At a Glance

Dates: June 30 – July 12 2026

Group Size: 2-6

Duration: 13 Days

Trip Style: Small group, road trip, immersive, festival, cultural

Locations: Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin & Orkhon River Valley, Khogno Khan & Elsen Tasarkhai Sand dunes, Gobi Desert including Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) Yolyn Am and Khongoryn Els sand dunes

Price: US$ 4260 – US$ 3375 depending on final group size (2-6)

Key Experiences

State Naadam in Ulaanbaatar:
Experience wrestling, horse racing, and archery at Mongolia’s national festival.
Road journey through the Gobi and heartland, shaped by distance and landscape.
Stays with Local Families: Small, family-run ger camps linked to our long-standing partnerships.
Space to pause in desert, steppe, and river valleys.
A grounded introduction to contemporary Mongolia.

Travelling With Our Team

Nadam Explorer Details

Naadam Explorer Journey Details

A celebration of tradition, community, and the vast open landscapes that define Mongolia. Our Naadam Explorer is a compact 13-day journey that offers a meaningful introduction to the country’s diversity and spirit – one that goes beyond the familiar stereotypes.

The journey begins in Ulaanbaatar, where the pace and complexity of city life provide an essential starting point. Spending time in the capital, you’ll gain a clearer sense of how contemporary Mongolia functions today — its rhythms, pressures, and everyday realities.

From the city, the route leads into the Gobi and the central heartland. Road trip days, ever-changing landscapes, shared moments, time for reflection and pause, and unhurried conversations shape the journey. Along the way, you’ll stay at small, family-run ger camps connected to communities we’ve worked alongside for many years, offering a firsthand sense of the lives and livelihoods that continue to sustain rural Mongolia.

At the heart of the journey is Naadam, Mongolia’s most significant cultural event. State Naadam is vibrant and celebratory — an essential expression of national pride, identity, and continuity, where the country gathers to mark who it is and where it comes from. You’ll witness the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, experiencing Naadam as a living tradition woven into contemporary life.

Though compact, the Naadam Explorer is not rushed. Time and contrast are built in, allowing space to respond to what unfolds — between the energy of the capital and wide open land, Soviet-era legacies and centuries-old monasteries, protected landscapes and working pastoral country.

The Naadam Explorer is designed for curious travellers seeking a grounded introduction to Mongolia — planting the foundations for deeper understanding, connection, and respect for a country shaped as much by change as by tradition.

June 30: Final Arrival Day "Intro To Ulaanbaatar'

Welcome to Mongolia! Enjoy a free transfer from the airport to your chosen accommodation. Join us for an informal introduction to Mongolia’s capital through local eyes, a local-style lunch, and a welcome drink'

Your own choice of accommodation | Complimentary airport transfer | Local lunch & welcome drink

Gobi Desert

July 1: The granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Travel through the vast open steppe to the dramatic and sacred granite formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu.

Simple guest ger shared as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 2: Road trip to the provincial capital

Arrive in the provincial capital of the South Gobi. Visit the Gobi Museum of Nature and History for insight into the region’s prehistoric past, then visit the locally run Gobi Burd tree-planting project.

Twin-share ensuite hotel room | Approx 7 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 3: Gorges and shifting sand dunes

Explore the dramatic Yolyn Am Canyon, nestled within the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, before heading west to the towering dunes of Khongoryn Els.

Simple guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 4: Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs

Visit the red sandstone landscapes of Bayanzag, known worldwide as the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered—one of the Gobi’s most iconic sights.

Simple guest ger to share as a group at family ger camp | Approx 4 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 5: Everyday herding life at our Erdendalai homestay

Travel north into the wide, open landscapes of the Middle Gobi and the rural community of Erdenedalai, where you’ll be hosted by the Nergui herding family.

Simple guest ger shared as a group alongside Nergui herding family | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

Central Heartland

July 6: Sacred mountains and sand dunes at Khogno Khan

Drive to and explore the striking contrasts of this sacred granite mountain, where open steppe meets golden sand dunes. Walk, relax, take a camel ride, or visit the beautifully situated Erdene Khambiin Khiid temple.

Simple guest ger at Davaasuren family ger camp | Approx 6-7 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 7 & 8: Discover culture and history at Kharkhorin & Orkhon River Valley

Spend an immersive day exploring the cultural and natural heritage of Kharkhorin and the surrounding Orkhon River Valley—a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Kharkhorin Museum.

Simple guest ger alongside Tumee herding family | July 7: Approx 2-3 hours driving time | B/L/D

July 9: Road trip back to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Ulaanbaatar and transfer to your chosen accommodation. The afternoon and evening are free — time to rest, wander, or ease back into the city before meeting for Naadam the following morning.

Your own choice of accommodation | Approx 7 hours driving time | B/L

July 10: Naadam Horse Racing at Khui Doloon Khudag

Travel to Khui Doloon Khudag, where the thrilling Naadam horse races take place. Join Mongolians from all walks of life, soaking up the festive holiday atmosphere in the vast steppe setting.

Your own choice of accommodation | Approx 3-4 hours driving time | B/L

July 11 & 12: Experience Mongolia's State Naadam

Immerse yourself in the colour and spectacle of Mongolia’s State Naadam Festival. Enjoy the traditional “Three Manly Sports” of wrestling, archery, and ankle bone shooting, alongside concerts and the spectacular Opening Ceremony.

Your own choice of accommodation | Walks to/from the stadium | L

Day to suit you: It's all about Chinggis Khaan at Terelj National Park (complimentary day trip)

Visit Mongolia’s iconic Chinggis Khan Statue Complex and explore the great views from Turtle Rock and the Araybal Meditation Temple.

Your own choice of accommodation | Approx 1.5-2 hours driving each way | Local lunch

Group Size & Pricing

Our journeys are designed for small groups of 2–6 travellers with trips guaranteed with two bookings.

Deposit: US$ 600 pp . Flexible payment instalments are available for the remaining balance.

Sliding Price Scale

The more people who travel together, the lower the cost per person — so everyone benefits:

Final group size of 2 guests: ~~US$ 4,260 pp~~ US$ 3,835 pp **current group size**
Final group size of 3-5 guests: ~~US$ 3,7155 pp~~ US$ 3,340 pp
Final group size of 6 guests: ~~US$ 3,375 pp~~ US$ 3,040 pp

We know your holiday funds are precious. This sliding scale keeps our trips personal and immersive, while making them more affordable when shared — so if you know someone who might like to join, invite them along and take advantage of our friends & family discounts.

Why Travel with Us?

We know budget is personal, and every traveller has different priorities. Our prices may be higher than those of larger or budget-focused operators, but here’s what your payment supports:

Small-scale, ethical tourism – we welcome just 100–150 travellers a year, keeping experiences personal and meaningful.
Fair group sizes – groups of 2–6, giving you the flexibility of a private trip with the social feel of a small group.
Thoughtfully designed itineraries – crafted by our founder, Jess, with an emphasis on flow, balance, and season rather than profit.

Long-term partnerships – we invest in our local team and host families, rather than hiring freelancers seasonally or arriving unannounced.

Positive impact – your payment supports local employment, community initiatives, and responsible travel practices.
Not luxury, but genuine – we prioritise authenticity, fairness, and connection over fancy extras.

Curious where your money goes? See the breakdown on our Positive Impact tab.

Map Of Route

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Mongolian Family Ger Camps

Throughout the experience you’ll stay in a traditional Mongolian gers provided by our partnering families. Each family typically sets up 4–5 guest gers, thoughtfully adapted for the season. While the setup is simple, you’ll always have your own bed and a comfortable personal space.

Facilities: Showers are available every 2–3 days at the local public shower house. Toilets are traditional outdoor short-drop latrines.

Rustic Ger Camp

In Kharkhorin, we stay in a ger camp that provides access to modern facilities, including warm showers and flush toilets. Accommodation is in twin-share gers, with the facilities located in a separate block just a short walk away.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on June 20, and July 10th - 12th is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

- Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards

- Standard MOT checks

- Licensing for tourism use.

Learn more about our drivers and their tour vehicles here.

Travel Times

Road travel is a central part of journeying through Mongolia, one of the world’s largest countries. Daily travel times are provided as a guide rather than a promise, and we deliberately allow generous estimates to help set realistic expectations.

Average speeds typically range from 30–65 km/h, depending on road and weather conditions. Where routes include dirt roads, this can mean anything from smooth gravel to corrugated tracks, rocky sections, tree roots, or mud, varying with location and season.

Included in the price

All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.
You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams—made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.
Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink
Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days
Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.
Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.
Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)
Thoughtful Extras – We add a few surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

International airfare to and from Mongolia
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!
Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage
Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.
Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking
Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

Our winter trips all have a 15% discount as a way of encouraging travellers to travel outside of the main travel season – helping to make tourism less concentrated around peak season in Mongolia (summer) and to help the income of the people we work with be more evenly distributed.

No domestic flights. Emissions per km for domestic flights are high because a large proportion of the flight is spent taking off and landing. As we are serious about tackling the carbon footprint of the trips we offer, we try that a majority of our experiences don’t include domestic flights.

The maximum group size is six which is refreshingly small for the travel industry and allows us to manage our impact.

We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each experience we offer and balancing the footprint through the Mongolian Nomad Carbon Project. We wanted a high-standard project local to Mongolia where the local community had a positive say in the scheme and its impact. It’s the first project of its kind in Mongolia – restoring traditional nomadic practices to enable ecosystem recovery and carbon uptake.

Our team of female Mongolian trip assistants is breaking down barriers in tourism and leading the way for other Mongolian women from a diverse range of backgrounds to work in and be supported by tourism. Mongolia’s growing economy has not directly translated into better employment opportunities for women and by choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to create long-term development and employment opportunities for our brilliant trip assistants.

High unemployment rates and toxic masculinity are two very real issues faced by older more traditional men in Mongolia. By choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to provide long-term employment for our team of older, more traditional male drivers who have experience and accumulated knowledge but who would otherwise struggle to find employment and provide for their extended families.

The experience has been built with a focus on Mongolian culture and on creating local benefits for local people & communities including families we work in long-term local community partnership with – helping to supplement their income to help prevent urban migration, face the challenges of climate change and allowing them to maintain their fragile herding lifestyle. More about who we work with here.

A donation is made to the Mongolian projects that we provide long-term support to (and that you will visit) such as the Uuliin Nuur Community Project in Ulaanbaatar.

We are members of Tourism Declares A Climate Emergency and a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration which requires us to publish an annual Climate Action Plan. It also means we have essentially signed up to work towards halving our emissions by 2030. We must report publicly on an annual basis on progress against our interim and long-term targets, as well as on actions being taken. We do this in our Climate Action Plan linked above.

One of the five pathways defined in the Glasgow Declaration is ‘measure’ and we have started the process of measuring the carbon footprint of our tours.

We wanted an accurate footprint analysis whilst also keeping the process manageable, achievable, and affordable. Of the limited carbon calculators available to small tourism companies with a restricted budget we have signed up with the carbon calculator tool Carmacal – specifically designed for tour operators and the 2017 winner of the UNWTO Award for Innovation in Research and Technology.
However, there are limitations with this online tool in the fact that – like most online carbon calculators – you can only measure transport and accommodation and a few very specific activities. But, the main contributors to carbon footprints are food, consumption, transportation, and energy, and all are heavily utilised during a tourism experience.
As a result, founder Jess has worked with two postgraduate students from the Responsible Tourism Management Postgraduate Course of Leeds Beckett University in the UK – the only responsible tourism management MSc certified by the UNWTO – looking at how we can measure the carbon emissions of meals on tour as well as the carbon footprint of our office as well as certain tour activities.

Balancing Our Carbon Footprint

We are in the process of measuring the carbon footprint of each of our tours. Once this is complete, we will balance those emissions by purchasing Plan Vivo–certified carbon certificates (environmental service certificates that each represent the reduction or avoidance of one metric tonne of CO₂) through C-Level and the Mongolian Nomad Project, delivered in partnership with the Mongolian Society of Range Management. The Plan Vivo Standard is built on ethical principles that deliver long-term climate, livelihood, and biodiversity benefits.

In the meantime, we have partnered with C-Level to fund a secure carbon calculator (linked below) for our guests. Through this, you can:

Balance the footprint of your flights
Offset a chosen amount of CO₂ (including your annual footprint)
Or make a direct donation to support the project’s work

Each contribution is invested in Plan Vivo Certificates that support the Mongolian Nomad Project

We know this isn’t perfect, but it is a start. As the saying goes: “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” For us — a small business with limited resources — this approach is both realistic and achievable.

‘ There was never a sense of having to be rushed. The highlights were: 1. The location at Khogno Khan I think is incredible, to be able to walk out through the trees, cross a stream with animals there and then walk into the sand dunes, it was a really beautiful place. 2. The family at Erdenedalai - it was a very warm and friendly experience, 3. Climbing the dune at Khongorin Els also fantastic.'

EL guest David Thomas, Essence Of Mongolia

FAQs

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments. Below are answers to the most common questions our guests tend to have at this stage.