16 Day Mongolia Inc Naadam Festival
Women Only
Max Group 12
Lifetime Deposit
The most complete Mongolia experience. On this women-only trip, you will experience the magic that is the Mongolian way of life.
Stay with nomads and slow down to the pace of this ancient culture while you meet the local women and see how they maintain centuries-old tradition. You’ll enjoy rolling hills, see the Gobi deserts, and explore the heart of Mongolian Buddhism in monasteries. Stop for a day to enjoy the traditional Naadam festival.
You may be interested in our 16 Day Mongolia Adventure (incl HORSE FESTIVAL) trip, very similar to this except it runs in the reverse order. In place of the Naadam Festival it ends with the traditional Baga Gazriin Chuluu Horse festival, held in a small town in the middle of nowhere.
Highlights
Experience the traditional Naadam festival - the highlight of the Mongolian year
See the highlights of the Gobi; walk sand dunes, enjoy a camel trek & meet camel herders
The BEST thing about Mongolia is the nomadic culture; we have organised 3 nomad homestays
Plant trees at the Gobi Oasis project & contribute to Mongolia's sustainability for future generations
Get your heart pumping with short hikes, horse rides & float down a river through untouched countryside
Participate in Mongolian cooking and learn their centuries-old nomadic cooking traditions
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Trip Details
Price
$6,878 AUD (per person twin share)
- $1,650 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Partial private supplement available (x5 homestays are shared): $1,761 AUD, max 2 spots
- Tip Kitty: $300 USD
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
16 days, 15 nights
Meeting point
Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar
Ending point
Hotel 9, Ulaanbaatar
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Participation” section to see the requirements.
Included
- Airport transfers
- All entrance fees
- Transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide
- All meals: breakfasts, lunches and dinners included
- All listed activities
- All accommodation
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required
- Late check-outs at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty
- Personal expenditure
Why Choose This Tour?
This is Mongolia, the way it SHOULD be done. We're going to some of the famous sights, sure, but it's so much more than that - you'll experience the magic that is the Mongolian way of life on this in-depth cultural experience.
Maybe you’ll come for the Flaming Cliffs or the Gobi, but your most treasured memories will be of your interactions with the Mongolian culture. That’s why we’ve organised homestays and have planned for real, unrushed time with one of the last truly nomadic cultures on the planet. You’ll stay in gers in the middle of nowhere in the Mongolian countryside
Don’t just sit in a vehicle - get out and experience nature with horse rides, hikes and kayaking
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: ULAANBAATAR
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. A friendly face will be waiting to meet you at the airport for your transfer to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital.
Originally a nomadic city, Ulaanbaatar first became permanent around 400 years ago as a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The group will meet at the reception at 2pm for a a stroll with the group across Sukhbaatar Square – a symbol of Mongolia’s independence. A visit to the National History Museum is a fitting introduction to the land you’re about to explore.
Next, we drop into a small theatre for a performance of traditional music and dance by the Tumen Ekh Ensemble. Perhaps a bit touristy, but your first exposure to Mongolia’s cultural heritage may actually quite surprise you!
Dinner is at our favourite local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel 9 (or similar)
Drive time: 45 minutes
July 10 itinerary: for those of you with early morning arrivals on this trip, we’ve organised a morning visit to the Gandan Monastery old temple complex. Refer to the full itinerary HERE.
Day 2: TERELJ NATIONAL PARK – COUNTRYSIDE KAYAK
Terelj National Park is wonderful, but very popular. So, after visiting the iconic ‘Turtle Rock’, you’ll get away from the crowds and over to your ger camp – a peaceful little spot by the Tuul River. (Ger is the Mongolian word for Yurt, and is pronounced like the word ‘gear’.)
You’re going to get out the inflatable kayaks this afternoon and reconnect with nature on a wide, shallow, beautiful river. Breathe in the air and relax: it’s just you and the group, flowing water and the steppes. It’s a gentle paddle and beginner friendly.
Accommodation: Standard Ger, Shuteen
Drive time: 2.5hrs/74km
July 10 itinerary: for those of you doing this trip, your NAADAM FESTIVAL is happening today! Refer to the full itinerary HERE.
Day 3: KHUSTAI NATIONAL PARK
A hearty breakfast this morning before your face-to-face meeting with Chinggis Khan, to find out what he’s been up to. Then, settle in for the drive to Khustai National Park where you’ll be welcomed by Sanjaa and his family, your hosts for this night.
Sanjaa is a park ranger tasked with protecting the local Takhi horses – the world’s only truly wild horse breed. Share a chill moment with Sanjaa as dusk falls, watching these special horses gather nearby for a refreshing drink.
Dinner and fun times follow. The connection you’ll make with Sanjaa’s kind-hearted family more than makes up for the simple but clean homestay facilities.
Accommodation: Simple Private Ger, Sanjaa’s Family
Drive time: 3hrs/180km
TAKHI HORSES
The Takhi horse became extinct in its native habitat of the steppe but was reintroduced to Mongolia from captive American stock in the 1990s, where to the amazement of scientists, it’s making a comeback. Although, to this day it is still classed as ‘endangered’.
Day 4: GOBI OASIS PROJECT
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to meet Byamba Tseyn, who runs the Gobi Oasis tree planting nursery, an NGO that works to conserve the local environment. Today, we’ll plant some of the seedlings ourselves, and contribute back to Mother Nature. A small portion of your trip fee is contributed to this project.
Back at Byamba’s home you will have a Mongolian cooking lesson. Together, we’ll prepare a traditional nomadic dinner and then eat.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Drive time: 4hrs/240km
Day 5: THE FLAMING CLIFFS
This morning, we’re on the road again. Mongolia is a country of wide open spaces, so this trip will involve quite a few days with extended time driving through the countryside.
Today, you’re stopping at the impressive rock formations of Tsagaan Suvarga, where you can explore the area on foot for an hour or so before continuing on to Bayanzag Bayanzag is one of the most famous paleontological sites worldwide, known for dinosaur bone discoveries.
Walk around the spectacular sandstone formations, known as the Flaming Cliffs due to their deep red hue.
We’ll stay the next two nights at a deluxe ger camp.
Accommodation: Deluxe Ger camp
Drive time: 6hrs/400km
Day 6: KHAVSGAIT PETROGLYPHS
Yolyn Am is a beautiful local gorge and perfect for a leg-stretching 90 minute hike. We’ll head over there in the morning.
In the afternoon, we’re visiting the Khavsgait Pteroglyphs (Bronze Age rock engravings) depicting life thousands of years ago. It’s intriguingly pleasant to walk amongst the rocks and discover the drawings for yourself. Take a moment to pause and let your mind wander back to those ancient times.
Accommodation: Deluxe Ger camp
Drive time: 1.5hrs/70km
Day 7: CAMELS & DUNES
It’s a driving day today as we head towards the Singing Dunes where you will visit a camel herding family.
Enjoy the hospitality in their ger where you will be able to try camel milk and other traditional Mongolian fare.
Afterwards, saddle up for a camel ride alongside the dunes. You’re in the Gobi; let’s make the most of it.
Around sunset we’ll hike up to the top to hear the dune song, a phenomenon written about since the times of Marco Polo.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Drive time: 4hrs/180km
Day 8: NAADAM
Today, you will witness the celebrations of a rural Gobi Naadam – the local Khongor Khurd Festival. This is the highlight of the year for local Mongolians, who train for months to compete in different competitions. The traditional events include wrestling, horse racing, a concert and soaking up the festival atmosphere.
Like all Naadam festivals in Mongolia, it is a little touristy, but much less touristy than the Naadam in Ulaanbaatar.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Drive time: No driving today.
July 10 itinerary: for those of you doing this trip, you’ll be be listening to the dune ‘songs’ in the Gobi today! Refer to the full itinerary HERE.
Mongolians and their Horses
Did you know that Mongolia has more horses than people? That’s because Mongolian nomads take care of their horses by frequently switching between them, to avoid overwork.
They’ve been pivotal in Mongolian culture for centuries and still today, it’s said that nomadic children know how to ride before they can walk. Horses are not only a means for travelling, herding stock, and providing milk, they’re also a companion and a source of pride. Horse Festivals and Naadam are a Mongolian’s way of expressing that pride – and on this trip, you’ll be one of the few outsiders to witness this unique bond between horse and human.
Day 9: ONGIIN KHIID
Today is a road trip day as we start the scenic journey north towards the heartland of Mongolia. Driving is part of the fun when it comes to this vast country. Most areas are still unpaved, so the driving can get a bit bumpy as the vehicle winds its way following tracks made by other vehicles.
After we enjoy the usual photographic and picnic stops en route, you’ll settle into your Ger camp next to the temple complex of Ongiin Khiid.
Enter the tiny, reconstructed temple and see the monks who run the Monastery.
Like many nights, tonight you will be staying in a Ger camp. Because Mongolia has very few towns and cities, it also has very few hotels.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Drive time: 7hrs/350km
GER CAMPS
Ger camps have been built to recognise this need, and they cater for travellers. A typical ger camp has 20-40 gers, each containing 2 single beds. There are showers, toilets, and a food hall where visitors eat dinner each night. This is where the group will gather to eat and have a Mongolian vodka or two. Beer and wine are also typically available.
Day 10: URTIIN TOKHOI CANYON
After breakfast we continue north. The open flat plains give way to greener undulating countryside, with more grazier families and livestock. By this point in the trip, surrounded by this beautiful scenery, all the cares in the world are forgotten as you totally disconnect.
We will arrive at our camp by 3pm. You can go horse riding, wander through the Urtiin Tokhoi Canyon of the Orkhon Valley, or unwind – get your hair washed and massaged in a ‘spa’ ger.
Accommodation: Ger Camp
Included: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
Driving time: 6hrs/250km
Day 11: ORKHON VALLEY
We continue up the Orkhon valley today – the scenery is beautiful, but the roads are particularly rough! Although today’s drive is only about 90km, it will take 3 hours to arrive.
Galaa is our local host for 2 nights near Orkhon Waterfall, where the group will enjoy another stay with a family of true nomads. As you settle into the rhythms of life of the Mongolian countryside, the hustle and bustle of our modern world will feel a million miles away.
During your time with Galaa’s family you will get a chance to erect a ger – with a little help from the experts, of course! In the evening, enjoy a nomadic feast. Simple, hearty and delicious.
Note: for these 2 nights, there is a portable shower only.
Accommodation: Family Homestay Ger
Drive time: 3hrs/90km
Day 12: GALAA’S FAMILY
Today is a special experience as you experience the day to day life of a nomadic family.
This is yak-herding country, so you can help milk the yaks and see how the milk is made into a variety of foods. Galaa’s family will welcome you into every aspect of their activities!
You will also have time to explore and relax in the beautiful surroundings. including heading off on a horse ride if you like. Try your hand at archery as well. This is a day you won’t forget quickly.
Accommodation: Family Homestay Ger
Drive time: None
Day 13: TOVKHON KHIID
Say a reluctant goodbye to your nomadic hosts after breakfast for a 3 hour hike of intermediate difficulty up to and from Tovkhon Monastery. We’ll walk up to the unique hilltop temples through the scenic forested countryside and catch a beautiful view. Those who want to sit out the hikes, of course can do so.
Afterwards continue to the historic area of Kharkhorin. There will be time to visit the Monument of the 3 Kings, overlooking the Orkhon River, and the fertility stone on the edge of town. Then settle into your gers, complete with thoroughly deserved hot showers! After two nights of nomadic hospitality, it’s nice to enjoy a few Western comforts.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Drive time: 2hrs/70km
July 10 itinerary: for those of you doing this trip, we’ve managed to find you a Yak Festival to attend! Refer to the full itinerary HERE.
Day 14: ERDENE ZUU
This morning, we’ll get to Erdene Zuu Monastery – the most important in Mongolia – in time to hear the monks chanting, followed by a guided tour around the main temples.
In the afternoon, come with us to the beautiful nature reserve of Khogno Khaan, where we’ll visit the lower temple complex of Uvguun Khiid. Check out the reconstructed temples, prayer-wheels and look around the ruins. We’ll also go for a short hike to take in some beautiful nature.
Accommodation: Ger camp
Drive time: 2hrs/90km
Day 15: ULAAN BAATAR
Back to Ulaanbaatar today. Is the trip finished already? Nearly! It’s time to say goodbye to the slow pace of the Mongolian countryside as we head back to the city, tarmac roads all the way! You’ll also get the chance to do some last minute shopping – cashmere, anyone?
After freshening up at the hotel, enjoy a farewell meal at one of our favourite restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel 9 (or similar)
Drive time: 4.5hrs/290km
Day 16: ULAAN BAATAR
And that’s it! There’ll be hugs and tears aplenty as we say goodbye to our trip leader and driver. After two weeks, you’ll have fallen in love with them.
You’ll then be transferred to the airport with a head and heart full of new memories.
We can tell you from experience – Mongolia will stay with you for a long time.
Trip Map
The Essential Info
WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATION?
Mostly you’ll be in ‘ger camps’ during the trip. These are specifically set up for travellers. There are two people to a ger, and if you want to go to the toilet or shower, you need to step out. You get used to it quickly. The toilets and showers are clean and well-maintained, almost without exception.
Do the gers get cold? Not a huge amount. The gers are good at keeping the warmth in and they also have stoves for heating which the staff maintain. You’ll need warm clothes for cool evenings and we also recommend bringing pyjamas.
Homestays are a bit different – they’re more rustic but quite comfortable. Each ger sleeps 3-4 people. It definitely doesn’t feel like a hotel – expect random things like Mickey Mouse pillowcases and each bed to be different.
WHAT ABOUT FOOD?
Mongolian food is simple and hearty. While there is a lot of meat, milk and cheese in Mongolian cuisine, we can cater for most dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.
We guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised by the food available in Mongolia. This is partly because your expectations will be low (!), but also because, contrary to popular belief, dietary options are not just limited to mutton and fat. In Ulaanbaatar, there is a range of great local and international restaurants, and although in the countryside the choice and ingredients are more limited, there are some traditional culinary specialities to enjoy and savour.
We like to vary meals during a trip – lunch may be with a nomadic family, or at a roadside cafe, or a picnic. Sadly, we cannot cater to those with severe nut allergies. In all of our homestays, you’re welcome to participate and learn, as much or as little as you like. It’s a great way to spend extended time with local Mongolian women, who traditionally occupy this role.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? I’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.67 USD.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, or any variation of the above. Let us know in advance so we can prepare as much of the food that needs to be brought with us from Ulaanbaatar. Note: the food will be simple and may get repetitive. We cannot cater for those with severe nut allergies. If you have any other medical requirements, please advise.
Mongolia has dropped its visa requirements for all Australian and NZ citizens.
Alcohol is widely available in Mongolia. It will be available for sale at all ger camps at affordable prices and can be bought in Ulaanbaatar.
Airfares are not included. There are lots of good options through Japan, Korea.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Note: In the home stays, the private supplement is not available.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Mongolian adventure, we ask your contribution be: 190,000 Mongolian Tugrik (equivalent to $55 USD at exchange rate $1USD : 3,465 Mongolian Tugrik) and given to your guide on Day 1. Your guide will use this to cover small tips along the way for included meals, hotel staff and other services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide and drivers. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
Guide: 240,000 to 310,000 Mongolian Tugrik per person (equivalent to $70 – $90USD).
Drivers: 70,000 Mongolian Tugrik per driver / per person (equivalent to $20 USD).
(Exchange rate used – $1USD : 3,463 Mongolian Tugrik)
It is not recommended to bring the Mongolian Togrog currency to Ulaanbaatar, as you can obtain it easily at money changers and ATMs. In countryside towns, you can obtain money but it’s best not to rely on chjangers or ATMs available. Your expenses during the trip will be minimal and mostly confined to the alcohol you buy at ger camps. Bringing gifts for your host families is also highly encouraged. Aussie-themed gifts and clothing are highly welcomed as are toys for the kids. Fabric, scarves, warm socks, and gloves are also very welcome.
Private transport, with the same drivers, and the same vehicle, available 100% of the time. Modern, spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned. Our trusty transport is a UAZ Purgon, comfortable and built to withstand off-road Mongolian driving conditions. Our hand-picked local drivers are safe, experienced, and friendly. Reliable private transportation is the key to seeing Mongolia.
You will need a universal power adaptor on this trip as Mongolia uses multiple types of power outlets. There are no power plugs at our ger camps, but you can charge your devices in our vehicles.
You’re visiting Mongolia at the perfect time, with warm days and cool evenings. The potential for days over 30 degrees is real, so be ready with light layers. Rain showers are not uncommon, so please come prepared for this. On the long driving days, it’s recommended to wear blouses with long sleeves and pants for your comfort. For the cool mornings and evenings, we recommend you bring at least one warm jacket or sweater, and a light sweater. Comfortable walking shoes will serve just fine.
We take animal welfare seriously and do not work with providers who treat their animals poorly. Please note that animals often coexist with their owners in what can be very difficult conditions. This is part of the reality of life for them and we accept this.
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in.
You’ll need a reasonable fitness level to participate in this trip, but nothing extreme. If you can walk for several hours e.g. 8-12km at a moderate pace on undulating terrain, you’ll be fine. There will be some uphill/downhill walking and the dune walk will be tiring, although very much worth the effort. All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it.
Some days do involve long stretches of driving and you need to be the kind of person who enjoys road trips. Any such necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pit stops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, leg stretching walks and dropping in on nomadic families. Our trusty transport is a UAZ Purgon, comfortable and built to withstand off-road Mongolian driving conditions. We’ll have 2-3 of these. You will adore our skilful drivers.
Whilst a few ger camps will have Wi-Fi we advise all guests not to rely on this being available, and if you absolutely must have access during a trip, you can purchase a local SIM card with data. Just ask your trip leader for assistance.
Our guide for this trip will likely be female, but this is not guaranteed. We have a pool of highly capable guides, but the nature of Mongolian culture means that our planned guide may be called away before the trip to assist their family.
We recommend flying to Mongolia, as the train times are not conveniently matched with our departure day and time. Continuing your trip via train, may be possible, but given the current conditions it is possible that onward travel to both Russia and China is not possible. Also, August is a bad time of year to visit Beijing due to the weather (too hot!) with bad air quality and we do not recommend it.
