At a glance
Witness a culture that conquered half the world on our Discovery Trip in Mongolia. You’ll step into a country where nature is untouched and the nomad lifestyle still lives on beyond the 13th century. You’ll get to observe years of tradition at the Naadam Festival while exploring the metropolitan with its many monasteries and museums. You can ride camels through the Gobi Desert and stand on the ground where thousands of dinosaur fossils were found at the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs.
Feel the freedom and explore a more traditional way of life on a week-long journey in Mongolia.
What are the highlights of my Discover Mongolia trip?
We’ll make sure your trip is one that builds a lifetime of memories. Here are the highlights of our Discovery Tour in Mongolia:
- Observe the Naadam Festival and the three events: archery, wrestling and horse-riding
- Learn about the nomadic way of life with a family in the Gobi Desert
- Practice your archery skills
- Spend the night in a traditional ger
- Experience the joy of horse-riding in Yolyn Am Canyon (Vulture Canyon)
- Ride a Bactrian camel at the Gobi sand dunes
- Marvel at the rosy sunset at the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi Desert
Is this trip to Mongolia right for me?
Our Discovery Trip in Mongolia will let you experience only the best the country has to offer within a week. You’ll get to travel around Ulaanbaatar and stay at a ger camp all while learning about the country’s history and culture. The highlight of the trip will be the annual Naadam Festival where you’ll see a combination of events from horse riding to archery. It’s a sophisticated and eloquent expression of nomadic culture in Mongolia.
We invite travellers over the age of 18 to participate in this culturally rich trip. There are no requirements to join except a natural curiousity for new cultures and the willingness to participate.
During your trip, you’ll stay at a hotel in Ulaanbaatar and at a ger camp in southern Mongolia. At certain points during your trip, prepare for basic utilities and cold temperatures. There can be a vast difference between day and night temperatures, even during summertime. To make your travels more comfortable, we’ll organise private vehicles to move between activities and locations.
What will I do on this project?
Your Discovery Tour in Mongolia is a meaningful travel experience. This is what you’ll get up to:
Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
After you step off the plane at Chinggis Khan Int’l Airport, our staff will be ready to meet you. They’ll take you to your accommodation where you’ll get a chance to rest after your travels. Once your whole group has arrived, you’ll get given a tour through Ulaanbaatar starting at the Sukhbaatar Square and ending at the National History Museum.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. This religious centre is known for the exquisite Migjid Janraisig statue made of silver, gold and over 2,000 jewels that stand masterfully in the monastery. You’ll then finish off your day with the beautiful symphonies coming from the Tumen Ekh Ensemble Concert.
Day 2 – Ceremony for National Flag Day, archery lesson and Mongol Costumes Festival
Today, you’ll observe many cultural practices. The Ceremony for National Flag Day demonstrates respect to the Chinggis Khan Statue. It’s usually celebrated with a military parade and a flag-raising ceremony in Sukhbaatar Square. During the ceremony, many locals also place flowers at the General Sukhbaatar statue in the square
After lunch, you can put your Mongol warrior skills to the test. You’ll learn target archery and receive a cheer at every bullseye! To top of a culturally rich day, you’ll also visit the Mongol Costumes Festival where you’ll get to see traditional clothing from over 20 ethnicities in Mongolia.
Day 3 – Naadam Festival
It’s the day of the Naadam Festival! Locally termed "the three games of men", the Naadam Festival shows off various skills like Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These games are held throughout the country during midsummer.
Day 4 – Roadtrip to the Gobi Desert
It’s time to explore the Gobi Desert! Prepare for a long trip to the Gobi Mirage Camp where you’ll get to rest in a traditional ger.
Day 5 – Horse-riding and nomad family visit
Get ready for a trip to the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. You’ll witness the massive ice wall between the cliffs and go horse-riding up the mountain.
After lunch, you’ll head to the sand dunes where you’ll meet up with a nomad family. They’ll invite you in and show you their traditional way of life. You’ll find out how they live, eat and work to survive in Mongolia. You’ll even get to ride Bactrian camels during your stay!
Before heading back to camp, you’ll head to the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs where you’ll be in awe at dinosaur fossils and mesmerised by the sunset over the cliffs.
Day 6 – Drive back to Ulaanbaatar and farewell dinner
It’s time to head back to Ulaanbaatar after breakfast. Use this time to recollect memories with your group or take a nap on the long bus ride. Once you get back, we’ve organised a farewell dinner for you and your group. This is a great time to enjoy the Mongolian food and share your thoughts on your adventure through Mongolia.
Day 7 – Departure from Ulaanbaatar
Your trip has finally come to an end but that doesn’t mean your memories won’t last a lifetime. Use the time you have before your flight to explore Ulaanbaatar and buy a few souvenirs for you to take home.
Food and accommodation
You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad travellers during your stay in Mongolia. This is a great way to get to know each other, share experiences, and explore your surroundings during your free time together.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your programme fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on-hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
Meet the team in Mongolia
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