Mongolian Yak Safari & Nadaam Festival
Mongolia is a land of stark and often spectacular beauty. This journey takes us from the capital, Ulaanbaatar, to the many contrasting features in the vast countryside, such as the endless steppes, the lakes of Arkhangai and the sands of the Gobi Desert. It is also a cultural journey where we meet and travel with the nomadic descendants of a people whose empire once dominated most of Asia. Karakorum (Harhorin) was the former capital of Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire and the Erdene Zuu Monastery still reflects the faded glories of the past. We stay in gers (local style tents, also known as yurts) on our journey, and also join our Mongolian friends and their camels on a short desert trek. We may also come across wildlife in Hustai National Park and Zorgol Hairhan Mountain.
Ancient medieval games still survive in Mongolia and are part of the living cultural heritage of that country. Wrestling, horse races and archery are still the most popular sports. In July, the National Naadam is held in the capital and all across the country. The largest is in Ulaanbaatar. Herdsmen arrive on horseback from distant provinces, simultaneously training their horses. Such a journey lasts for anything between one to three months! A giant nomadic camp is set up on the steppe area outside Ulaanbaatar, during the night of July 10th. This program provides a close encounter with the Mongol ‘Three Manly Games’ of horseracing, wrestling and archery. The skills required for these activities date back to the medieval times of Genghis Khan armies, and perhaps even as far back as the time of the Huns.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Trans-Mongolian train to Shivee Gobi in Gobi desert. Transfer to ger camp at Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. |
| 3 | Explore conservation area. Optional activities are available from traditional crafts to active exploring in the area. |
| 4 | Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, free afternoon. |
| 5-7 | Visit to Gandan Monastery, drive to forests of upper Tuul River Valley. |
| 8-11 | Yak trek, staying in gers. |
| 12 | Return to Ulaanbaatar |
| 13 | Rural Naadam festival |
| 14 | Naadam Festival - Ulaanbaatar |
| 15 | Trip ends in Ulaanbaatar this morning |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
15 days |
Trip Code |
PCYSN |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 4 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Mongolia | |
Start City |
|
| Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | |
End City |
|
| Ulaanbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia | |
