Introduction to Naadam festival and Gobi Desert Tour 2024
The Naadam Festival, often referred to as the "Three Games of Men," is a vibrant and deeply traditional Mongolian festival that showcases the country's rich cultural heritage and competitive spirit. Celebrated annually in July, Naadam is a time when the entire nation comes together to enjoy wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions—sports that have been at the heart of Mongolian culture for centuries and it was developed by Chinggis Khan. These games are not merely athletic contests; they are a celebration of the skills and endurance required for the nomadic life, paying homage to the historical significance of these activities in Mongolian society. The festival is also marked by colorful opening and closing ceremonies, folk music, dancing, and traditional Mongolian attire, offering a spectacular insight into Mongolia's traditions and communal spirit.
Complementing the cultural immersion of the Naadam Festival, the 7 Days Gobi Desert Tour is an unforgettable adventure that takes you deep into one of the world's most iconic landscapes. The Gobi Desert, known for its vast, rugged terrain and extreme conditions, offers a unique blend of natural wonders, including sand dunes, ice-filled canyons, and rare wildlife. This week-long journey is not just a tour; it's an expedition into Mongolia's heart, where the vast open spaces and the silence of the desert tell tales of the past. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of the Gobi, from the singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els to the mysterious flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur fossils have been unearthed. Along the way, travelers can experience the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic herders, staying in ger camps, tasting local cuisine, and witnessing the incredible resilience of life in the desert. This tour is a testament to the diversity of Mongolia's landscapes, offering a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere of Naadam and providing a comprehensive experience of Mongolia's natural and cultural splendor. We hope that Naadam festival and Gobi Desert Tour 2024 can fulfill your dream tour in Mongolia.
The Naadam Festival is a traditional Mongolian festival that is often described as the "Three Games of Men," reflecting its focus on three traditional sports: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Celebrated across Mongolia, with the most prominent events taking place in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, Naadam is held annually in the summer, typically around the 11th to 13th of July, coinciding with Mongolia's National Independence Day celebrations.
Naadam has deep historical roots, with its origins tracing back to the era of the Mongol Empire and even earlier nomadic celebrations. It was traditionally held to test the skills of Mongolian warriors and hunters, and over centuries, it evolved into a festival that celebrates not only physical strength and skill but also cultural identity and national pride.
Wrestling of the Naadam festival
Mongolian wrestling is a highlight of Naadam, featuring a large number of wrestlers in a single-elimination tournament. Unlike Western wrestling, there are no weight categories, making the competition particularly fierce and exciting.
Horse Racing of the Naadam Festival
Horse racing during Naadam is unique because it takes place over long distances, ranging from 15 to 30 kilometers, depending on the age of the horses. Children, often as young as five, are the jockeys, demonstrating their incredible horsemanship that has been cultivated over generations.
The archery competition features both male and female archers who use traditional Mongolian bows to hit targets at varying distances. It's a test of precision and focus, showcasing the archery skills that were crucial for the survival and success of the Mongol Empire.
Naadam is more than just a sports festival; it is a vibrant cultural event that includes opening and closing ceremonies filled with music, dance, and parades showcasing Mongolia's rich heritage and traditional attire. It provides a window into Mongolia's soul, celebrating its history, the valor of its people, and the beauty of its traditions. Visitors from around the world are drawn to Mongolia during Naadam to experience its festive atmosphere, traditional games, and the warm hospitality of the Mongolian people.
What is Naadam Festival + Gobi Desert tour?
These are actually two distinct tours, but we highly recommend combining them to maximize your time, allowing you to see more sights and engage in a wider array of activities. Below, you'll find details for both the Naadam Festival tour and the 7 Days Gobi Desert tour. This combined tour is scheduled to take place from the 11th to the 19th of July 2024.
Naadam Festival tour by Enza Tours
Enza Tours Invites You: Experience the Magnificent Mongolia Naadam Festival 2024 - A Journey Through Culture and Tradition
Embark on a memorable exploration to the core of Mongolia's most prestigious cultural celebration, the Naadam Festival, with Enza Tours in 2024. Our carefully designed itinerary offers a deep dive into the profound traditions and lively celebrations of this age-old festival.
Morning Beginnings at Enza Tours Office
o 8:00 AM: Gather at the Enza Tours Office to meet fellow travelers and get an overview of our exciting Naadam adventure.
o 8:30 AM: We set off for Chinggis Square, taking in the scenic route. The morning is marked by the solemn ceremony of the placement of The National Nine White Banners at the Central Mongolian Stadium, an emblem of national pride and cultural heritage.
Diving into Cultural Richness
o 10:00 AM: Be amidst the splendor at Central Stadium for the Naadam Festival's Opening Ceremony. With the Mongolian President's inauguration, the ceremony is a vibrant mosaic of Mongolia's cultural diversity, showcasing traditional attire, music, dance, and theatrical performances that bring the spirit of Mongolia to life.
The Excitement of Mongolian Horse Racing of the Naadam
12:30 PM: Venture to Khui Doloon Khudag for the thrilling spectacle of Mongolian horse racing. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, feeling the excitement that resonates among the locals and experiencing the profound bond between the Mongolian people and their esteemed horses.
7 days Gobi Desert Tour itinerary
In the Gobi Desert of Mongolia, we'll find ourselves under an endlessly clear sky, where blue mirages dance across golden sands and vast steppe lands stretch to the horizon. This majestic landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife, including mountain sheep, wild asses, ibexes, camels, and gazelles, alongside a diverse array of flora. Let's embark on an adventure and revel in the unparalleled beauty of the Gobi Desert!
Day 1: Exploring the Roots of the Mongol Empire
Kharakhorum and Erdenezuu Monastery Begin your Gobi Desert adventure with a journey back in time to the Kharakhorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, founded in 1220 by Chinggis Khaan and his successors. Despite its destruction by the Ming Dynasty soldiers in the 14th century, the site, protected since 1961 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, offers a glimpse into Mongolia's glorious past. Our first stop is the iconic Erdenezuu Monastery, where we'll explore ancient tombs, temples, and a genuine Buddhist sanctuary, followed by a visit to the Wall of the Mongolian Empire for a dose of history.
Accommodation: Choose between a cozy Family Yurt or a Tourist camp (Lunch + Dinner included)
Activities: Enjoy hiking, marvel at natural wonders, capture memories with photography, and engage in discovery.
Day 2: Serenity at Ongi Monastery
Travel to the tranquil Ongi Monastery, founded in the 1760s along the scenic Ongi River. Once home to over 1000 monks and 30 temples, this monastery, though now with fewer monks, continues to be a beacon of peace and spirituality.
Accommodation: Stay in a traditional Family Yurt or a Tourist camp (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Activities: Experience the calm of hiking, visit breathtaking natural sites, and indulge in photography.
Day 3: Discovering the "Flaming Cliffs"
Bayanzag Embark on an adventure to Bayanzag, known as the "Flaming Cliffs," renowned for the 1922 discovery of dinosaur remains by Roy Chapman Andrews. This site, rich in prehistoric fossils, including Protoceratops and Oviraptor, invites you to step into the world of dinosaurs that roamed the earth 70-80 million years ago.
Accommodation: Comfort awaits in a Family Yurt or Tourist Camp (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Activities: Hike the historic grounds, ascend the cliffs, photograph the stunning landscape, and explore dinosaur eggs.
Day 4: The Splendor of Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes
Witness the awe-inspiring Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, a natural marvel stretching 180 kilometers across the Gobi Desert's landscape. This day offers an intimate experience with nature's grandeur.
Accommodation: Relax in a Family Yurt or Tourist Camp (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Activities: Embrace the thrill of hiking, camel riding, and climbing the majestic dunes.
Day 5: Yoliin Am's Majestic Gorge of the Gobi Desert
Journey to the "Three Beauties of the Gobi" National Park and explore Yoliin Am, a stunning ice-filled gorge within the Zuun Saikhan Mountains, protected since 1965. This day promises encounters with nature's artistry and the grace of bearded vultures above.
Accommodation: Experience authentic Mongolian hospitality at a Tourist camp or with a Nomadic Family (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Activities: Delve into hiking, natural wonders exploration, and horseback riding adventures.
Day 6: Tsagaan Suvarga in the Gobi desert
The Ancient Seashore Discover Tsagaan Suvarga, "White Stupas," an extraordinary natural formation resembling an ancient city from afar. Marvel at this ancient seabed, now a testament to the power of natural forces and time.
Accommodation: Choose the warmth of a Nomadic Family or the comfort of a Tourist camp (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Activities: Engage in hiking, historical exploration, photography, and learning about nomadic life and camel herding.
Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar from Gobi Desert
A Fusion of Old and New Conclude your journey with a return to Ulaanbaatar, where tradition meets modernity. Enjoy a shopping excursion at the famous Goyo and Gobi cashmere factory stores, renowned for their exquisite Mongolian cashmere.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Get more information Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert Tour 2024
Room-39, Building-33, 4 Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Chingeltei District, 15141 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Email: info@mongoliantour.guide
Phone: +976-89112100
