Naadam Adventure
10 days - from $1555
Itinerary:
Day 1. Ulaanbaatar
Arrive Ulaanbaatar and explore the city. Tonight we meet our fellow group members and Group Leader and are treated to a wonderful show of traditional arts, music and song, including the unforgettable 'throat singing' as a welcome to Mongolia
Days 2-3. Karakorum & Erdene Zuu
Today we journey to Kharkhorin, the capital of Mongolia in the 13th century during the rule of Genghis Khan. The main attraction is Erdene Zuu Hiid Monastery, built in 1586, the largest monastery and first Buddhist centre in Mongolia. Over 100 temples were constructed, but most were destroyed during the Soviet era, nevertheless, Erdene Zuu Hiid retains much of its former glory, and is a remarkable sight to visit. We spend two nights here in traditional Mongolian gers.
Days 4-5. Khustai National Park
We break our return journey at the Khustai National Park. Here Przewalski horses, known locally as 'takhi', were reintroduced after previously becoming extinct in their native land. We spend another night in gers, with plenty of time to relax before returning to the capital.
Days 6-8. Naadam Festival
We make our way with the crowds to the Naadam stadium for the spectacular opening ceremony. Taking our place for the procession, we see not only the athletes, but monks, officials and local celebrities. The first rounds of wrestling and archery begin with horseracing the focus on the second day. These races are the domain of younger children, who compete for the title 'tumnii ekh' ('Leader of Ten Thousand'). Join the crowds in cheering the winners, and singing songs to the losers and mingle with the locals - often taking as much pleasure from watching the audience as observing the competitors! As the festival draws to a close, we travel to the splendid alpine scenery of Terelj National Park
Day 9. Terelj
After our busy days at the Naadam, we enjoy tranquil surroundings of this countryside retreat. After a night in traditional gers - accommodation we are now quite familiar with - we visit a local family to experience their nomadic lifestyle firsthand. There are opportunities for hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
Day 10. Ulaanbaatar
With the city and its inhabitants still recovering from the festivities, we say our goodbyes to Ulaanbaatar, with our tour concluding today.
Group Size:
15 maximum, plus Group Leader.
Accommodation:
Hotels - 5 nights (twin share). Gers - 4 nights (multi-share).
Meals:
11 in total. Breakfast (9), lunch (2)
Sightseeing:
Scheduled Sightseeing is part of the itinerary and includes all transport, entrance fees and English speaking local guide. Ulaanbaatar: City tour, Gandan Hiid Monastery and the Museum of National History. Folk concert. Kharkhorin: Erdene Zuu Monastery. Khustai: Entrance to research centre. Naadam Festival: Tickets to opening ceremony.
Further details :
For further information on this special winter journey or to receive a trip dossier please contact Adventure Center or your travel agent or visit www.sundownersoverland.com
Trip Reference: NSUU
