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DURATION:

8 days

GROUP SIZE:

1-6 pax

Beginning and ending in Ulaanbaatar, this tour provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s rich culture and stunning landscape. Travelling by horseback through the breathtaking Khangai Mountains and beautiful Tamir River Valley, experience first-hand the unique lifestyle of the nomadic herders as they host you in their gers.

Afterwards, take a rest day with a trip to the Tsenkher Hot Springs to wash away any aches or weariness. Then, skip the crowds in the capital for a more intimate experience of the Naadam Festival held in the provincial capital. Get closer to the action as you witness a well-produced opening ceremony followed by all the Naadam events: wrestling, archery, horse racing, and more!

Even your journey to and from Ulaanbaatar involves unique stops showcasing Mongolia’s natural beauty along with select sites from ancient and living history.

Naadam Festival:
This festival is the highlight of the Mongolian summer season, and festivals are held in all major cities, small towns, and remote villages. The Ulaanbaatar Naadam is by far the largest and grandest, but with half a million people attending, you have to see most things from a distance through a telephoto lens. The Arkhangai Provincial Naadam is big enough to have all the pomp and ceremony and performance in the Opening Ceremony, and hosts all the events – wrestling, horse racing, archery, anklebone competitions etc. It is small enough, though, to allow you to be right in amongst the action, standing on the horse race finishing line, ringside at the wrestling and even meet competitors.

Discuss how many days you have available for your trek, as this can be shortened or extended to any duration.

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Cost

USD $1100 per person

Arkhangai Naadam & Horse Trek

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Day 1

Ulaanbaatar to Tsetserleg

Meet your guide and driver and travel about eight hours by private car from Ulaanbaatar to Tseterleg, Arkhangai province.

Along the way, stop off at the Elsen Tasarkhai sands–nicknamed Mongolia’s ‘Mini Gobi’–for camel rides surrounded by scenic vistas of windblown dunes surrounded by mountains and grasslands.

A little further down the road, visit the Erdene Zuu monastery in Kharhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Built in 1586, Erdene Zuu is steeped in history and is quite possibly the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Upon arrival in Tseterleg, get settled in and enjoy the hospitality and comfort of Fairfield Guesthouse.

Day 2

Horse Trek

Meet your horse guide at Fairfield, driving together about 20 mins out of town to your guide’s family’s gers. Head inside for tea and hospitality in traditional Mongolian style.

Next, saddle up and begin your journey into the Khangai mountains and river valleys.

Stay with a nomadic family overnight, eating your evening and morning meals with them.

Nature Reserve

Day 3

Horse Trek

Continue your trek with your Mongolian guide into the lush Tamir River Valley. The Tamir River is the main tributary of the Orkhon River, the longest river in Mongolia.

Stay the night with a different nomadic family and deepen your experience of their unique way of life.

Nature Reserve

Day 4

Finish your Horse Trek, return to Fairfield

Join with your host family in doing morning chores, preparing food, and working with livestock.

Ride your final few hours back to your guide’s gers. Say goodbye and head back into town in the mid-afternoon for a hot shower and a coffee at Fairfield.

Day 5

Tsenkher Hot Springs

Sleep in! Enjoy a rest and recovery day at your own pace. If so inclined, take a stroll around town, the monastery, museum and temple.

Then, in the afternoon, drive about an hour to Tsenkher Hot Springs where you can soak away any lingering aches and weariness from your horseback adventures.

Relaxed and rejuvenated, enjoy a dinner at the resort by the springs, and then return again to sleep at Fairfield.

Day 6

Nature Reserve
Naadam Festival in Arkhangai

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of Naadam in Arkhangai. Get up close and personal without having to battle the crowds of hundreds of thousands like you do in the capital.

The opening ceremony takes place in the Stadium of the ARA Complex, just a short 10 minute drive from Fairfield. See wrestling, archery, and anklebone competitions, all taking place in one location.

The horse racing finish line is a further few kilometers from town, and transport will be provided to take you to that separate location.

Day 7

Naadam Festival continues

Day two of the Naadam will see you return to the Stadium for more events, along with the opportunity to explore the many related activities around town.

Return to Ulaanbaatar

Return to the capital by private car via an alternate route, making stops to take in the views at Ugii Lake as well as visit the ruins of Khar Bukh Balgas, a significant fortified city from c. 700 AD.

Nature Reserve

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Nature Reserve

Day 12

Nature Reserve

Day 13

Day 14

Nature Reserve

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