Mongolia: Naadam Festival & the Khan Legacy - A Marco Polo Journey (2024)

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

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

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 Genghis 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.

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD

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. Afterwards, visit a fine arts museum. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure before dining at a local restaurant.

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar: Meals: BLD

Fly to the Gobi Desert, home to such diverse species as Bactrian (two-humped) camel, mountain sheep, golden eagle 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.

Three Camel Lodge | Meals: BLD

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

Three Camel Lodge | Meals: BLD

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 with 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, savour a Scenic Sundowner and a sunset dinner.

Three Camel Lodge | Meals: BLD

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.

Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD

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.

Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD

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.

Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar | Meals: BLD

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.

Meals: B

Internal air included: Ulaanbaatar/Dalanzadgad/Ulaanbaatar
Minimum age is 10 years.
This journey contains some active elements.
First group event: welcome briefing at 9:00 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Day 9.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.

Program Note: Travel in this remote region entails extended drives over unpaved roads, visits to sites with limited accessibility for those with mobility challenges, and limited access to Western cuisine.

Included with every Marco Polo Journey

• English-Speaking Resident Tour Director and Local Guides
• Hand-Selected Luxury Accommodations (Where Available)
• Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
• Travelling Bell Boy Luggage Handling
• Breakfast in Bed on Select Days
• Full Breakfast Daily; Select Lunches and Dinners
• Traveller’s Valet Laundry Service
• Internet Access (Where Available)
• Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
• 24/7 A&K On-Call Support
• Guaranteed Departures with Just Two Guests

Talk to one of our expert Journey Designers or your travel agent about booking this tour as a private journey for your own small group with family or friends. Or, if you would prefer to travel privately, find out more about creating the perfect bespoke Tailor-Made Journey based on this itinerary.