Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour worth booking?
Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour is a 240-hour experience in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from $2,820 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (5)
- Duration
- 240 hours
- From
- $2,820 per person
Celebrate Mongolia’s rich heritage at the Naadam Festival, where you’ll witness the thrilling Three Manly Games—wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Join locals for the grand opening ceremony and enjoy traditional foods. After the festivities, venture into the stunning Gobi Desert, traversing dramatic sand dunes and canyons. Experience camel and horse riding, hike through unique landscapes, and stay in traditional ger camps, immersing yourself in the nomadic culture. This 10-day journey combines vibrant cultural events with breathtaking natural beauty for an unforgettable adventure. - Tour Dates: July 9th - 18th, 2026 - Includes 4-star accommodations in Ulaanbaatar and Tourist ger camps in Gobi - Enjoy guided explorations, camel riding, and local experiences - Witness the unique flora and fauna of the Gobi Desert while engaging with local nomadic families - You can take this tour as a private tour or join in a small group with up to 6 travelers in a group
What you get
About this experience
Celebrate Mongolia’s rich heritage at the Naadam Festival, where you’ll witness the thrilling Three Manly Games—wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Join locals for the grand opening ceremony and enjoy traditional foods. After the festivities, venture into the stunning Gobi Desert, traversing dramatic sand dunes and canyons. Experience camel and horse riding, hike through unique landscapes, and stay in traditional ger camps, immersing yourself in the nomadic culture. This 10-day journey combines vibrant cultural events with breathtaking natural beauty for an unforgettable adventure. - Tour Dates: July 9th - 18th, 2026 - Includes 4-star accommodations in Ulaanbaatar and Tourist ger camps in Gobi - Enjoy guided explorations, camel riding, and local experiences - Witness the unique flora and fauna of the Gobi Desert while engaging with local nomadic families - You can take this tour as a private tour or join in a small group with up to 6 travelers in a group
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Breakfast
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ulaanbaatar
The staff will pick up you from any accommodation in Ulaanbaatar.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The staff will pick up you from any accommodation in Ulaanbaatar.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- ko, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Meet Mongolia Join Tours LLC
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommend Meet Mongolia local agency
Traveling to Mongolia during the Naadam Festival was an unforgettable cultural experience. Naadam is one of Mongolia’s most important traditional celebrations, featuring the “Three Manly Games”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Mongolia’s rich history, traditions, and nomadic lifestyle. The atmosphere during Naadam was lively and exciting. Traditional Mongolian clothing, colorful ceremonies, music, and enthusiastic crowds made the celebration truly special. Watching the horse races across the vast Mongolian countryside was particularly memorable, as it showcased the strong connection between Mongolian people, horses, and nature. Beyond the festival, Mongolia’s beautiful landscapes made the trip even more enjoyable. The wide-open grasslands, endless blue skies, and peaceful countryside provided a refreshing escape from busy city life. Local food and the warm hospitality of Mongolian people also added to the overall experience. However, traveling during Naadam can be challenging because popular destinations become crowded, accommodation may be more expensive, and transportation can be busy. But tour package was my best decision with Meet Mongolia tours. Overall, visiting Mongolia during Naadam is an amazing experience for anyone interested in culture, history, adventure, and nature. The festival provides a unique glimpse into Mongolian traditions and creates lasting memories. I would highly recommend visiting Mongolia during Naadam to experience the country’s vibrant spirit and cultural heritage.
via Tripadvisor
Incredile 10 days across Mongolia
I booked the State Naadam Festival & Gobi 10-day tour with Meet Mongolia and it exceeded expectations. Our guide, Chuluuka, was excellent. She was knowledgeable, attentive, and passionate about sharing Mongolian culture, and our drivers got us safely across some rough terrain in the Gobi. The highlight was the Naadam Festival. The opening ceremony at the stadium, the horse races, and the wrestling matches were incredible to witness. Equally memorable was the time spent visiting nomadic families along the way. If I'd change anything, I'd have loved the chance to also see a local/rural Naadam alongside the State festival. Highly recommend Meet Mongolia.
via Tripadvisor
Mongolia - An Unforgettable journey
My Mongolia trip was an incredible experience—breathtaking landscapes, fascinating culture, and warm people A huge thank you to Zaya for organizing everything so smoothly and thoughtfully. From planning the itinerary to coordinating the journey, everything was handled seamlessly. - the stay and good was a 5-star experience. A very special thank you to our guide, Dukh. Her knowledge, warmth, patience, and stories helped us experience Mongolia beyond just the sights and gave us a deeper understanding of its culture, history, and traditions. And a big thank you to our wonderful driver, who navigated Mongolia’s long roads and challenging terrain with incredible skill and patience. We always felt safe and well taken care of. Thank you, Zaya, Dukh, and our driver for making this journey so special. Highly recommended! 🇲🇳❤️
Response from the operator: Dear Rumy, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and heartfelt words! It was truly our pleasure to have you with us and to be part of your Mongolia journey. Thank you again for trusting Meet Mongolia and for taking the time to share your experience. We hope Mongolia will always hold a very special place in your heart, and we would be delighted to welcome you back for another journey someday. All the best, Team
via Tripadvisor
An unforgettable experience meeting your beautiful and rugged country , and its hospitable and friendly people.
We enjoyed our trip and are satisfied overall. We leave feeling that Mongolia and its people are unique and it’s a wonderful and beautiful country. We’ve been well looked after by both our guide Enkhee and driver Khuyaga. Mostly, our feedback would be that some of the her camps were less than acceptable - at least 2 had toilets that were not hygienic and one camp had a power outage from evening till dawn, leaving us with no electricity nor water to clean and freshen ourselves up after a full day of travelling. No apologies not concern was shown to us by camp operator though our guide did her best to help us.
via Tripadvisor
Great team. Great tour.
Amazing guides and drivers. They led me through an incredible trip across the Gobi and central Mongolia. Easy recommendation. Great team. Great tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 240 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Meet Mongolia Join Tours LLC, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.5.
See everything Meet Mongolia Join Tours LLC runsWhy this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ulaanbaatar.
How much does Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour cost?
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Prices start at $2,820 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ulaanbaatar usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour take?
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Plan for about 240 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ulaanbaatar is not rushed.
Is Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink in Ulaanbaatar, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 240-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ulaanbaatar can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ulaanbaatar and add a light layer if any part of the 240-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ulaanbaatar within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ulaanbaatar?
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On Outty we rank every Ulaanbaatar experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include BEST 5* Chinggis Khaan Airport UBN Ulaanbaatar Transfer Taxi 24/7, A day trip to Terelj National Park and Statue of Chinggis Khan, Genghis Khan Statue+Terelj Park+CamelRide+Eagle. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ulaanbaatar?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ulaanbaatar?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour?
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Included: Lunch; Dinner; and Breakfast. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 12 listed pickup locations in and around Ulaanbaatar. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Korean, English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Ulaanbaatar. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert 10-Day Cultural Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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