Grand Naadam of Ulan Bator
In the heart of Ulan Bator, experience the rhythm of the three virile sports and the effervescence of Mongolia's largest festival.
Duration
2 days
From
€350/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jul
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe, senior
The spirit of travel
The stands of the national stadium echo with a thousand voices. On the track, Mongolian wrestlers face off in their traditional costumes while archers draw their bowstrings with millennial precision. Naadam transforms Ulaanbaatar into a theater of raw emotions where sweat, pride and ancestral tradition mingle.
Two intense days plunge you into the heart of this national celebration. On the first day, the opening ceremony unfolds its colorful splendor before the Mongolian wrestling, archery and knucklebone throwing events begin within the stadium grounds. The next day, head to the Khui Doloon Khudag racecourse where the country's equestrian elite gallop, horses and riders united in a race that makes the steppe tremble.
Since Genghis Khan, Naadam has celebrated the three virtues of the Mongolian warrior: strength, skill and courage. These virile sports, inscribed in nomadic DNA, perpetuate a heritage where every gesture tells the story of a people shaped by the immensity of the steppes. A rare immersion into the contemporary Mongolian soul, between age-old traditions and popular fervor.
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Naadam Mongolia festival of the three sports
The Naadam, or the "3 Manly Sports", refers to the national festival of the Mongols. It is the festive celebration par excellence that everyone awaits. It is of course a public holiday in Mongolie during the festivities and numerous ceremonies take place on this occasion. The "3 Manly Sports" are Wrestling, Archery and Horse Racing, which are the sports of wisdom, courage and strength. However, other games and events take place during the Naadam, such as knucklebones throwing. On this first day, we will watch from the stadium stands a colorful spectacle during the opening ceremony of the games, then it will be the start of the Mongolian Wrestling competitions. In the stadium aisles, we will also watch the archery and knucklebones throwing competitions.
Horse rides
Oulan Bator → Khui Doloon Khudag
Early in the morning we will head to the Khui Doloon Khudag racecourse for the horse racing events. The best horses from across the country gather in Ulaanbaatar for these races of crucial importance. Mongols train horses, it is in their nature, and winning the race in Ulaanbaatar would bring them immense glory. We attend the first race.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Diners
- Drinks other than those provided during lunch
Included
- 2 nights hotel** in Ulan Bator, breakfast included
- Lunches
- English-speaking guide
- Driver on Day 2 to go to the racecourse
- Naadam Festival Entrance Fees
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Entry requirements to Mongolia depend on your nationality. The information below provides general guidance for tourist stays. We recommend verifying the specific conditions applicable to your situation with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence, as well as with your own authorities, before your departure.
Passport
To enter Mongolia, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Some nationalities may benefit from visa exemptions for tourist stays, while others must obtain a visa before departure.
If a visa exemption applies to your nationality, the authorites may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
proof of accommodation or your travel itinerary.
For specific information regarding visa requirements and any exemptions applicable to your nationality, please contact the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in your country of residence.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Mongolia for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Affairs Office (GASI). For stays of 30 days or less, registration is generally handled by your hotel or accommodation provider.
It is recommended to keep a copy of this registration throughout your stay, as Mongolian authorities may request it during checks.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Mongolia. However, certain vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
routine immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles),
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
tick-borne encephalitis, particularly if planning trekking or staying in rural areas,
rabies, if there is a possible risk of contact with wild or stray animals.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some cases, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. All travellers should verify the specific requirements applicable to them with the embassy or consulate of Mongolia in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for assistance-repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly suggest subscribing to one of them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for reporting a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A stay in Mongolia is possible without a visa for a limited duration. A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry is required. For a longer stay, a visa can be obtained from the Mongolian embassy. Entry conditions change regularly: check the rules applicable to your nationality with the Mongolian consular authorities before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation (yurts, lodges), meals, 4x4 with driver and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros round trip) are additional. Mongolia offers a timeless nomadic immersion.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust together each detail until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Steppes
Cultural and encounters facilitator for Mongolia, based in Oulan Bator
The most beautiful memories from Mongolia are often born from an unexpected encounter, around a cup of tea or a ger door that opens with a smile.
— Chimgee
