Naadam Festival Insider
10 days — opening ceremony, horse racing, and culture without the chaos
Naadam is incredible — and crowded. This itinerary focuses on best-view timing, less stress, and the key sporting days, with an optional nature break right after the festival peak.
Comfort
Comfort
Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
Max 8
Your Journey
Day by Day
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive, settle in, and meet your guide. In the evening we walk a calmer side of the city and go over the festival plan so you know exactly what's coming. Optional welcome dinner to set the tone.
Ulaanbaatar: culture + prep day
A softer start before the crowds: museums, viewpoints, and the last essentials. We confirm festival logistics and timing so you don't waste a single hour during Naadam days. Early night, big days ahead.
Naadam Opening Ceremony
Today is the big one: the opening ceremony and the first wave of celebration energy. We position you for the best experience, then give you time to explore the festival atmosphere at your pace. Expect crowds, color, and unforgettable moments.
Naadam Games: wrestling + archery
A full day inside Mongolia's proudest tradition — the drama of wrestling and the precision of archery. Your guide translates the context, symbols, and rituals so it's not just 'watching,' it's understanding. Evening free to decompress.
Naadam Horse Racing Day (outside the city)
We head beyond the city to feel Naadam where it belongs — open steppe and huge sky. Horse racing is raw and real; it's not a stadium show. Bring layers and a camera — this is one of the most iconic scenes in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar → Terelj National Park
Leave city noise behind and enter a quieter landscape of granite and valley roads. Easy walks, photo stops, and time to breathe. Tonight is a slower, warmer pace — firelight, stars, and calm.
Terelj: horses + nomadic culture (optional)
Choose your energy: a gentle ride, a longer trek, or simply scenic walks. We can visit a local family when available — tea, stories, and a look into daily life. The focus is simple: nature, space, and reset.
Terelj → Ulaanbaatar (crafts + shopping time)
Return to the capital with a flexible afternoon: cashmere, crafts, and final local gifts without tourist traps. If you want, we can add a short cultural performance or a relaxed city dinner. Pack, rest, and finish strong.
Buffer day: custom add-on
Use this day for what matters most to you: extra festival time, a countryside extension, a photo day, or simply recovery time. We keep it flexible by design — Naadam weeks move fast, and this is your control lever.
Departure
Airport transfer and goodbye. You leave with the festival still ringing in your ears — and Mongolia feeling real, not rushed.
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive, settle in, and meet your guide. In the evening we walk a calmer side of the city and go over the festival plan so you know exactly what's coming. Optional welcome dinner to set the tone.
Ulaanbaatar: culture + prep day
A softer start before the crowds: museums, viewpoints, and the last essentials. We confirm festival logistics and timing so you don't waste a single hour during Naadam days. Early night, big days ahead.
Naadam Opening Ceremony
Today is the big one: the opening ceremony and the first wave of celebration energy. We position you for the best experience, then give you time to explore the festival atmosphere at your pace. Expect crowds, color, and unforgettable moments.
Naadam Games: wrestling + archery
A full day inside Mongolia's proudest tradition — the drama of wrestling and the precision of archery. Your guide translates the context, symbols, and rituals so it's not just 'watching,' it's understanding. Evening free to decompress.
Naadam Horse Racing Day (outside the city)
We head beyond the city to feel Naadam where it belongs — open steppe and huge sky. Horse racing is raw and real; it's not a stadium show. Bring layers and a camera — this is one of the most iconic scenes in Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar → Terelj National Park
Leave city noise behind and enter a quieter landscape of granite and valley roads. Easy walks, photo stops, and time to breathe. Tonight is a slower, warmer pace — firelight, stars, and calm.
Terelj: horses + nomadic culture (optional)
Choose your energy: a gentle ride, a longer trek, or simply scenic walks. We can visit a local family when available — tea, stories, and a look into daily life. The focus is simple: nature, space, and reset.
Terelj → Ulaanbaatar (crafts + shopping time)
Return to the capital with a flexible afternoon: cashmere, crafts, and final local gifts without tourist traps. If you want, we can add a short cultural performance or a relaxed city dinner. Pack, rest, and finish strong.
Buffer day: custom add-on
Use this day for what matters most to you: extra festival time, a countryside extension, a photo day, or simply recovery time. We keep it flexible by design — Naadam weeks move fast, and this is your control lever.
Departure
Airport transfer and goodbye. You leave with the festival still ringing in your ears — and Mongolia feeling real, not rushed.
Safety & vehicles
- Experienced local drivers on Mongolia routes
- Vehicle choice: 4x4 or van (comfort-focused)
- First-aid kit on board
- Travel insurance required for all travelers
Tour Locations
Discover the key destinations on your Mongolia adventure. Hover over each marker to explore.
What's Included
Everything you need for the journey.
- Airport transfers
- Private transport in UB + festival logistics
- English-speaking guide
- Hotel stay (9 nights)
- Breakfasts + selected meals
- Terelj National Park transfers and activities
Not Included
Plan ahead for these extras.
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions not listed
- Tips
Ready to Experience
Naadam Festival Insider?
Starting from
$2,100 - $2,800
per person
Booking confidence
Policies- 30% deposit to reserve your dates
- Confirmation within 24 hours
- 70% balance later (before trip)
- Clear refund & cancellation rules (see policy)
24h reply time