). In the afternoon, you may opt to hike through the Havsagit Valley to discover ancient petroglyphs atop a mountain. This evening, savor a Scenic Sundowner and a sunset dinner.

Fly to Ulaanbaatar, where you join your fellow guests this evening for a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Attend the opening ceremonies of the annual Naadam Festival, where the nation’s best athletes compete in tests of strength and skill. Take in all of the pageantry of the elaborate opening ceremony, an event showcasing local dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians. 

Enjoy a second day at the Naadam Festival, attending a range of events and competitions featuring archery, traditional wrestling and horse racing. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.