In 2006 the Mongols are celebrating the 800th Anniversary of their own Great Mongol Empire, founded by their treasured Genghis Khaan. The Naadam Festival will be the highlight of the year round events dedicated to the anniversary. This fantastic trip gives you the opportunity to take part in this great event and takes you to the pristine nature of Mongolian countryside. When you take part in the Naadam festival you will experience the thrill of watching hundreds of racing horses with their remarkable young riders, strong wrestlers performing the "Eagle Dance" and traditionally dressed archers. This trip also includes Karakorum - the ancient capital of Mongolian Empire and Erdenezuu - the first Buddhist monastery as well as Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve the most famous nature reserve of Mongolia.
The Naadam festival itself originated from the era of Hunnu Empire (209 BD) and was originally organized as a competition to test the skills of Mongol warriors between tribes. The festival comprises the "Three Manly Sports": wrestling, horse racing and archery. A fascinating and interesting event for all is where the 9 White Flags of Chinghis Khan are carried in a ceremonial parade from the State Parliament House to the Central Stadium and many other events to name a few.
512-1024 wrestlers compete on the green field of the State Central Stadium - there is no time limit, no weight category and the arena is not fixed. They have the most number of tricks and the Mongolian national wrestling is the most challenging wrestling in the world. Mongolian wrestlers wear traditional Mongolian boots and special clothes for wrestling, Zodog - a small open-fronted vest.
It's impossible to imagine the Mongols without their horses. Mongol horse is small in body but as strong as rocks! There are 6 different categories of Mongol national horse racing depending on the age of horses. The riders, both boys and girls, are aged between 5-12 and the distance of the race ranges from 15-30 km. Horses race on natural track and natural barriers. The racers train their horses for a month on a strict diet and everyday training.
There's no need to argue on that the Mongols are the best archers in the world. Archery, originating from time immemorial, is the oldest sport of the Mongols. Traditionally, this was only men's sport but nowadays both men and women compete in separate divisions. Male archers shoot on a 75 m range while female archers shoot on a 60 m range.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to hotel, sightseeing in city: Natural history & National History museum, Buddha International Park etc.
(L) (D)
Day 2:
Gandan Monastery, drive to Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, view the Argali wild sheep and other wildlife and enjoy the wilderness. Ger camp.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 3:
Drive to Elsen Tasarhai - a picturesque combination od sand dunes, green grasslands, rocky mountains and lovely streams. Walk around the sand dunes etc.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 4:
Drive to Kharakorum to visit Erdene Zuu Monastery from the 16th century, drive back to Elsen Tasarhai.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 5:
Drive to Ulaanbaatar, sightseeing and preparations for the Naadam Festival.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
The fabulous Opening Ceremony of Naadam festival with 800 Horse-head fiddle musicians and 800 long-song singers performance, Wrestling, Archery & Ankle Bone shooting competitions.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 7:
Enjoy the Horse racing & other Great Mongol 800 anniversary special events.
(B) (L) (D)
Day 8:
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.
(B)
2006 Tour dates: July 6-14, July 7-15, July 8-16, July 10-18.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
2 pax: $1117 per person;
3-5 pax: $995 per person;
6 and above: $815 per person.
Children below 12 will get discounts! 1 free place in every 16 pax! Early booking discounts!
Included in the price:
- Accommodation in double occupancy in hotel, ger camps;
- Guiding and interpreting service;
- Naadam ticket & arrangement;
- Renting transport + driver with petrol, maintenance;
- All meals according to the itinerary (all kinds of drinks are on your own);
- Sightseeing and cultural show admissions according to the itinerary;
- Entrance fees for protected areas and national parks;
- Return ticket confirmation.
Not included: Visa cost, International Airfare, Travel insurance.
Note: Single supplement - $180.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Festival Tours
Horse Racing
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