WINTER TOUR IN MONGOLIA
Experience Mongolia's Winter Wonderland
Tour Overview
This tour offers a comprehensive introduction to this varied, ancient, and extraordinarily beautiful country while attending the festivities of local communities in Mongolia. You will have great opportunities to experience the Traditional Lunar New Year ceremony called Tsagaan Sar with a nomadic family, the Ice Festival, and Eagle Festival.
Tour Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Depending on your arrival time, explore Ulaanbaatar Visit Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery, and Zaisan Hill for panoramic views of the city. Welcome Dinner. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal, such as khuushuur (fried meat pies) and airag (fermented mare's milk).
Deeltei Mongol Festival
Attend 'Deeltei Mongol' Festival, a celebration of Mongolia's rich cultural heritage and its traditional attire, the deel. The festival is dedicated to the Mongolian deel, a garment worn by both men and women, symbolizing Mongolia's nomadic lifestyle and history. The festival includes cultural exhibitions, fashion shows, music, dance, and performances that highlight Mongolian traditions. One of the most exciting aspects of the festival is the Best Deel Competition, where locals and visitors alike can showcase their beautiful, traditional deels, and compete for the title of the Best Deel. This competition highlights the intricate embroidery, design, and craftsmanship of Mongolia's traditional clothing.
Naadam Festival Opening and Cultural Experience
Morning: Watch ceremony and parade of Nine White Banners of Gengkis Khan, which represent the unity and strength of Mongolian people at Sukhbaatar Square. The grand parade kicks of Naadam Festivities. Head to Naadam Stadium for the grand opening ceremony, where the traditional three manly games will take center stage. Experience the excitement of wrestling, archery, and horse racing, the pillars of Mongolia's heritage. Wrestling: Competitors engage in a display of strength, skill, and endurance. This ancient sport dates back over 2,000 years. Archery: A test of precision, archery is one of the oldest sports in Mongolia.Horse Racing: Riders, often children, race across vast open fields, and the event is one of the most thrilling parts of Naadam. Evening: Naadam Parade & Cultural Show
Naadam Festival Competitions and Customizable Extensions
Morning: Wrestling & Archery Competitions. Experience the excitement of wrestling and archery competitions firsthand. Feel the energy as athletes compete for titles in these historical events that are crucial to Mongolian tradition. Afternoon: Horse Racing & Local Markets. Attend the horse racing event and enjoy a thrilling spectacle. Afterward, take time to explore the local markets, where you can shop for traditional Mongolian handicrafts, cashmere, and souvenirs. Evening: Free Time or Optional Folk Show.
Optional Extensions - Gobi Desert or Khuvsgul Lake
The Naadam Festival tour can be tailor-made to include other destinations based on your interests. Here are a few options: • Gobi Desert: Extend your trip with a visit to the Gobi Desert, known for its stunning landscapes, including the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, Yol Valley, and the Flaming Cliffs. You can explore the desert's wildlife, meet nomadic herders, and stay in a traditional ger camp. • Khuvsgul Lake: Alternatively, head north to Khuvsgul Lake, Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl,' where you can enjoy activities like hiking, boat rides, and visiting remote Tsaatan reindeer herders. Stay in a ger camp and experience the peaceful beauty of northern Mongolia.
Khorgo Volcano & Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (Great White Lake)
Drive through the scenic Arkhangai region via Tsetserleg town. Optional visit to Zaya Gegeen Museum. Hike to the extinct Khorgo volcano and explore the beautiful freshwater Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Overnight at a ger camp by the lake.
Back to Ulaanbaatar via Ugii Lake
Drive to Ugii lake, which is a peaceful and picturesque area, you can relax and enjoy the view. Stay overnight ger camp.
Day in UB
Return to UB. Free time for shopping and sightseeing. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian folk performance. Farewell dinner. Tour ends.