Mongolia

Summary

Archaeological Treasures of Chinggis Khan

An exploration of Mongolia’s ancient history and unforgettable landscapes, this expedition passes through vast grasslands, forested mountains and the Gobi Desert to the sites of archaeological treasures. Travelers will explore ancient burial sites, stone men, the ruins of legendary cities, and finely rendered deer stones erected thousands of years ago by Bronze Age peoples. Our tour explores the wartime fortresses and capitals of Chinggis Khan’s Mongol Empire and their Turkic and Uyghur predecessors, alongside beautifully-set Buddhist monasteries of the past and present. We also explore the region’s lesser-known history, including the 8th century citadel of Kharbalgas in the fertile Orkhon Valley, a centre of political activity centuries before the birth of Chinggis Khan.

Explore the national parks and wild horse reserves of rural Mongolia, still home to many nomadic tribes. Marvel at the Flaming Cliffs of the Gobi Desert and enjoy a comfortable take on nomadic ger camps. This tour is recommended for archaeology and nature buffs who are comfortable camping in gers and driving overland through the country’s vast landscapes to visit some of Asia’s most significant and awe-inspiring sites.

Please note: at most of the ger camps the bathroom facilities are shared, but separate for male and female.

Naadam Festival 2-night Extension

If you want to encounter one of Mongolia’s most traditional expressions of nomadic culture, why not extend your stay so that you can experience the one-of-a-kind Naadam Festival. This annual event showcases three sports as a way to celebrate the country’s national independence. Here, you can watch wrestling, horse-racing and archery alongside performances of dancing and singing - an incredible fusion of arts and sports.

The Naadam Festival is a national holiday that lasts for three days and local attendees typically wear traditional, brightly coloured costumes called ‘dell’ throughout. At the event, you’ll be able to sample a traditional dish known as khuushuur – a fried pancake stuffed with meat – and can soak up the atmosphere of this festival, which is held in such high regard by the Mongolian people.

To add this on to your tour, please contact one of our Travel Advisors.

Tour highlights:

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• Visit the historic sights of Ulaanbaatar, including the National Museum of Mongolia and discover the artefacts of the country’s history, from the Neolithic to the present day
• Explore the ancient capital of the Mongol and the Northern Yuan at Karakorum
• Discover an array of Bronze Age Mongolian deer stones
• Travel to key sites that have produced dinosaur eggs and fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period, such as the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi
• Optional Nadaam Festival can be added to the main tour