MONGOLIA GOLDEN CIRCLE & NAADAM FESTIVAL 2027

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Amicus driver in the arrivals hall at the international airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, free at leisure and have a good rest to recover from the jet lag. If you feel like going for a walk and checking out places nearby, feel free to ask the hotel receptionist for recommendations.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: None

Flight to Gobi Desert – Visit Yol Valley

In the early morning, you will be transferred to the city airport for morning flight to Dalanzadgad, which is a town in the Gobi.
Meet your local tour guide and driver and depart for Yol Valley (also called Yolyn Am & Eagle valley) situated in the “Three beauties of Gobi” Mt. National Park. This green valley is one of the main highlights in the Gobi Desert and sheltered by high cliff walls and covered with wild flowers and Gobi plants.
In the winter season, a narrow stream in the valley creates ice on the bottom of the valley that even lasts during the summer months.
The walk through the valley is a lot of fun, about an hour walking there and an hour of walking back by walking the same route, where you climb over rocks and must jump over the small river. If this walking seems challenging, you can just walk to the middle of the way or horseback through the valley.
The high cliffs that flank the valley are very impressive. You may be lucky enough to spot wild sheep and goat, grazing high on the cliff walls.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Khongor sand dunes, the biggest sand dunes in Gobi

Today, we will drive through the wilderness of the Gobi to the extraordinary of Khongor, which is one of the most scenic areas of the Gobi Desert. This impressive white sand dunes stretch more than 180km and highest point is around 300m known as Duut Mankhan.
Upon arrival at the tourist camp near to the sand dunes, we will have lunch and time for relaxing at cozy Ger camp until Gobi hot temperature decrease.
In the late afternoon, we will visit local camel herder family in their gear, and explore their unique nomadic lifestyle. Then, we will ride a camel and explore the area from the camel back. Around the area is the perfect place for camel riding. Mongolia is home to 2/3 of the two-humped Bactrian camels in the world. It is a gentle, calm and extraordinary patient animal.
Afterwards, we will make a little excursion to a beautiful green oasis of Seruun Bulag near the Khongor River and sand dunes.
Then, take a little drive to the highest point of sand dunes known as Singing Dune and climb up to the Duut Mankhan. When it is windy some of the dunes give a strange sound like the engines of an aero plane. From the top of the sand dunes, the view of the desert is awesome and a breathtaking view. If you want, we can see the amazing sunshine panorama of sand dunes from the top.
Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Bayanzag (flaming cliffs)

On this day, our trip will continue to Bayanzag (Flaming cliffs) which is a famous for containing exceptional dinosaur fossils in the heart of the Gobi Desert. Also, this area is well known for red tall hillocks formed as a result of wind and water erosion, which look like fire in the middle of the desert from a distance.
Roy Chapman Andrews and American expedition discovered the first nests of dinosaur eggs from Bayanzag in the 1923. Their findings proved to the world that dinosaurs laid eggs
We will explore around significant area, including the saxual trees and wander on the red hillocks. Occasionally the pieces of fossilized bones and eggs are still found by visitors. If you found something, don’t touch it, because of removing fossils without a permit is illegal.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Ongi steppe – Arvaikheer town

This morning, journey south across the vast steppe, where the horizon shimmers with mirages, to reach the tranquil Ongi River Valley. Nestled along the river, this small mountainous area provides a peaceful rest stop between the southern Gobi Desert and the central mountain ranges.
Here you’ll visit the historic Ongiin Khiid monastery complex, originally founded in 1660. Once home to over 30 temples and four major Buddhist universities, the site was largely destroyed during the communist purges of the 1930s. Today, it is partially restored, and one functioning temple now houses a small museum, offering insight into its spiritual and cultural legacy.
After lunch at a nearby Ger camp, continue your journey toward the Orkhon Valley. En route, make an overnight stop in Arvaikheer, the provincial capital of Övörkhangai in central Mongolia—a quiet regional center surrounded by rolling hills.
Accommodation: Local Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 320km, driving for ~7 hrs.

Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery

After enchanting days in Gobi Desert, we will drive to northern mountain range to reach Kharkhorum or Kharkhorin, a small village, and one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Historically known as Karakorum, which was an ancient capital of Mongolia Empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. Also, it was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road.
In the afternoon, we will visit the museum of Kharakhorum and learn more about the beautiful ancient Karakorum city and Genghis Khan.
Continue to visit the magnificent and the oldest Buddhist Monastery complex of Erdenezuu, built in the 16th century, with 108 buddhis stupas. Here you can see interesting listen to monk chanting Buddhist sutras.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Total distance: 160km, driving for ~3hrs.

Tsetserleg – Taikhar Chuluu– Terkh White Lake National Park

After breakfast, drive to Taikar Chuluu, which is a huge granite rock formation covered with inscriptions in many different languages and dating back from many different periods.
On the way, we will visit Tsetserleg town, which is a capital of Arkhangai province with population of around 20,000. Tsetserleg means garden and the city surrounded with scenic mountains, the streets are tree-lined and a lovely little temple overlooks the town.
In the afternoon, drive towards to the Khorgo extinct volcano which was active 8000 years ago and travel through the steppe, green forested Mountains and pastures, where the long-haired yaks and horse thrive.
After exploring the volcano and climb to the crater, we will take a short drive Terkh White Lake. There, we will stay at tourist camp near to the lake shore for 2 nights.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Terkh White Lake National Park

Today is free for your own with optional activities. It is possible to do full or half day hiking in the national park for wild flower and bird watching.
Also, there is a great opportunity for everyone to do horse riding, mountain climbing, fishing and swimming etc. Terkh White Lake is surrounded by spectacular scenery of plants, forests, mountains, and fauna.
In the evening, we will enjoy visiting the local nomad family to experience firsthand how people live in the country side and a lifestyle which has not changed for centuries.
Accommodation: Tourist Ger camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Jargal Hot Springs – Northern Mongolia

After breakfast, we will drive towards to the Northern part of Mongolia through beautiful nature routes, vast grasslands cross High Mountain passes.
Lunch at Jargal Jiguur Tourist camp and take some refreshment at the Jargalant Hot Springs. The spring comes out from 150 m of the ground and its water is not mixed with soil, waters because it is hot at 70 Celsius degree. The spring produces water that is good for health reasons.
On the way, we stop for overnight and dinner at the Tourist camp along the way to northern.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Moron town – Khovsgol Lake National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, depart for Khovsgol Lake, which is known as the Switzerland of Mongolia and second the clearest lake in Central Asia.
Lunch at local restaurant in the Murun, a small town of Khovsgol province with population of 35000.
Take a 2 hours’ drive to the Khatgal village on the shore of the lake and explore the village’s life, the market and main port of the lake.
Drive towards the Khovsgol Lake, we will see hundreds of grazing livestock and wildlife of northern region of Mongolia
Khovsgol province is home to the southernmost indigenous reindeer herding people (Tsaatan) in the world. Some of Tsaatan families came from remote Taiga at the summer camp near to the lake from June until end of August. Reindeer herders practice shamanism and live in teepees and moving around 5 times a year. We will meet reindeer herders and explore their daily life, custom and sacraments.
Check-in and dinner at Tourist Ger camp, which is located near to the lake.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Full day at Khovsgol Lake National Park

This morning, we will explore the national park from horse back. Mongolia is the best destination for horse riding trip and especially Khovsgol Lake is the best recommended place for this experience.
After given preliminary instructions, orientation about horse riding, we will discover around nature from horseback until lunch time.
In the afternoon is free time for you to be on your own. You can explore the surrounding hills and walking along the shore of the lake. The Lake water is well known for crystal clear blue and surrounded by beautiful lash green deep forest and magnificent mountains.
Also, there is a great opportunity to do hiking, kayaking, ride motor moat or just enjoy at wild nature to take photos.
Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: B, L, D.

Fly back to Ulaanbaatar

After beautiful days on the shore of the lake, we will drive to the local airport in Murun town and take a return flight to Ulaanbaatar.
Upon arrival, transferred to the city and visit the National Museum of Mongolia, where you can learn about the country’s rich history and nomadic heritage.
Continue to Sukhbaatar Square, the central landmark of the capital.
Afterwards, transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel 4*. Meals: B,

Naadam Festival Opening Ceremony – Naadam Night Gala Dinner

Today, experience the excitement and vibrant traditions of Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s largest and most celebrated annual cultural event. The festival is centered around the traditional Three Manly Games – Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery, which have deep roots in Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and warrior traditions.

• At 8:30 AM, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and join the Naadam group for a transfer to the Central Naadam Stadium.
• Begin your Naadam experience by visiting the ankle-bone shooting (Shagai) competition, one of Mongolia’s traditional games requiring precision, concentration and skill.
• Next, visit the archery field, where skilled male and female archers compete in colorful traditional costumes, demonstrating their remarkable accuracy and technique.
• Afterwards, enter the main stadium to witness the spectacular Naadam Opening Ceremony, featuring traditional music and dance, colorful performances, parades and ceremonial displays celebrating Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. The opening ceremony usually takes place from approximately 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
• Following the ceremony, enjoy some free time around the Naadam Stadium. Take the opportunity to observe local people dressed in beautiful traditional costumes, explore food stalls and traditional handicrafts, and experience the lively festive atmosphere.
• Around 2:00 PM, you may re-enter the main stadium to watch the Mongolian national wrestling competition. The traditional tournament features 512 wrestlers, competing through nine elimination rounds over two days. Witness the strength, skill and unique rituals of this iconic Mongolian sport.
• At 3:00 PM, meet your guide at the designated meeting point and return to the hotel. Enjoy some free time to relax and prepare for the evening celebration.
• In the evening, conclude your Naadam experience with our exclusive “Naadam Night” Gala Dinner, hosted by AMICUS.
  Enjoy a festive evening featuring traditional Mongolian music and dance, cultural performances, and authentic Mongolian cuisine – a memorable celebration of Naadam in true Mongolian style.
  Accommodation: Hotel 4*.  Meals: Breakfast and Gala Dinner.

Horse Racing at Khui 7 Khudag – Hustai National Park (Wild Horse Park)

At 11am, we will visit Gandan which is the largest functioning Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. The main highlight of this monastery is 26-meter-high majestic gilded indoor statue of Megjid Janraisig.

Afterwards, we will drive out of the city to the Hustai National Park. This area is home to the Mongolian wild horse known as Perzevalski horse (Takhi) with a unique landscape that features mountain and steppe.

During the way, visit to Hui Doloon hudag (horse racing field of Naadam festival) for witness the Naadam horse races, featuring children riding bareback across the steppe.  All of these racers from each corners of Mongolia.

You will experience the brilliant madness of the horse race field and the unsurpassed cultural opportunity to watch the horse racing competition included around 150-200 horses. Also, there are you will have a great opportunity to take photography local horse trainers, peoples with traditional garments and so more contrast.

In the afternoon, we visit the information center and learn familiar with the national park and wild horse.

Take a short drive and walking to see the horses in their natural habitat.  There is a great opportunity to take photos of these endangered horses. If you are lucky, you can see fox, deer, roe deer, eagle, and more animals and birds…

Accommodation: Tourist camp. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Genghis Khan’s Statue Complex – Terelj National Park

Today our excursion to the most visited Terelj National Park will start at 8am. Your guide and driver will lead you first to “Genghis Khan Statue Complex” which is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, you can ascend to the head of the horse using an elevator.

Afterwards, we will drive to Terelj National Park after lunch at city. Upon arrival at the park, explore the national park and see Turtle Rock – interesting rock formation looking like a turtle. Also, visit the Ariyabal meditation temple – surrounded by scenic mountains with massive rock formations and sits on top of the mountain. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Terelj National Park. Return to UB & drop off at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel 4* in UB. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Departure

You will be free at leisure in your hotel or wander around on your own until being escorted to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure flight home. End of service. Meal: Breakfast