Mongolia's Naadam Festival & the Gobi Desert
> Attend the annual Naadam Festival, one of the world's oldest and most spectacular sporting events.
> Tour Ulaan Baatar, beginning at the Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 75-foot statue made of copper, gold and precious stones.
> On a visit to Mongol nomadic camp, ride a yak cart and join a local family for lunch in their ger.
> Ride a Bactrian two-humped camel through the stunning Moltsog Els Sand Dunes, and then visit the Flaming Cliffs where dinosaur eggs were found.
> Visit the Fine Arts Museum in Ulaan Baatar to peruse an exhibit of Mongolian Buddhist art and artifacts.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia 
Arrive in Ulaan Baatar and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace
Day 2: Ulaan Baatar | Mongolia’s Capital
Today, tour the city, beginning at the Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 75-foot statue made of copper, gold and precious stones. Later, visit the National Museum of Mongolian History, where a local historian discusses Mongolia and its famous emperor Genghis Khan. Tonight, attend a welcome dinner.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace | B L D
Day 3: Ulaan Baatar | Life of Genghis Khan
At Thirteenth Century National Park, wander the various villages, including those belonging to shaman and craftsmen, that depict life and traditions in the time of Genghis Khan.
Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace | B L D
Day 4: Naadam Festival | The Three Games of Men
Today you attend the annual Naadam Festival, one of the world’s oldest and most spectacular events, where the nation’s best athletes compete in archery, horse racing and Mongolian wrestling. Watch the elaborate opening ceremony that features dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians. This evening, attend a traditional performance with folk dancing. Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace | B L D
Day 5: Khustain Nuruu National Park | Wild Horse Haven 
Drive to Khui Doloo Khudag to watch a traditional horse race. Then it’s on to Mongol Nomadic camp, where you ride a yak cart and join a local family for lunch in their ger, a Mongolian felt tent. Continue to the Khustain Nuruu National Park, home to the takhi, a species of wild horse. This evening, spend your first of six nights in a ger.
Khustain Nuruu Ger Camp | B L D
Day 6: Kharakhorum | 13th-Century Capital
Kharakhorum was the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. View what remains: Erdene Zuu, Mongolia’s largest monastery. Explore the grounds and observe the monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. Meet a top-ranking lama who discusses monastery life. Tonight, dine on traditional horhog, a Mongolian barbecued meat dish.
Munkhtenger Ger Camp | B L D
Day 7: Middle Gobi | Pearl of the Great Desert
Leave the grasslands for rocky landscapes as you drive to the ruins of Ongiin Khiid, a large monastery, and then meet local horse herder families. Ongiin Nuuts Ger Camp | B L D
Day 8: Gobi Desert | Dunes, Canyons and Verdant Oases
Cross the vast Ongi plain to reach the stunning Gobi Desert, home to Bactrian camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and many endemic reptiles. Three Camel Lodge | B L D
Day 9: Yol Valley National Park | Valley of the Eagles
Drive to Yol Valley National Park, whose remnant streams create ice formations that contrast with the surrounding desert. Hike through the valley to take in the breathtaking scenery and spot exotic local wildlife. Later, visit the local natural history museum. Three Camel Lodge | B L D
Day 10: Moltsog Els Sand Dunes | The Flaming Cliffs
Set off on the back of a Bactrian two-humped camel through the towering dunes for insight into a way of life that has endured for centuries. Afterward, visit the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur eggs were first found. This evening, dine amid the red cliffs during a Scenic Sundowner.
Three Camel Lodge | B L D
Day 11: Ulaan Baatar | Past Meets Present
Fly back to Ulaan Baatar and explore the Museum of Natural History’s unique collection of dinosaur fossils and indigenous flora and fauna. At the Fine Arts Museum, peruse an exhibit of Mongolian Buddhist art and artifacts. A U.S. Embassy official joins you tonight at your farewell dinner to discuss present-day Mongolia. Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace | B L D
Day 12: Depart Ulaan Baatar
Board your international flight home. B
in collaboration/A&K
