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Mongolia Naadam Festival - Gobi Desert Tour

Name: Mongolia Naadam Festival - Gobi Desert Tour
Brand: Elife Travel
Availability: OutOfStock

Country:

Mongolia

Flight:

Included

Favorite

Tour id:

45423

Operator:

Amicus Travel Mongolia
Length:

8 days
Group size:

12 pax
Age:

0 to 65
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

Itinerary

Join in Mongolia Naadam Festival 2021, Gobi Desert 8 days small group tour!
The world famous Gobi Desert is an astonishing region blessed with true remoteness, rugged beauty and it is the home for camel breeders rich with wildlife and vegetation. Dinosaur skeletons and their petrified eggs have been preserved here to the present day.
Visit the most interesting national parks and meet one of the last nomadic cultures on earth, where a traditional way of life endures as it did a millennium ago. Just three million people inhabit a country the size of Western Europe, half of them still living in portable felt tents called Ger and moving seasonally with their animals.
Our Gobi tour combines with the most colorful and amazing Naadam festival; held every year in July and all Mongolians celebrate the three manly sports of horse racing, archery and wrestling.
In 2010, This festival registered with the Intangible Heritage Fund of UNESCO.

Tour program

Day 1

(10 July)

Whenever, your international flight lands in city airport, your driver will be waiting for you at arrival hall and holding a greeting sign with our logo + your name (please send us your international arrival/departure details, once it ready with you). After meet with your driver, you can exchange your money to Mongolian currency (MNT) at the 2nd floor of the airport in the exchange office and then, transferred to the hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Free at leisure for the rest of the day. You may need some time to relax and recover from the long-distance flight or possibly from jet-lag. If you feel like going for a walk and checking out places nearby, feel free to ask from your hotel reception for recommendations.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: None

Day 2

(11 July)

Today, we will be attending the opening ceremony of the Festival of naadam in Ulaanbaatar national stadium. It’s Mongolia’s biggest, most colorful and most important annual cultural event, focusing on three sports: horse racing, Mongolian-style wrestling, and archery. It's no coincidence that all three skills derive from the capabilities of Genghis Khan's legendary military - a force that conquered and controlled the largest empire the world has ever known.

* At 8am picked up from the hotel lobby, join in naadam group and visit central naadam stadium.
* First visit is stadium of ankle-bone shooting competition.
* Next, visit the archery field. The field will be filled with men and women archers in colorful ethnic national costumes who shooting arrows from their bows.
* We will wander around outside of the Naadam stadium to watch locals who dressed their national costumes, food and trade corners etc.
* Afterwards, we will enter into main stadium for the opening ceremony of Naadam Festival.
* Once finish the opening ceremony, we will watch the beginning of 1st part of Mongolian national wrestling. In the usual 512 wrestler tournament, there will be nine elimination rounds of wrestling over two days.
* After lunch, we will drive out of the city for a hour to Hui Doloon hudag (horse racing field of Naadam festival) for witness the Naadam horse races, featuring children riding bareback across the steppe. All of these racers from each corners of Mongolia.
* You will experience the brilliant madness of the horse race field and the unsurpassed cultural opportunity to watch the horse racing competition included around 150-200 horses. Also, there are you will have a great opportunity to take photography local horse trainers, peoples with traditional garments and so more contrast.
* End of these experience, return to the city and transferred to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3

(12 July)

In early morning, you will be transferred to the city airport for morning flight to Gobi Desert (~1.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local Gobi tour guide meet you and depart to the Bayanzag which is a famous for the first discovery of fossilized dinosaurs.
Bayanzag is also well known for red tall hillocks formed as a result of wind and water erosion which look like fire in the middle of the desert from distance.
When we arrive at Ger camp, we will watch interesting video about how Roy Chapman Andrews and American expedition discovered the first dinosaur eggs from Bayanzag and transferred dinosaur skeletons on the camel back through Gobi Desert. Their findings proved to the world that dinosaurs laid eggs.
Then we will take 5min drive to the Flaming cliffs and wander on the red hillocks. We will find bones of dinosaurs around Bayanzag. White fossilized bones are still found nowadays. Return back ger camp and overnight.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 110km, driving for ~3hrs.

Day 4

(13 July)

On this day, our trip will continue driving west to the extraordinary sand dunes of Khongor. This is one of the most scenic areas of Gobi. The dunes rise abruptly from the plain, in some places reaching a height of 300 meters, and extend over an area between 2-12 km in width and 180 km in length.
Upon we arrive, we will have lunch and relax at cozy Ger camp until Gobi hot temperature decrease.
In the evening, we will visit camel herder family in their Ger, and explore their unique nomadic lifestyle. Its chance to try drinking Hormog (fermented Mongolian camel milk). Then we will ride a camel.
The Khongor Sand Dunes are the perfect place for camel riding. We will discover this magnificent place on camel back. Mongolia is home to 2/3 of the two-humped Bactrian camels in the world. It is a gentle, calm and extraordinary patient animal.
Afterwards, we will hike and climb up to the Singing Dune, one of the highest dunes. From the top of the sand dunes, the view of the desert is awesome and amazing sunshine panorama of sand dunes. When it is windy some of the dunes give a strange sound like the engines of an aero plane, for which they are named the “singing dunes”. The Khongoryn River flows along the sand dunes and gives birth to oases.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 160km, driving for ~4hrs.

Day 5

(14 July)

After breakfast, we will go ahead to Yol valley (Eagle or Vulture valley) situated in “Three beauties of Gobi” Mt. National Park. This valley is originally established to conserve birdlife in the region. But it’s now more famous for its dramatic scenery in the middle of the Gobi Desert with a meter’s thick ice almost all year around, except late summer.
After lunch at local restaurant at Bayandalai village, we will drive through Dungenee Canyon and reach at the Yol valley. There we will do hiking through grassy meadows, small streams, long and narrow valley with sheltered by high cliff walls, sunlight bouncing off amazing rocks, covered with wild flowers and Gobi plants. You may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and goat, grazing high on the cliff walls.
After visit and explore the national park, we will take a short drive to another Ger camp for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 200km, driving for ~5hrs.

Day 6

(15 July)

Early this morning, transferred to the local airport for morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in the city, drive to Terelj National Park, this is one of the most visited national parks in Mongolia.
In the afternoon, we will see Turtle Rock - interesting rock formation looking like a turtle and visit Ariyabal meditation temple - surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations and sits at top of the mountain. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Terelj National Park.
Also, we will enjoy visiting the local nomad family to experience firsthand how people live in the country side and a lifestyle which has not changed for centuries. Here you can help the herders with their daily tasks to get an idea of how nomadic people alongside of their livestock.

Accommodation: Ger camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: Flight takes 1.5hrs and 80km driving for ~2.5hrs.

Day 7

(16 July)

After breakfast, we will return to Ulaanbaatar. On the way visit “Genghis Khan Statue Complex” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, you can ascend to the head of the horse using an elevator. There you have a good panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond. You are now definitely in Genghis Khan’s country!
Upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar city, we will have lunch at "Modern Nomads" which is one of the best restaurants in the city.
Afterwards, Sukhbaatar square which is lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as government palace, banks and theaters and post office. There is an equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar and a massive Bronze statue of Genghis khan with his four warriors in front of Parliament House.
Continue to visit Museum of Mongolian National History – the museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day.
Next, we will visit “Gandan” Monastery, Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery including the Mongolian Buddhist University. The highlight of visiting to Gandan is 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig.
In the evening at 6pm, we will visit “Wonders of Mongolia” folklore show by famous Tumen-Ekh ensemble - is one of the most successful folk-art groups to share traditional Mongolian music with the world, having traveled to over 40 countries.
Dinner is at “Bd’s Mongolian Barbeque” international chain restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 100km, driving for ~3hrs.

Day 8

(17 July)

As your memorable trip comes to end, then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to your next destination or home. Meal: Breakfast

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation ans Refund
We would deeply regret your decision to cancel your trip to Mongolia, however we realize that there are many valid reasons that this can happen. If you must cancel your trip, this cancellation must be done sending an email [email protected] with the name of the tour you want to cancel and for the reason.
Cancellation and refunds will be calculated as of the date we receive cancellation request:

1) FULL REFUND if trip is cancelled 3 months (or earlier) prior to start of trip. MINUS any costs incurred (flight cancellation fees, permit fees, hotel booking fees, banking fees, turning others away from a full trip).
2) 90 to 31 days prior to departure date: the deposit is non refundable.
3) 30 to 15 days prior to departure date: 30% of the total price.
4) 14 to 7 days prior to departure date: 50% of the total price.
5) 6 to 0 days prior to departure date: 100% of the total price.

We strongly recommend you protect yourself by purchasing travel insurance.

Cancellation by us: We reserve the right to cancel the contract between us for any reason prior to your payment of the full price of the holiday, whereupon we will refund any monies that you have paid us in full except bank transfer fee. After full payment has been made, we will only cancel the contract if circumstances beyond our control make it unavoidable.

Special requests
You must let us know at the time of making your booking if you have special requests or needs (such as ground floor accommodation, disability access or specific dietary requirements). We will try to meet any request you have, however, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate every person’s needs and we make no promises and take no responsibility for special requests which we are unable to fulfill. If we reasonably feel we are unable to satisfactorily accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline the booking or ask for you to be accompanied by a person who is able to provide full assistance to you throughout your tour.

Health Issues
When you make reservation, you must inform us in the tour booking form and by email, of any physical, emotional or mental condition, which may require professional attention during the trip or may require the use of special equipment.
Amicus Travel reserves the right to decline any trip participant whose condition, in our opinion, may affect the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. We cannot accommodate women past their sixth month of pregnancy. You should take into account all international travel risks and familiarize yourselves with health requirements applicable to the areas you intend to visit.
We recommend that you consult with your local doctor, travel medical service or specialist vaccination clinic before commencing your tour.

Travel documents & conduct
All travelers must check their travel documentation to ensure that the dates are correct, visas have been obtained and passports have at least six months validity. Please ensure you carefully read your invoice and all other documents we send to you as soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if any information appears to be incorrect. If you do not arrive on the agreed date for your tour we may treat the tour as having been cancelled by you.
You must follow our instructions at all times and you agree to indemnify us against any loss or injury suffered as a result of failing to comply with our instructions. You must conduct yourself in a proper manner so as to not to cause disturbance or offence to other travelers and you agree to take responsibility for any damage you cause to our or any third party’s property. We will not be responsible to you for any loss or damage sustained by you arising from or in relation to your contravention of any law of any place while on the tour. You indemnify us for all third party actions taken against us for loss or damage caused by you or arising from your participation on the tour.

Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in your tour price. We are highly recommends that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from your country of origin.
Before your trip, you should inform us by email about your insurance company contact details, insurance number and phone numbers of your relatives in case any emergency ans healthy issues!

Complaints
If you have a complaint while you are on tour you must tell immediately your tour leader and guide, who will make every effort to resolve them. They will complete a report form with you giving details of your complaint and the action taken resolve it and you should keep a copy of this to keep. If after your tour, you will feel a complaint remains unresolved, you must tell Amicus Travel Mongolia about it in writing within 2 weeks. Relevant receipts and substantiating evidence must be attached to the letter of claim. Complaints regarding any services not directly connected with Amicus Travel Mongolia, should be raised with the relevant supplier.
Amicus will not be liable for any claims made later than 2 weeks days the completion of your tour.

Personal Data Protection
All personal data you give us (including sensitive personal data) will be kept but we may use only names and email address for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to receive any marketing material or communications from us, please e-mail [email protected] or write to us at [email protected]. We do not sell personal data to any third party.
We occasionally take photos during our tours for use in promotional material. Unless you advise us otherwise, you consent to such use of your photographic/video likeness.
If you believe that any of your personal data which we are processing is inaccurate or incorrect please contact us immediately.

Liability and Responsibility
Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realize the inherent risks and hazards of the tours and agree to take responsibility for your actions and safety.
Amicus does not take the responsibility of the information on the website. Final and correct information will be on your tour program as confirmed with us.
Amicus shall not be responsible for any wrongful or negligent or fraudulent, omissions, changes of itinerary, cancellation or the failure of any equipment operated by suppliers or any other party not directly owned or controlled by Amicus.
Amicus shall not be liable for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property, alteration of itineraries or cancellation in part or in full, caused by climatic conditions, fire, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, terrorist activities, technical problems on transport, closure or congestion of airport or ports, cancellation or change of scheduled airlines or any other actions, omissions or conditions beyond Amicus’s control.
Amicus is not responsible for a client's failure to comply with customs regulations.
All itineraries are as written, but reserve the right to alter these due to any unforeseen circumstances, and will notify you of any changes as soon as possible. If Amicus has cancelled any tour prior to the commencement of the tour, Amicus is liable for a full refund of the money received from the client.
Many of Amicus tour packages include activities which require care and attention. Such activities includes horse riding, camel riding, climbing hills, sand dunes and hiking through ice melted canyon etc. You will receive help and advice from our representatives but all activities are undertaken at your own risk. Amicus, its employees and agents cannot be responsible for any action or event that occurs after its said employees and agents have exercised their duty and taken the necessary care.
On the tours it is necessary that you agree to abide by the authority of the tour guide who will be working to ensure the safety and welfare of the group. Any action that jeopardizes this may result in you being asked to leave the tour with no right to a refund or any compensation.
Special requests and any medical issues or conditions must be brought to our attention at the time of booking. We cannot be held liable for any actions or events that could have been avoided with proper disclosure of information.
Amicus is not responsible for the theft or loss of any customer's valuables or items of personal property due to the negligence of the clients.
Personal property is always your own responsibility, as is ensuring that you have all the appropriate passport and visa requirements for the duration of the trip.
Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle.
Before the commencement of the tour, you must arrange your own insurance with an insurer, with protection for the full duration of the tour, to cover personal injury, medical expanses, repatriation expenses, loss of baggage and the expenses associated with cancellation or curtailment of the tour. If you become ill during the tour, all hospital expenses, doctors’ fees and repatriation costs are your responsibility and we shall not be liable for any refund of the tour cost.

Legal term
All terms and conditions are made subject to, and enforced by, Mongolian law and must be done so in a Mongolian court. If you require further action on return we will try and work towards an agreed settlement but you must notify us in writing within 2 weeks of the completion date of the tour.

Children discounts
FREE CHARGE for less than 2 years old.
From 3-10 years old: 30% at the regular adult price.
For children 11 and over, they will be charged at the regular adult price.

Tour Details

Accommodation

7 nights accommodations based on twin/double occupancy;"

- Hotel 4* in Ulaanbaatar – 3 nights

- Hotel 3* in Dalanzadgad, Gobi – 1 night,

- Best Ger camps in Gobi and Terelj National Park – 3 nights

Transport

A minibus in the city and around the national parks
4x4 Japanese jeep in the Gobi Desert trip.
All relevant transfers and transportation + experienced driver.

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

All Internal flights + included all tax, free luggage allowance is 15kg,
International flights not included

Additional Services

Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony Ticket(s) with best seat(s)

Car entry permission to Naadam stadium and horse racing field,

“Wonders of Mongolian Art” performance by famous “Tumen Ekh” ensemble,

Camel ride at Khongor sand dunes – 1 hour,

2-3 bottled mineral water per day during the trip,

All service charge, local and government Taxes,

Visa invitation letter, if required.

Additional Services

International flights and visa,
Travel and medical insurance,
Daily personal expenses, additional services & single rooms,
Excess luggage charges – 1.5$ per kg for internal flights,
Hotel early check-in and late check-out.

Meals

All meals 18 as specified in the itinerary: Breakfast-7, Lunch-6 & Dinner -5,

Guide

English speaking guides at all times

Good to know

Currency

MNT

Tugrik

Mongolia

Customer reviews

Overall Rating

4.1

Itinerary

Guide

4.3

Transport

4.2

Accommodation

Food

3.8

Operator

4.5

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.