Nomads and Naadam a Mongolian Adventure

Day 1 - Sunday 27 June 2027

Melbourne to Ulaanbaatar (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.

Your tour hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the designated departure point at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 2 - Monday 28 June 2027

Welcome to Ulaanbaatar (in-flight meals, D)

Arrive in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar!

Upon arrival, we will be met by our local guide and transferred to our hotel.

This evening, there will be a tour introduction at the hotel to learn more about travelling in Mongolia.

Ulaanbaatar city: Occupying one-third of the country’s population, Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is also the largest city. It was built along the Tuul Gol River and is surrounded by picturesque mountains, with the city centre occupied mainly by Soviet-style high-rise apartments. The majority of the population still lives on the outskirts of the town in traditional Ger (circular felt tents), which is the country's most identifiable symbol.

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 3 - Tuesday 29 June 2027

Ulaanbaatar sightseeing (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast we'll start our explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Gandan Monastery means ‘great place of complete joy’, and is the largest, most significant monastery in the country. Building began in 1838 and today there are over 150 monks in residence. Lining the walls of the temple are many images of the Buddha of Longevity, Ayush.

Later, we explore the Museum of Mongolian History for insight into the culture of Mongolia. The museum aims to preserve Mongolian culture through the display of historical, ethnographical and cultural objects ranging from 800,000 years ago to the end of the 20th Century.  Afterwards, have delicious lunch at local restaurant.We will then visit the Museum of Fine Arts - this fine-arts museum has a great collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures, as well as other rare religious exhibits such as Buddhist statues, representing the best display of its kind in Mongolia.

Later, visit Feltart Workshop ran by a local business woman, to learn and craft our own art and learn more about the process of knitting in the Mongolian way.

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 4 - Wednesday 30 June 2027

Ulaanbaatar – Tsagaan Suvarga (B, L, D)

This morning we head south to the Gobi Desert across the steppes of Mongolia. We have lunch at Mandal Gobi town and meet local women who craft beautiful handmade textiles and souvenirs.  Continue on to Tsagaan Suvarga, known as the White Stupa Cliffs. Arriving in the afternoon, watch as the sunlight paints the cliffs in shades of pink, orange, and gold. — hike along its rugged trails, capture stunning photographs of the surreal landscape, and soak in the quiet beauty of the desert.

Accommodation: Tsagaan Suvarga Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 5- Thursday 1 July 2027

Tsagaan Suvarga – Dalanzadgad – Yoliin Am Gorge (B, L, D)

Today, travel to Dalanzadgad, the lively capital of South Gobi province.

We should arrive early afternoon and will begin our visit at the newly built Gobi Museum, a striking modern complex that brings the desert’s story to life. Wander through its fascinating exhibits — from towering dinosaur skeletons unearthed in the Gobi sands to displays celebrating the region’s unique culture, wildlife, and geology.

After lunch at a favourite local restaurant, visit the local bazaar (this is the centre of the wealthiest province of Mongolia due to mining). Then we'll meet an inspiring businesswoman in Dalanzadgad who has carved out her livelihood in this dynamic desert setting. Gain a deeper understanding of modern life on Mongolia’s desert frontier, followed by a market visit if time allows.

Later in the afternoon, drive through sweeping desert scenery to reach our Ger Camp in Yolin Arm Gorge.

Check in and unwind amid the peaceful surroundings — the rest of the day is ours to relax, take a gentle stroll, or simply soak up the stillness of the Gobi sunset.

Accommodation: Khanbogd Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 6 - Friday 2 July 2027

Yolyn Am – Khongor Sand Dunes (B, L, D)

Today we visit the Yol Valley, enjoying the serene beauty of the dramatic landscape. Here we venture into the Yolyn Am Gorge for a morning walk to spot local wildlife, such as mountain ibex, argali sheep, and various birds of prey. For photography enthusiasts, the shifting light over the valley and surrounding peaks offers excellent conditions for capturing memorable images. 
After lunch drive to the Khongor sand dunes for checkin at our camp and enjoy the amazing sunset.

Accommodation: Gobi Erdene Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 7 - Saturday 3 July 2027

Khongor Sand Dunes – Bulagtai Valley (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, travel to one of Mongolia’s largest sand dunes. Witness the remarkable desert landscapes and explore the sand dunes both by 4WD and on foot.  For the more adventurous, climb to the top of the duens for fantastic views. We also have an option to do some camel riding through the Gobi Desert.

After lunch, set out for the Bulagtai Valley, a striking landscape of rugged mountains and wide open plains in Mongolia’s South Gobi region. The name “Bulagtai” is thought to derive from the Mongolian word for “spring,” or perhaps from the graceful sable that once roamed these parts, both fitting symbols for this serene place. As we drive, watch the desert scenery unfold — soft, wind shaped hills giving way to rocky ridges and hidden oases that hint at the valley’s life-giving waters.

Accommodation: Gobi Mirage Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 8 - Sunday 4 July 2027

Bayanzag – Flaming cliffs (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast set off by 4WD across the desert plains to the legendary Bayanzag, better known as the Flaming Cliffs. This world renowned site earned its name from the deep red and orange hues that blaze across the rocks. Spend time visiting the Gobi Dinosaur Museum, where groundbreaking paleontological discoveries were made, and explore the dramatic surrounding landscape.

This afternoon is free to relax at the camp

Accommodation: Gobi Mirage Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger ) or similar

Day 9- Monday 5 July 2027

Bayanzag – Ongi – Karakorum (B, L D)

After an early breakfast, we set off on a scenic journey through Mongolia’s vast and ever changing landscapes. After approximately three hours, we arrive at the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of Mongolia’s largest and most important Buddhist monastic complexes. We’ll have time to explore the peaceful ruins before enjoying lunch at a nearby ger camp.

This afternoon, we continue our journey for approximately 3.5–4 hours to Karakorum, the legendary 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Founded during the era of Genghis Khan, Karakorum was once at the heart of one of the largest empires the world has ever known.

Accommodation:  Secret of Silk Road Ger Camp (Esuite Ger) or similar.

Day 10 - Tuesday 6 July 2027

Karakorum (B, L, D)

This morning we visit Erdene Zuu Monastery. The Erdene Zuu Monastery is probably the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Built in 1585, it is located in Kharkhorin, Övörkhangai Province and is now included within the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site. This site involves walking over rough, uneven surfaces.  We will have the opportunity to meet a local businesswoman who has built her business up to support her family.

Later In the afternoon we visit a Nomadic family to learn about their lifestyle and enjoy a traditoinal Mongolian Meal.  Here there is an opportuiity for an extra cost to take a short horse ride (with guide and helmet)

Accommodation: Secret of Silk Road Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 11 - Wednesday 7 July 2027

Karakorum – Hustai NP via Khugnu Khan Mountain (B, L, D)

After an early start we visit the Erdene Khamba monastery and enjoy some hiking. Erdene Khamba monastery is located in Khugnu Khan, a magnificent mountain area in Mongolia, illustrating unique and beautiful natural scenery encompassing a mixture of mountainous and fertile pastures, plain steppe and Gobi desert where located ancient mythical and greatly significant two monasteries and ancient crave mound.

Continue to Hustai, and visit the information centre and view the Takhi wild horses (hiking).

Hustai National Park with an approximate 3-hour drive east through beautiful open steppe landscapes. Enjoy a gentle hike through the rolling hills and valleys of the park for scenic views and photo opportunities.

Hustai is internationally renowned as the home of the last truly wild horse species in the world — the Przewalski’s horse, or takhi, once thought extinct in the wild and successfully reintroduced to its native habitat. Upon arrival, visit the Khustai National Park information centre and museum to learn about the history of the park, its wildlife conservation programs, and the reintroduction of the takhi.
In the afternoon, venture into the park in 4WD vehicles to spot the Przewalski’s horses in their natural environment, alongside other wildlife such as red deer, marmots, and various birds of prey. Enjoy a gentle hike through the rolling hills and valleys of the park for scenic views and photo opportunities. Return to the Ger camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation under the starry steppe sky.

Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp (Ensuite Ger) or similar

Day 12 - Thursday 8 July 2027

Hustai NP – Mongol Nomadic Show – Ulaanbaatar (B, L, D)

This morning, transfer to the Mongol Nomadic Show, an immersive cultural experience that brings to life the traditional lifestyle of Mongolia’s herding families. Running from mid May to the end of October, the show beautifully demonstrates ancient customs that continue to thrive today,  from the setup of a Ger and traditional herding techniques to the use of camels, horses, and yaks in daily life.

Discover how Mongolian nomads have, for centuries, sustained their livelihoods by breeding the five main types of livestock — horses, camels, cattle (including yaks), sheep, and goats all while migrating across the vast steppes in search of rich pastures. It’s a vivid celebration of resilience, adaptability, and harmony with nature.

Afterward, transfer back to Ulaanbaatar, where we'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring the capital at our own pace.

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 13 - Friday 9 July 2027

Naadam Eve – Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)

In the morning,we join the vibrant celebrations of National Costume Day, a special event held annually as part of the Naadam Festival lead-up.

The flag ceremony at the Naadam Festival is a major part of the opening ceremony, which starts with raising the Great Nine White Banners.

On this day, locals dress in their finest traditional Mongolian garments, or deel, and fill Sukhbaatar Square and the streets of Ulaanbaatar with colour and culture. We’ll have the opportunity to visit the square, mingle with residents in their national dress, and witness the rich heritage of Mongolia come alive through costumes, folk performances, and informal gatherings

**Festival events schedule is subject to change**

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar 

Day 14 - Saturday 10 July 2027

Naadam Festival – Ulaanbaatar City (B, L, D)

One of the special features we will encounter over the next 2 days is experiencing first-hand the annual Naadam Festival.

The highlight of our journey begins as we mix with locals and nomads alike to witness the Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival at Central Stadium. Here we can see featured events that include wrestling, horse racing and archery. We will have the chance to view the procession of the athletes, officials and monks, as the first round of competition in the wrestling tournament begins. Tickets to all arenas are allocated by the local Government tourist authority in the weeks leading up to the opening ceremony; therefore, the exact program for the festival cannot be given until during our trip.

After the grand Opening Ceremony, the first round of wrestling and archery is held in the afternoon at Naadam Stadium. Please prepare your bag each day to contain everything you may need for the day – sun hat, sunscreen, drinking water and plenty of camera memory, etc., at a minimum. It is usually hot at this time of year, and the seats are not under cover, so we will be exposed to the sun all day. Valuables must be kept in the hotel safe or under your clothes in a money belt, as we will be walking through huge crowds on our way in and out of the stadium stands.

Lunch will be at a nice restaurant nearby & dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 15 - Sunday 11 July 2027

Horse Race - Naadam Festival second day (B, L, D)

Today, we'll travel approximately 50km outside the city to enjoy the second day of the Naadam festival.

A thrilling day unfolds as we view the cross-country horse racing. Also known as ‘tumnii ekh’ (leader of ten thousand), this certainly is sought after amongst the younger competitors. Cheer along with the locals as the athletes compete and be enthralled in the carnival-like atmosphere where we will have the opportunity to visit the horse trainers’ tents and meet the trainers and jockeys.

Lunch will be either boxed meals or a meal at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 16 - Monday 12 July 2027

Ulaanbaatar – Terelj NP - Chingis Khan Statue Complex (B, L, D)

This morning, travel to Terelj National Park, stopping on route to visit the Chinggis Khan Equestrian Statue Complex. Spend the afternoon exploring the area, enjoying the alpine scenery and seeing Turtle Rock.

Chinggis Khan Statue Complex Standing 43m tall, the statue was erected of Genghis Khaan sitting on a horse, it is said to be pointed in the direction of his birthplace.  We will enjoy lunch in the restaurant in Terelj NP.   After lunch we visit a local businesswoman who creates traditional Mongolian handicrafts.

This evening enjoy Folklore concert followed by a farewell dinner. 

Accommodation: Chinggis Khaan Hotel or similar

Day 17 - Tuesday 13 July 2027

Depart Ulaanbaatar (B, in-flight meals)

Today we will have some time at leisure and later, we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport.

Board our flight for the trip home.

Day 18 - Wednesday 14 July 2027

Welcome home

Welcome home!

Thank you for joining us for our latest adventure.

We look forward to welcoming you back.