Terelj National Park – Central Mongolia – Naadam festival – 8 days tour

After breakfast we will drive west to beautiful Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes. The  Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes is one of the most picturesque places of Mongolia and is part of the 80 km long Mongol Els Sand Dunes. This place is a wonderful combination of pretty sand dunes, majestic granite mountains, grassy green land, a clear fresh spring and a tiny lake. Indeed, here you can enjoy seeing the combination of Gobi and Khangai Natural Zones. We will visit local nomadic family, do camel riding to the sand dunes and enjoy walking and climbing on the sand dunes. (Ger camp/B, L, D)  

We will continue driving to the Ulaan Tsutgalan “Water fall” which is located in Orkhon Valley. Ulaan Tsutgalan “Water fall” is on Ulaan River which flows through basalt rocks formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes around 20000 years ago. Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall cascades from a height of 20 meters and is naturally most impressive. You can do walking in the beautiful green valley and serene nature. (Ger camp/ B.L.D)

Today we will visit to the Tsenkher Hot Spring. Tsenkher Hot Spring water contains a blend of the most useful minerals for the human body. Mongolians say its water is a pleasant treatment for stress, nervous disorders and rheumatism. Then having hot mineral water bath and enjoy walking to the beginning of the mineral spring. (Ger camp/ B.L.D)

Today we will drive to the Ulaan Tsutgalan “Water fall”. On the way we will visit Karakorum “Ancient Capital of the Great Mongolian Empire of the Genghis Khan”. Karakorum (Kharkhorin) was the capital of Great Mongolian Empire of Chinggis Khan in the 13-14th Centuries. Visit one of Mongolia’s two largest monasteries, “Erdenezuu”, Museum of Karakorum and surrounding sites of Karakorum: the Great Khan’s monument, the legendary Turtle of Karakorum and the Phallic Rock statue. Erdenezuu Monastery has a complex of 108 stupas and over 10 temples that contain rich displays of Mongolian Buddhism. The Erdenezuu Monastery and ruins of Karakorum were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996. Continue driving to the Khustai National Park. Stay overnight near to the Khustai National park. (Ger camp/B, L, D)

After breakfast we will visit to the Khustai NP.  Khustai National Park is located in Altanbulag Sum, Tuv Province. Khustai has 506 square km area and was established in 1993. The park protects the wild horse “Takhi”, also known as Przewalski’s wild horse in the world, and a bio-diversity of other rare wild animals and plants. The quantity of various ecosystems within the park assures an abundance of wildlife. We will visit a small museum of the Takhi and learn about the park and wild horse Takhi. Watch a short documentary film about Khustai National Park, Przewalski’s wild horse and Takhi re-introduction project. On the way to Ulaanbaatar, we will visit to Khui doloon khudag and watch horse racing of Naadam festival. (B, L)

After your breakfast we will walk to the Stadium for Opening ceremony of Naadam festival and watch wrestling, archery and ankle bone shooting. Naadam festival is a traditional festival in Mongolia. The festival is also locally termed "the three games of men". The games are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and are held throughout the country during midsummer. ( L )