Experience the Naadam in a new way, sharing the daily life of horses breeders during the period of training, and follow the family to a local Naadam. During your stay you will attend the preparation of the Naadam but also meet wrestlers and archers who will explain their sport before giving a demonstration.
A journey prepared and organized in cooperation with AVSF and the Ar Arvidjin Delgerekh cooperative, respecting the habits of a fair and sustainable tourism.
Arrival at the airport, meeting with our driver. Transfer to your hotel, settling in, and rest.
Appointment at 12 o'clock at your hotel with your guide. He will take you to the restaurant of your choice.
Let's immerse ourselves in the heart of the Mongolian history, in the wonderful National History Museum. Three floors of a rich, glorious, violent and noble past, from prehistory to Soviet period, including the creation of the great Mongolian Empire by Genghis Khan.
Walk in the centre of Ulan-Bator. Discovery of Gengis Khan Square and the House of Parliament.
At 18 o' clock, Mongolian traditional show at Tumen Ekh: folkloric dances, contortion, and of course khoomi, the overtone singing.
Ulan Bator - Khogno Khan
Visit of Gandantegchinlen Monastery. In the morning, lamas get together to pray. They will answer your questions at the Mongolian Buddhist Centre.
We arrive at the splendid rocky formations of Khogno Khan. Discovery of the park : semidesert steppes, taiga, stunning rocky formations, 80-kilometre (49,71 miles) long sand dunes, are characteristic of this arid area nicknamed "Mini-Gobi".
Pony trek until Erdene Khambiin Monastery. "Monk Erdene's Monastery" dates from 17th century and was built in the mountain. Zanabazar built it in honour of his teacher, monk Erdene.
Visit of the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai.
Khogno Khan - Tsenkher hot springs
Arrival at Tsenkher hot springs, where you can lounge in the hot springs of the camp.
Tsenkher hot springs - Tsetserleg
Stop at Tsetserleg, small lovely village nested in mountains of larches. We'll buy fresh supplies at the local market and visit Zayan Gegeen Museum.
Tsetserleg - Jargalant at Bayarsaikhan's
We arrive in the sum of Ondor Ulaan where we'll stay at Nyambuu's, a yaks breeders member of the cooperative Ar Arvijin Delgerekh.
During these two days, you will attend horses'training with your host and his son who will be a jockey. Your host will also show you how he trains a young horse.
Jargalant - Ondor Ulaan at Batbayar's
In the morning, we meet two Mongolian archers who will explain us some techniques and will give us a demonstration of their art. You can also try to do archery under the expert control of our champions.
We take the road to join Batbayar and his family. Batbayar is a horse breeder living in the sum of Öndör Ulaan, member of the cooperative Ar Arvidjin Delgerekh.
Day 8
We spend half a day with local champions of Mongolian wrestle. They will explain you the special features of this sport and give a demonstration. The bravest among you can even try to wrestle.
Day 11
The Naadam, or "3 virile sports", refers to the Mongolian national feast. It's the ultimate feast that everybody awaits. During the celebrations, days are public holiday and many ceremonies are held for this occasion. The "3 virile sports" are wrestle, archery, and horserace. These sports represent wisdom, bravery, and strength. But other games and events are held during the Naadam, such as knucklebones throw. With our hosts, we go to the centre of the sum of Öndör Ulaan where the Naadam is held. We'll cheer on Batbayar's horse and will feel the popular fervour at the heart of the event.
During our stay, we participate in many nomadic activities : making dairy products and making the deel, the Mongolian traditional cloth. We also can see several trainings in preparation for the Naadam of the sum that will be held on the 10th of July !
Ondor Ulaan - Kharkhorin
Journey to Kharkhorin, the former capital of Mongolia. The legendary city of Genghis Khan was founded in 1220 and was one of the stages of the silk road. The Mongolian Empire was governed from this city until Kubilai Khan set up the capital in Beijing. Today, there are only a few vestiges left of the former capital.
Visit of Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 by a nomad prince. The Chinese and Tibetan-inspired buildings are surrounded with 108 sacred stupas. Visit of the Museum of Kharkhorin.
Kharkhorin - Ulan Bator
Back to Ulan-Bator. Last herds of wild horses crossing the road outside our dumbfounded eyes, last yurts smoking far away, the steppe will be with us until the last moment.
Arrival in town and settling in at your hotel, where you can rest a few moments.
Rest of the day free. With our guide, you can go shopping in the centre of the city.
Breakfast at the hotel. We go with you to the international airport of Ulan Bator. The transfer can be organized at the time you want, according to the schedule of your flight.