Skip to main content

Local Naadam tour

Experience Mongolia’s culture and nature on this 9-day Local Naadam Tour. Instead of the crowded festival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll visit smaller community celebrations where you can watch traditional sports like wrestling, horse racing, and archery up close.

This Local Naadam Tour also takes you through Northern and Central Mongolia, including Kharkhorin, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Tsenkher Hot Springs, Lake Khuvsgul, Khorgo Volcano, and the Mini Gobi desert.

A Local Naadam Tour is the perfect way to enjoy Mongolia’s traditions, beautiful landscapes, and authentic festival atmosphere without the crowds.

  • Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
  • Tour Type: Private Tour/ Group Tour
  • Group Departure: July 7- July 15
  • Available: July 7- July 15 for private tours
  • Activities: Experience a local Naadam festival, watch wrestling, horse racing, and archery, a 1-hour camel ride, a 1-hour horse ride, visits to historic sites, beautiful lake views, cultural experiences, and lush green scenery.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 ( July 7 )

Amarbayasgalant monastery

We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 AM. Then, we’ll start our trip to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Mongolia.

The monastery is set in a quiet valley, far from the city. It’s a great place to learn about Mongolian history, culture, and religion. When we arrive, you’ll have time to walk through the old temples, look at amazing Buddhist art, and enjoy the calm and quiet.

Distance: 310km ( 7h drive on paved/ dirt road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Lunch/ Dinner)
Local Naadam tour

Day 2 ( July 8 )

Visit Uran Togoo – A Scenic Stop on the Way to Khuvsgul Lake

On your way to Khuvsgul Lake, don’t miss Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano in Bulgan province. Located in the Uran Togoo Natural Monument, it’s a great spot to rest and enjoy a short hike.

From the top, you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding area.

Distance: 245km ( 6h drive on dirt/ paved road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Uran togoo

Day 3 ( July 9 )

Lake Khuvsgul

Start your day with a scenic drive to Khuvsgul Lake, one of Mongolia’s top travel destinations. Lake Khuvsgul, the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” is one of the highlights of this local Naadam tour.

The lake is known for its crystal-clear water, peaceful surroundings, and breathtaking mountain views. It’s a great spot for hiking, relaxing in nature, and learning about the Tsaatan people, a local reindeer-herding community known for their rich cultural traditions.

Distance: 355km ( 7h drive on paved road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Best of Northern Mongolia

Day 4 ( July 10 )

Local Naadam Tour in Khatgal & Lake Khuvsgul

After breakfast, we will drive to Khatgal town, located 35 km from Lake Khuvsgul, to experience the local Naadam Festival. Watch traditional Naadam sports like horse racing, wrestling, and archery, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals celebrate in colorful traditional clothing.

On the way back, visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders, nomads from the taiga forest. In summer, some move closer to the lake with their reindeer to share their lifestyle.

Distance: 35km+35km ( 2h drive on paved / dirt road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Local Naadam tour

Day 5 ( July 11 )

Shine Ider Village: A Peaceful Stop Between Khuvsgul and Arkhangai

Shine Ider Village is officially part of Khuvsgul province, but it sits right on the border with Arkhangai. Many travelers stop here to rest while heading to Central Mongolia.

The village is surrounded by beautiful forests and wide grasslands. This peaceful landscape makes it a great place to relax and take a break from the road.

Distance: 220km ( 6h drive on paved/dirt road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Best of Northern Mongolia

Day 6 ( July 12 )

Terkh Lake & Khorgo Volcano

Explore Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, one of Mongolia’s hidden gems. Known for its volcanic landscapes and the clear waters of Terkh Lake, it’s the perfect escape into nature.

Hike around the peaceful lake and climb Khorgo Volcano, a dormant crater that offers stunning panoramic views. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography. Enjoy a one-hour horse riding.

Distance: 180km ( 6h drive on dirt road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Best of Central Mongolia

Day 7 ( July 13 )

Tsenkher Hot Springs – A Relaxing Stop on our Local Naadam Tour

Visit the peaceful Tsenkher Hot Springs, a popular spot to relax in nature. The warm, mineral-rich waters are known for their healing effects and help soothe tired muscles.

Set among forested hills, the springs offer a calm retreat after days of adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind, snap photos, or enjoy a wellness break, Tsenkher is the perfect place to recharge.

Distance: 190km ( 6h drive on paved/ dirt road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Explore Central Mongolia Tour

Day 8 ( July 14 )

Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Today, we will visit Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire. This historic town is full of cultural treasures and stories from the past.

We’ll explore Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and also visit the Kharkhorin Museum.

Distance: 120km ( 3h drive on dirt/ paved road )
Standard Ger Camp ( Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)
Kharkhorin

Day 9 ( July 15 )

Elsen Tasarkhai Mini Gobi & Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Ulaanbaatar. On the way, we’ll stop at Elsen Tasarkhai, also known as the Mini Gobi. Here, you can enjoy a 1-hour camel ride across the beautiful sand dunes and take in the unique desert landscape. Once we arrive in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll drop you off at your booked hotel.

This brings our 9-day local Naadam tour, exploring both Central and Northern Mongolia, to a memorable end.

Distance: 365km ( 6h drive on paved road )
( Breakfast/ Lunch )
Explore Central Mongolia Tour

Local Naadam tour Price

2 people -$2025 per person

3 people -$1710 per person

4 people -$1570 per person

Group tour- $1440 per person

( Single supplement $360)

Included

  • Breakfast- 8, Lunch- 9, Dinner-8
  • Standard ger camp 8
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Driver+ Gas+4WD vehicle / Minivan
  • Camel riding 1h
  • Horse riding 1h
  • Entrance fees for the parks and museums listed in the program
  • Daily drinking water (1.5 liter per person per day)

Not Included

  • International Airfare and Mongolia visa fee
  • Personal items
  • Alcoholic drinks, snacks, bar bills, laundry
  • Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplement
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

Request Local Naadam tour

Have a questions or want to customize this tour? Send us a request using the form below

Prefer email? Contact us at contact@manofmillennium.com

By submitting this form, you agree to our Booking Terms & Conditions.

FAQ

Why Choose This Tour?

Local Naadam Tour – 9-Day Central and Nortern Mongolia Adventure

Experience the best of Mongolia on this 9-day local Naadam tour. Unlike the big, crowded Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll visit smaller, local celebrations where you can see traditional events like wrestling, horse racing, and archery up close and personal.

During local Naadam tour, you’ll explore amazing places in Northern and Central Mongolia. Visit historic Kharkhorin and the beautiful Erdene Zuu Monastery. Relax at the warm Tsenkher Hot Springs and discover stunning natural spots like Lake Khuvsgul, Khorgo Volcano, and the Mini Gobi desert.

This tour gives you a real chance to enjoy Mongolia’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes without the crowds. It’s perfect for anyone who wants an authentic and peaceful experience, and to experience the Naadam festival in its true, local form.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast and dinner are provided by the ger camp. Depending on the day’s travel itinerary, lunch will be served either at the camp or at a local roadside café.

Breakfast at the ger camps: Each camp is different. Some camps serve a buffet breakfast, while others provide a simple breakfast such as bread, eggs, sausages, jam, cheese, cereals, yougurt, some fruits, coffee, and tea.
Lunch and dinner: Meals are typically Mongolian-style dishes including meat (beef, mutton, or chicken), vegetables, pasta, rice, soup, salad, and more, as well as some desserts.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are available upon request. However, please inform us in advance when booking your tour.

Accommodation

In rural areas, instead of hotels, seasonal ger camps serve tourists.

What is a ger camp?

Standard Ger Camps are like hotels, but instead of rooms, you sleep in a Ger. These camps are usually near famous places. A Standard Ger has 2 to 4 single beds, a small table, a stove to keep warm. And sometimes a a shelf or a small sink. There is no bathroom inside the ger. You will use clean toilets and hot showers in another building nearby. There is also a place to eat, and sometimes a small bar or game room.
Some camps have Ensuite Gers. These have a private bathroom inside the ger. If you want this type, please tell us. We can book it for you, but it costs extra. Please note that ensuite gers are not available at all tourist destinations, and some ger camps have only a few ensuite gers.

Hotels

In Ulaanbaatar, it is usually more cost-effective to book your hotel independently through Booking.com or similar websites and purchase the tour separately from a tour company. However, if you prefer, we can include hotel accommodation in your tour upon request.

Guide and Transportation

Englsih seapking tour guides

All of our guides are highly proficient in English and are knowledgeable, flexible, and attentive to your needs. Guides in other languages can be arranged upon request for an additional fee.

Car with Driver

We provide comfortable Japanese or Korean vehicles suitable for both off-road and paved roads. Although we have a wide selection of vehicles, we will choose the most suitable option for you depending on the group size. All of our drivers are highly experienced, friendly, and skilled in safe driving.

Packing List

Clothing:

  • Warm layers: The weather can vary greatly, so pack both light and warm clothing, including warm tops and a good jacket.

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for outdoor activities.

  • Rainproof jacket or poncho.

  • Hat, gloves, and scarf for colder weather.

  • Swimwear if you plan to visit hot springs.

Health and Safety:

  • Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.

  • Bug spray and sun cream.

  • Prescription medications along with their prescriptions.

Toiletries:

Stick to small versions of your essentials to save space. Include:

  • Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste

  • Sunscreen and moisturizing cream (especially helpful against sun and wind)

  • Roll-on

  • Shaving cream in a tube or stick

  • Extra razor blades

  • Wet and dry wipes