Naadam Festival, Terelj Granite, and Flaming Cliffs
from/to Ulaanbaatar
10 days (9 nights)
5 to 14 people
Small-group tour through Mongolia | 10 days / 9 nights | Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park & Gobi Desert | Three Camel Lodge | English-speaking guide
Once a year, the whole of Mongolia gathers for three days of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The Naadam Festival is a festival, a sporting event, and a living tradition all in one. This tour takes you from the opening day through to the final competitions, with reserved seats in the National Stadium and at the finish line of the 25-kilometer horse race outside the city.
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Three very different worlds form the backdrop to the festival: Ulaanbaatar, home to Gandan Monastery and the Genghis Khan Museum; Terelj National Park, with its granite “turtles” and Buddhist monasteries; and the Gobi Desert, featuring the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur egg in 1922.
You’ll stay at a 5-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and spend four nights at the Three Camel Lodge, the only luxury ecolodge in the Mongolian Gobi, founded in 2002, featuring 40 traditional felt gers and powered almost entirely by solar energy. On site, you will be accompanied by English-speaking nature guides with local expertise; the small group of 6 to 14 travelers ensures a personalized experience.
We recommend this trip if you’d like to combine Mongolia’s largest folk festival with the tranquility of the desert. For those wishing to stay longer in the country, we’d be happy to show you Lake Khövsgöl in the north, which glows a deep blue in midsummer, or the ancient capital of Karakorum with the Erdene Zuu Monastery in the UNESCO-protected Orkhon Valley. From Ulaanbaatar, it’s just an hour’s drive to Hustai National Park, where reintroduced Przewalski’s horses roam freely.
Stephanie Gräf
Travel expert, inventia | Travel beyond the ordinary
Specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.
I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.
You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de
Good to know
Arrival and Departure: Upon request, we can book international flights to Ulaanbaatar for you, as well as transfers and any pre- or post-tour activities.
Type of trip: Small-group tour with 6 to 14 participants. You will be accompanied by English-speaking guides during the trip. Dates are tied to the Naadam Festival in the first week of July.
Entry requirements: German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Mongolia. A valid passport is required. Travelers of other nationalities should check with their respective embassy. Current information is available from the Federal Foreign Office.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Naadam Opening Ceremony – You’ll be seated in the National Stadium as horsemen, wrestlers, and archers enter in traditional dress and the president declares the festival open.
- Mongolian competitions – Bökh wrestling matches in colorful jerseys, archery with recurve bows, and the spectacular 25-kilometer horse races featuring young riders.
- Genghis Khan Museum – A five-story museum with over 10,000 exhibits spanning 2,000 years of Mongolian history — a must-see before heading out into the steppe.
- Aryabal Meditation Monastery – 108 steps lead across the “Bridge of Wisdom” up to an active Buddhist monastery overlooking the Tuul Valley.
- Turtle Rock – A granite turtle from the Ice Age and one of Mongolia’s landmarks — visitors are welcome to climb onto the “turtle shell.”
- Flaming Cliffs at Sunset – The orange-red cliffs, where the world’s first dinosaur egg was discovered in 1922, glow with a deep, fiery hue at sunset.
- Yol Valley – A lush gorge in the middle of the desert, home to bearded vultures, ibex, and argali sheep—and with a little luck, you might even spot snow leopard tracks in the sand.
- Havtsgait Petroglyphs – Rock carvings on a mountain ridge dating back as far as 7,000 years depict hunting scenes and animal figures of early Gobi settlers.
- Three Camel Lodge – Four nights at the only luxury ecolodge in the Gobi Desert — 40 traditional felt gers, a gourmet restaurant, an on-site greenhouse, and a starry sky free of light pollution.
route
itinerary
Days 1 and 2 | Arrival and the Capital, Ulaanbaatar
Upon your arrival at Chinggis Khaan Airport, your Mongolian tour guide will meet you and escort you to a centrally located hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Museums, galleries, and Sukhbaatar Square are all within walking distance. The first evening is intentionally kept low-key to allow you to acclimate after your long journey.
The next day is dedicated to the capital. At Gandan Monastery, the religious center of Mongolia, the 26-meter-tall gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig towers over the main temple; in a private ceremony, the head lama offers a Tibetan blessing for your journey. Afterward, the tour continues to the five-story Genghis Khan Museum. More than 10,000 exhibits span the history from the first nomadic horsemen through the largest empire in history to the present day. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 | Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
The morning is devoted to the Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, which houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Buddhist art, including original works by Mongolia’s first Buddhist leader. Bronze sculptures, thangka paintings, and delicate goldwork condense centuries of spiritual tradition into just a few rooms.
The car will then take you across the steppe to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass Turtle Rock, a 24-meter-high rock formation whose silhouette resembles a resting turtle shell. In the park, a hike takes you across the wooden “Bridge of Wisdom” and up 108 steps to the Aryabal Meditation Monastery. From the small temple courtyard, the view opens up over the vast Tuul Valley with its meandering river bends.
Day 4 | Genghis Khan Statue and Flight to the Gobi Desert
On the way to the airport, stop at the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog. Standing 40 meters tall and weighing 250 tons of stainless steel, it is the largest equestrian statue in the world; an elevator inside the horse’s leg takes you to the observation deck atop the horse’s head, from which you can see the rolling hills along the Tuul River stretching to the horizon.
The domestic flight to the Gobi takes about an hour and a half. From the small desert airstrip, you’ll drive to the Three Camel Lodge at Mount Bulagtai, located on the edge of Gobi-Gurvan-Saikhan National Park. The lodge was founded in 2002; its 40 traditional felt gers are built in the Buddhist soum style and are almost entirely solar-powered. In the afternoon, you can choose between riding Mongolian horses, archery, or a spa treatment. After dinner, the Gobi sky is shrouded in a darkness found only far from artificial light sources; the Milky Way stretches clearly from horizon to horizon.
Days 5 and 6 | Yol Valley, a nomadic family, and Flaming Cliffs
The first day in the desert takes you to the Yol Valley, a lush gorge in the Altai foothills. Bearded vultures nest in the steep rock faces; argali sheep and Siberian ibex roam the slopes above. The gorge is so narrow and shady that ice formations at the bottom of the valley persist well into July. After a lunch break, you’ll visit a nomadic family in the steppe and get involved in their daily life: herding animals, milking mares, and learning a traditional bone-tossing game.
The next day, the route takes you to the sand dunes of Moltsog Els. If you like, you can cross them on foot; alternatively, you can ride two-humped Bactrian camels over the ridges. Afterward, a family of camel herders will welcome you for tea. You’ll spend sunset at the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur egg nest in 1922. The red sandstone cliffs glow in deep ochre and carmine hues in the evening light.
Days 7 and 8 | Petroglyphs, Capital City Culture, and the Start of Naadam
The morning begins with a hike to the Havtsgait petroglyphs. Carved into a mountain ridge, these rock engravings—dating back as far as 7,000 years—depict hunting scenes, ibex, carts, and animal figures of the early inhabitants of the Gobi. Afterward, transfer to the desert airport and return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Those who still have energy can visit the Dinosaur Museum in the afternoon to see the Tarbosaurus fossils found in the Gobi.
The following morning is devoted to the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, a former monastery complex dating from the late 19th century. Among the wooden temple buildings, you’ll find Buddhist artifacts and colorful Tsam masks that were once worn in tantric dances. Afterward, you’ll learn the basics of Mongolian calligraphy in a hands-on workshop: writing vertically from top to bottom in a script that has been part of the country’s heritage since Genghis Khan. The afternoon is dedicated to the Deeltei Mongol Naadam Festival on Sukhbaatar Square, a pre-festival celebration of traditional costumes and silverwork that serves as a prelude to the main festival.
Days 9 and 10 | Naadam Festival and Flight Home
On the opening day of the Naadam Festival, marching soldiers, athletes, and musicians parade across Sukhbaatar Square in a colorful procession. Afterward, wrestlers compete in the traditional Bökh, while archers take their places with their recurve bows on a neighboring field. The festival grounds are accessible, and the atmosphere is friendly: athletes, horses, and spectators share the space.
The second day of the festival takes you to Khui Doloon Hudag, about 35 kilometers west of the capital. Here, children between the ages of six and thirteen compete in the 25-kilometer horse race, the most traditional of the three men’s games. In the evening, there is a performance of Mongolian music and dance, followed by a farewell dinner. The next day, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your international flight home.
Accommodations for your trip
Hotels in Ulaanbaatar · Central 4-star hotels
Hotel in a central location in Ulaanbaatar
Accommodations are in centrally located 4-star hotels in Ulaanbaatar—within walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square, shops, and the main museums. Depending on availability, we stay at hotels such as the Shangri-La, the Bayangol Hotel, or the Continental Hotel —all of which meet Western standards and offer a German/English breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity.
Three Camel Lodge · Eco-Lodge in the Gobi
Sunrise at the Three Camel Lodge yurt camp
The Three Camel Lodge is located at the foot of the sacred Gurvansaikhan Mountains in the Southern Gobi and is considered one of the most sustainable lodges in Asia. Guests stay in traditional gers (yurts) equipped with wood-burning stoves, double beds, and private bathroom facilities with a shower and toilet. The main building houses a restaurant (serving regional cuisine with Western options), a library with a lounge and bar, and a star observatory with its own telescope—the Gobi is one of the darkest regions in the world.
Stone terrace overlooking the Gobi Desert
activities
Experience the Naadam Festival Up Close (included)
A three-day folk festival featuring three traditional male sports —wrestling at the National Stadium, archery at the festival grounds, and horse racing outside the city. The tour includes admission to the opening ceremony, stadium seating, and transportation to the horse races.
Trekking in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (included)
Half-day hike in Terelj National Park — granite formations, alpine meadows, and an ascent to the Aryabal Meditation Monastery with views over the Tuul Valley. Well-maintained trails, moderate pace.
Flaming Cliffs and Yol Valley (included)
Hikes along the Bayanzag Cliffs (Flaming Cliffs)—the site where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered—and in Yol Valley, a narrow gorge with summer ice. Sturdy footwear is recommended; the trails are easy.
Havtsgait Petroglyphs (included)
Hike to the millennia-old rock carvings in the Havtsgait Valley — hunting scenes, dances, and depictions of animals from the Bronze Age. Led by a tour guide with historical context.
Stargazing at Three Camel Lodge (included)
The Southern Gobi is one of the darkest regions in the world. The lodge operates its own star observatory equipped with a telescope and offers evening stargazing sessions—featuring the Milky Way, galaxies, and planets—on clear nights, including an introduction by the lodge’s astronomer.
Visit to a nomadic family (included)
Half-day visit with a nomadic family in the Gobi Desert — tea in the yurt, a glimpse into daily life with the herds (sheep, goats, camels), and conversations with translation provided by the tour guide. Not staged, but on an equal footing.
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
July 4, 2027 – July 13, 2027
from €10,195 per person
10 days/9 nights
Mongolia and the Naadam Festival
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Summary
Activities
mandatory fees
Information
- All land transport within Mongolia
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Overnight stays in hotels and at the Three Camel Lodge (double/twin rooms)
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Water and soft drinks with meals
- All excursions, admission fees, and sightseeing tours as described
- Experienced expedition guides throughout the entire trip
- Travel documents and reading list before departure
- International flights to/from Ulaanbaatar
- domestic flights
- tips
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable)
- travel insurance
- Airport taxes and excess baggage
- Photo and video fees at certain locations
- Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, laundry service, telephone charges
- We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
- Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
- On site, you will be accompanied by English-speaking nature guides with local expertise. There are no plans to provide a German-speaking guide.
- The trip includes hikes on unpaved terrain, climbs up stairs and rocks, and domestic flights in small aircraft. A normal level of fitness is required; this trip is only suitable to a limited extent for travelers with mobility issues.
- Small-group tour with 6 to 14 participants. If you are traveling alone and the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will notify you by email no later than 30 days before the start of the trip. Based on our experience, this situation occurs extremely rarely.
- The dates are tied to the Naadam Festival in the first week of July and cannot be rescheduled individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Ulaanbaatar?
Common flight routes go through Istanbul, Seoul, or Beijing. Depending on the route, the flight time is 8 to 14 hours. International flights are not included in the tour price. We would be happy to assist you with booking your flight.
Do I need a visa for Mongolia?
A valid passport is required for entry. German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Different regulations may apply to travelers of other nationalities. For the latest information, please visit the U.S. Department of State.
What is the Naadam Festival?
Naadam is Mongolia’s national holiday and the country’s largest festival. It centers on three competitions: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The tradition dates back to the time of Genghis Khan, when these disciplines determined the strength of a tribe. Today, Naadam is not a tourist event, but a festival celebrated by the entire Mongolian society. The stadium in Ulaanbaatar seats around 20,000 spectators, and the opening ceremony—featuring historical costumes, musicians, and athletes—is one of the most impressive experiences Mongolia has to offer.
When is the festival taking place?
Naadam takes place every year from July 11 to 13. Our tour includes the festival’s main events.
What is the Three Camel Lodge?
The lodge is located on the edge of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and has received numerous international awards for sustainable tourism, including recognition from National Geographic. In the evenings, you can see a starry sky the likes of which are rarely found in Europe anymore.
What amenities are available in the lodges?
You’ll sleep in traditional gers (round tents) with wooden frames and felt walls, equipped with real beds, warm blankets, and a stove in the center. Bathrooms and showers are located in separate buildings. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
What level of fitness do I need for this trip?
A normal level of fitness is sufficient. The hikes in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and the Havtsgait Valley require sure-footedness on uneven terrain, but they are not strenuous mountain hikes. In the Gobi, you will travel primarily by vehicle and camel. Most of the activities related to the Naadam Festival, museum visits, and the cultural program do not require physical exertion.
How hot does it get in Mongolia in July?
July is the height of summer. In Ulaanbaatar, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 25 °C, while in the Gobi they can rise to 30 to 35 °C. At night, temperatures in the Gobi drop to 10 to 15 °C, while nights in Ulaanbaatar are milder. Layered clothing is important, along with sunscreen and a light jacket for the evenings. Rain is possible in July, but rarely lasts long.
What's on the menu, and are there vegetarian options available?
Mongolian cuisine is meat-heavy: mutton, beef, and occasionally horse meat form the basis of the diet. In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll find international cuisine with a wide variety of options. At the Three Camel Lodge, meals are freshly prepared, and vegetarian options are available if you specify this when booking. With nomadic families, meals are prepared in the traditional style. You should try buuz (steamed dumplings) and airag (fermented mare’s milk).
Can I attend the Naadam Festival even if I'm not part of a group?
Basically, yes, the festival is open to the public. The advantage of this group tour lies in the organization: reserved seats in the stadium, a guide who explains and translates the competitions, transportation to the racetrack 50 kilometers outside the city, and access to program items that are difficult to organize as an individual traveler. Added to this is the combination with the Gobi, Terelj National Park, and the cultural program in Ulaanbaatar, which provides the context for the festival.
Mongolian soldiers in golden helmets march during the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar
Soldiers at the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar | © Gereltuv
Nighttime skyline of Ulaanbaatar featuring the Blue Sky Tower
The Ulaanbaatar skyline at night, featuring the Blue Sky Tower
The Turtle Rock rock formation in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, set against vast grassy steppes
Turtle Rock in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park | © Gary Lehman
Sunrise over the yurt camp in the Gobi Desert
Sunrise at the yurt camp in the Gobi Desert
Hikers on the red sandstone plateaus of the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert
Hike across the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert | © Ken Spence
Rainbow over the mountain ranges of Yol Valley National Park in the Gobi Desert
Rainbow over Yol Valley National Park in the Gobi Desert | © Kleinberg
Hikers discover millennia-old petroglyphs in the Havtsgait Valley in the Gobi Desert
Petroglyphs in the Havtsgait Valley in the Gobi Desert | © Kleinberg
Starry sky viewed through a telescope in the Gobi Desert
Starry sky viewed through a telescope in the Gobi Desert
Stone terrace overlooking the vast Gobi Desert
Stone terrace overlooking the Gobi Desert
Xiongnu dragon roof tiles from Dragon City at the Genghis Khan Museum in Ulaanbaatar
Xiongnu dragon roof tiles at the Genghis Khan Museum in Ulaanbaatar
Dancers in colorful traditional costumes at the Naadam opening parade in Ulaanbaatar
Dancers in colorful costumes at the Naadam opening parade in Ulaanbaatar
A Mongolian mounted escort carries the sacred suldan at the opening of the Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar
Horseback parade featuring the sacred Sulden at the Naadam opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar
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