Combine Mongolia’s Naadam festival with eight days in the Gobi: watch ceremonial wrestling and horse races in Ulaanbaatar, then follow fossil-rich cliffs, icy canyons and singing sand dunes across the southern steppe. This expedition mixes culture, geology and nomadic hospitality.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The first light on Naadam’s Central Stadium is a wash of color—flagbearers, wool-clad elders and a thousand horses’ tails flashing as the opening cortege moves toward the stands. Within days you trade that roar for a wide, still horizon: wind-sculpted dunes, red sandstone cliffs and a canyon that keeps ice into summer.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness for hikes of 1–4 hours, short climbs, camel rides and multi-hour vehicle transfers; ability to board camels and walk uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) yielded the first dinosaur eggs discovered by Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920s; Naadam’s three sports (wrestling, horse racing, archery) trace to Mongol military traditions and nomadic life.
Conservation
The Gobi is ecologically fragile—stay on established tracks, minimize campfires, pack out waste and support local ger camps to funnel income to nomadic communities.
Reserve your spot on the 8 Days Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book Naadam access early
Festival seating and transport fill quickly—reserve at least 2–3 months ahead to secure stadium access and ger-camp spots.
Prepare for long drives
Daily transfers of 150–320 km are common; bring motion-sickness remedies, layered clothing and spare water for each vehicle leg.
Sun and temperature swings
Desert sun is intense and nights can be cold; high SPF, a wide-brim hat and warm midlayers are necessary even in summer.
Respect ger-camp customs
Ask before photographing nomadic families, remove shoes when invited indoors, and pack out non-biodegradable waste where facilities are limited.
Sturdy hiking boots
Provides traction for rocky canyons, dune edges and uneven ger-camp terrain.
Sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses)
Essential against intense desert sun and reflective sand.
summer
Layered clothing and insulated jacket
Cool nights and icy canyon sections require warm mid- and outer layers.
spring
Reusable water bottle with filter or purification tablets
Long drives and remote camps mean reliable water access is useful for hygiene and emergencies.