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15 Days Magical Mongolia Dukha People & Naadam Festival Tour 2025

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Witness a truly epic history and untouched nature, and direct your own documentary with us. From visiting Dukha People on horseback to the colorful Naadam Festival, experience the magic of Mongolia!

Duration

15 Days, 14 Nights

Group Size

Min 6 - Max 14

Min Age

Start/End

Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia is a quiet and isolated country with only 3 million people living in an area twice the size of Türkiye (or slightly smaller than Alaska).

At MAHO on Earth, we believe in creating memories that last a lifetime and this incredible journey offers you a rare chance to connect with the indigenous Dukha People and see their traditional lifestyle up close. We’ll explore volcanoes and historical sites, enjoy the beauty of Khuvsgul Lake, visit one of the largest ancient monasteries, ride a horse. As the icing on the cake, we will dive into the Danshig Naadam Festival in August. This festival is the real deal, packed with activities that let you soak up the culture.

Picture kilometers of untouched grasslands, nomads, breathtaking mountains, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, and lush valleys dotted with gers, resilient Mongolian horses, reindeers, yaks, camels, deserts, shamans, traditional songs, authentic festivals, historic sites…For ages, this hidden gem with its its incredible variety of geography has been out of sight, making it hard to believe that Mongolia was once home to the largest land empire in history.

Mongolia might not be the most popular travel destination, but this extraordinary trip promises wonders. Our epic adventure will lead you through a place that feels like it’s frozen in time, now awaiting to be uncovered by curious travelers.

Explore Mongolia with us and soak in the stunning landscapes and rich traditions of this country that is far from everything.

Magical Mongolia Dukha People & Naadam Festival Tour Highlights

Discover the nomadic lifestyle of the Dukha (Tsaatan) Reindeer Herders in Northern Mongolia, a stunning taiga region of Khuvsgul province.
Take in the unique beauty of nature in all its solitude in Khuvsgul on a hike around the lake.
Visit a shaman who lives year round on the shores of lake Khuvsgul, and learn about shamanism.
Spend magical nights under a blanket of stars, peering through the teepee roof of the reindeer herders.
Be the guests of the last nomads that continue their horse herders culture and nomadic life on earth.
Visit remote Dukha People either on horseback or on foot.
Admire the beauty of Great White Lake.
Climb the Khorgo Volcano and show your deepest gratitude to mother nature once again.
Follow the traces of the Turks in Central Asia, and visit the UNESCO listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Values (Orkhon Monuments, Erdenezu Monastery).
Explore the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin.
Attend the traditional Mongolian Danshig Naadam Festival.
Watch as monks showcase the traditional tsam masked dance during the festival.
Get yourself acquainted with the country on a Ulaanbaatar City Tour including visits to Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Khan Museum.
Bid farewell to this breathtaking country with a traditional music concert and dinner.

This is a unique and immersive trip to enjoy the (sometimes very bumpy) road, an endless ‘green carpet’, take in the views unlike anything else you have ever seen, get a real feel for nomadic life, and learn so much about an amazing culture!

On this adventure, we will witness a truly epic history and untouched nature and find ourselves in a documentary, namely our own.

Whether you’re horseback riding or hiking, you’ll be surrounded by Mongolia’s breathtaking views, from the vast grasslands to the volcanic craters by the Great White Lake. Plus, you’ll get to stay at two family ger camps, offering a rare peek into nomadic life—a cultural experience you won’t forget. Have a look at our experience with the Siberian nomadic reindeer herders at this link and secure your spot now with 2024 rates!

Recommended flight information

For this trip, we recommend the following flights:

Departure: July 21, 2025 MIAT Mongolian Airlines OM 162 Istanbul (IST) – Ulan Bator (UBN) 14:10 03:30 (+1)
Return: August 05, 2025 MIAT Mongolian Airlines OM 161 Ulan Bator (UBN) – Istanbul (IST) 07:55 12:25

The fare for this flight is about 750,- EUR including taxes and fees (fare valid until March 2025). We can help you book this flight if you wish us to do so.

Istanbul is a great hub and easy to access from many European countries. If you want to extend your holiday in this beautiful city, we would be delighted to assist you.

Payment:
30% of the tour fee is taken as a deposit at the time of registration. The remaining amount can be paid in installments and payments must be completed no later than 61 days before the tour start date.

Early bird discount valid for bookings until January 14, 2025.

Our magical Mongolia trip is a guaranteed departure with 3 more bookings.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Economy class domestic flight ticket and airport taxes between Ulaanbaatar and Murun City,
Transportation with 4x4 vehicles (4 passengers in each vehicle),
All transfers within Mongolia during the tour,
2 nights accommodation in double rooms in a 4-star hotel in Ulaanbaatar,
6 nights accommodation in double and 3 nights in four-person tents in Mongolian ger tents (those who wish can set up a camping tent),
2 nights accommodation in double tents called Teepee or camping tent with Dukha Turks,
1 night accommodation in double/twin rooms in a hotel in Murun,
14 breakfasts, 13 lunch, 14 dinners (daily full board and sufficient water on rural trips),
A private chef for the group and all camping equipment,
All museum, concert and archaeological site entrance fees,
Naadam Festival entrance,
Khuvsgul Lake and Khorgo volcano hikes,
Transportation to Dukha People by horse or on foot,
English speaking local guide throughout the trip,
Turkish and German language support and MAHO on Earth Travel coordinator,
Border permit for visiting Dukha Reindeer Tribe.

International flight tickets, airport taxes and fees,
Visas (if applicable),
Excess baggage fees,
Drinks during meals and 1 lunch,
Personal expenses,
Travel Insurance (mandatory for horse riding)
Tips for local guide and driver (optional),
Private horseback riding guide (optional).

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia!

Upon your arrival at Chinggis Khan International Airport, our team will meet and transfer you to your hotel. The majority of flights arrive in the night/early morning, so check-in to the hotel is from 1:00am onwards. Following the breakfast at the hotel, we will start our city tour, visit the Gandan Monastery and Chinggis Khan Museum.

At the stunning Gandan Monastery, the heart of Buddhism in Mongolia, you can see the impressive 85-foot (26 m) gilded statue of the Buddhist sage Megjid Janraisag.

At the newly-opened Chinggis Khaan Museum, you will see an intriguing array of archaeological finds from the Mongolian Great Empire, led by the legendary Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan).

We will wrap up the first day at a fantastic local restaurant, where you can indulge in delicious Mongolian dishes. After lunch, the rest of the day will be free to relax at your own leisure before our epic Mongolian adventure begins the next morning.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Accommodation: Hotel 4* (twin sharing)
Included activities: Airport pick-up, Ulaanbaatar City Tour

Day 02 Flight to Murun - Drive to Khuvsgul Lake

Today after breakfast, we will fly to Murun city (flight departure time yet to be released). Following a short flight of 1 hour and 15 minutes, we will meet our vehicles and the crew. We will then drive to Lake Khuvsgul (ca. 1.5-2 hours, 130 km paved road).

Upon arrival at our ger camp, afternoon is free at your own leisure to enjoy the beauty and silence surrounding us. You may want to take a short walk around the lake, a horseback ride or even a boat tour.

Our chef cook will prepare tasty lunch and dinner for us.

Included meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Accommodation: Ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Airport transfer, Flight to Murun, transfer to Khuvsgul Lake
Distance to travel: 130 km paved road

Day 03 Khuvsgul Lake Hike & Shaman visit

Today after breakfast, we will go hiking around Khuvsgul Lake, which is one of the country's largest and most spectacular protected areas. The Lake is 1645 meters above sea level and is generally frozen from January until April or May. Khovsgol is home to diverse wildlife, including Siberian ibex and various bird species, and we will be hiking about 15 km in total to amazing vistas.

All meals will be prepared by our chef cook.

In the evening, we will visit a shaman who lives in the region.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Khuvsgul Lake hiking, shaman visit
Distance to hike: 15-20 km

Day 04 Horse Herder Family in Tsagaannuur

Today is a full day driving day on a bumpy road. In Mongolia, travel is slow.

After having breakfast, we’ll drive to the horse herder family and get prepared for our epic journey the following day that will take place either on horseback or on foot to the Dukha Reindeer Herders.

Overnight will be in a shared ger with the nomadic family (4 to 5 people in each ger) or you can opt for the camping tent.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ger with the nomadic family (4-5 people sharing) or camping tent (twin sharing)
Distance to travel: 250 km on a dirt road

Day 05 (Horse) Trekking to the Dukha Reindeer Herders

Today is an epic day as we will be trekking to the Dukha people on horseback or on foot.

The reindeer herders of northern Khuvsgul are a small, tenacious group who strive to maintain their way of life and culture in the face of great challenges. They are called Tsaatan, Tsachin or Dukha.

The route will traverse through forests, mountains and expected to be a wet terrain with undulations.

Once you get a quick lesson on how to ride a horse, you'll set off towards taiga. We’ll also be using horses to carry our bags and supplies.

Please note: The hikers are expected to arrive at the camp roughly 2 hours later than the riders. We will have one horse riding guide for the group of riders. Although the route is beginner friendly, inexperienced riders are encouraged to be accompanied by a private horse riding guide.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping tents or the so called Teepee (twin sharing)
Included activities: Trekking to the remote Dukha People
Distance to travel: 20 km on horseback or foot

Day 06 Dukha Reindeer Herders

This day is dedicated to experiencing the local family lifestyle of Dukha Reindeer Herders. Dive into the everyday life of the Dukha tribe and get involved in their special customs, like milking reindeer and making dairy products. Connect with the locals, discover their culture, and soak in the pristine beauty of the larch forest.

Their lifestyle is slightly different from Mongolian nomadic people because they herd reindeers. We recommend you check out our experience with the Siberian nomadic family on YouTube or read the blog post to get an idea.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Camping tents or the so called Teepee (twin sharing)
Distance to travel: 0
Included activities: The experience with Dukha nomadic family

Day 07 Trekking back to the horse herder family

Today we will trek the same way back to our vehicles and spend the night in a tourist camp.

While our cook will feed us during the day, dinner will be taken at the tourist camp facilities for a change.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Tourist ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Trekking back to the horse herder family
Distance to travel: 20 km on horseback or foot

Day 08 Murun Province

After breakfast, we will drive to Murun Province. Murun is the center of Northern Mongolia. It's again a full day of driving on a bumpy road.

Upon arrival at our hotel we will enjoy the creature comforts and get recharged for the second part of our trip in the countryside.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Hotel (twin sharing)
Included activities: None
Distance to travel: 250 km on a dirt road (same as Day 04)

Day 09 Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Buckle up, we are heading to yet another astonishingly beautiful area: Great White (Terkhiin Tsagaan) Lake and Khorgo Volcano, located in the same named national park.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park was established to protect the spectacular mountain scenery and endangered species of fauna and flora. The area has extinct volcanoes, many beautiful lakes, a great number of animals and birds, and is definitely one of the best natural attractions you can witness in Mongolia.

While we will spend the most of the day again on the road, the scenery passing by will be breathtaking.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Tourist ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
Distance to travel: 270 km on a dirt road

Day 10 Kharkhorin and Erdene zuu Monastery

Today after breakfast, we will set off for hiking to the Khorgo Volcano.

Khorgo is a unique natural complex (2240m) National Park surrounded by the Khangai Mountains, which reach 3000 meters above sea level. In the craters some of them are very tiny crystal- clear lakes. The Khorgo crater is situated at an altitude of 2.210 meters with a diameter of 20 and depth of 70 to 80 meters. The climb is short and gradual.

After the hike, we’ll drive to Mongolian ancient capital, Kharkhorin, Chinggis Khaan's fabled city, founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. The Mongol Empire was governed from here until Kubilai Khan moved it to Beijing. It served as the capital for 40 years.

Following the subsequent fall of the Mongolian Empire, Kharkhorin (Karakorum) was abandoned. Whatever left was used to help build the glorious Erdene Zuu Monastery in the 16th century. Nearby, one can find the Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in the 8-9th centuries in memory of outstanding fighters for independence.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Khorgo Volcano hike
Distance to travel: 330 km paved road

Day 11 Turkish Monument and Orkhon inscriptions

This morning after breakfast, we will visit Erdene zuu Monastery and Kharkhorin Museum.

Following a lunch break, we will drive to the Turkish Monument called Khusuu Tsaidam. This monument to Blige Khaan and Kul Tegn dating back to 732 AD, is found 47 km to the northwest of Kharkhorin, part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site. This collection of historical heritage includes stone monuments with runic inscriptions, stone turtles, human statues and other relics. Both monuments are dedicated to Turkish Khans who ruled Mongolia between 6th and 8th century.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Tourist ger camp (twin sharing)
Included activities: Kharkhorin Museum, Erdene zuu Monastery
Distance to travel: 45 km paved road

Day 12 Khui doloo Khudag (Danshig Naadam Festival)

This morning we will visit the Turkish Monument before heading to Khui doloo Khudag, where we will attend the Danshig Naadam festival.

Danshig Naadam stands as Mongolia's grandest religious and cultural festival, symbolizing the profound influence of Buddhism on the nation's people and heritage. Beyond the array of Buddhist rituals, attendees can immerse themselves in spirited competitions and thought-provoking spiritual debates among monks. The festival also features cultural activities such as the Three Games of Men—archery, wrestling, and horse races—alongside captivating Tsam masked dance ceremonies.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ger camp (4 people sharing)
Included activities: Turkish Monument, Danshig Naadam Festival
Distance to travel: 300 km paved road

Day 13 Danshig Naadam Festival

Today, we will attend the festival events.

The Naadam festival is the biggest and most joyful holiday celebration for Mongolians. The festival comprises the “Three Manly Sports”: wrestling; horse racing; archery. 1024 wrestlers compete on the green wrestling field-there is no weight division. Mongolian wrestlers wear traditional Mongolian boots and special clothes for wrestling, Zodog-small open-fronted vests and Shuudag-shorts. There are 6 different categories of horse racing depending on the age of horses. While the festival schedule won't be released before summer 2025, expect a vibrant atmosphere with loads to admire.

Included meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Ger camp (4 people sharing)
Included activities: Danshig Naadam Festival

Day 14 Ulaanbaatar

It's almost time to bid farewell and we'll drive back to Ulaanbaatar with memories to last a lifetime.

Upon arrival in the bustling capital city, you are free for the rest of the day to spend at your own leisure. In the evening we will meet for a traditional music concert and farewell dinner to end an epic journey in style.

Included meals: B, D
Accommodation: Hotel 4* (twin sharing)
Included activities: Traditional music concert, farewell dinner
Distance to travel: 45 km paved road

Day 15 Departure

Sadly it's time to say goodbye after so many wonderful experiences.

If you are flying out today, you will be transferred to the airport.

If you would like to have any additional services to the above itinerary, let us know and we will be happy to help in this regard.

Included meals: None (if you arrived on a different flight on Day 1 later in the day, you will have breakfast included today)
Accommodation: None
Included activities: Airport drop off

Tour Essentials

In the following sections, you'll find the essential information for our Mongolia trip:

Accommodation

The only accommodation option in Mongolia, except for a few big cities, is the camps inspired by traditional nomadic tents called gers. Ger tents are made of felt. They have wooden doors painted with traditional patterns and bright colors. They have two or four beds inside and a stove in the middle with a chimney that opens from the roof of the tent to the outside. Showers and toilets in all ger/tourist camps are in a separate tent or building and are shared.

Solo travelers will be paired up with another participant. There is no single room/tent option on this trip.

There are no facilities on the days we stay with nomadic families. There is no running water. Our team will set up toilet tents for our guests when necessary.

Meals

We will have kitchen and camping equipment with us throughout the tour and a special chef assigned to our group. Our chef will prepare most of the meals in the countryside. Sometimes we will have our meals in the facilities in the ger tourist camps. On this trip all meals except for the lunch on the last day is included.

Vegetarians can be catered for if you inform us upon booking. For other dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, allergies, etc.), please contact us to discuss the best course of action for you.

Transport

In this country with a small population and abundant land, there are no asphalt roads except for certain cities. When you go outside the settlements, everywhere is steppe, everywhere is dirt, everywhere is meadow. Or in other words, everywhere is road. All trips in the Mongolian countryside will be made in 4x4 vehicles with a capacity of 5 passengers, each vehicle will have 4 guests, 1 driver and 1 team member. Our convoy will consist of a maximum of 4 vehicles. On day 2, we will take the domestic flight to Murun City. On day 1, we will take a city bus for sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar. As the city has a chaotic traffic, public transportation is the most convenient way to get around.

Passports and Visas

Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive in the country and have at least three blank pages, two facing each other.

Holders of ordinary passports issued by most nations, including EU nationalities, the US, the UK, Turkey, do not need a visa to enter Mongolia for stays up to 30 days.

Please consult the Mongolian Embassy/Consulate in your country of origin for further information about visas. Should you have any questions, we will be happy to assist.

You must ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

Health/Vaccinations

Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional advice. We, at MAHO on Earth, cannot guarantee that the following information is complete, up-to-date, accurate, or error-free.

As of the publishing date, there are no mandatory vaccinations to enter the country.

We do highly recommend that you obtain professional travel health advice at your doctor or an institute of tropical medicine with respect to your individual needs and your intended travel, including advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and other medications based on your past vaccination history, your present medical condition, and your intended itinerary.

Physical Level

To join this trip, you'll need to have a reasonable level of fitness. While not too strenuous, the tour involves long journeys on bumpy roads, a fair amount of walking, early-morning wake-up calls, being in the sun in potentially hot temperatures, cold nights/mornings, and other similar scenarios.

Horseback riding to the Dukha Turks is free for guests who have previously participated in our tours or register with their friends/spouse. Although the course is also suitable for beginner level riders, we would like to emphasize that it is necessary to act with awareness of the possible risk of accidents such as falling off the horse and not to ride a horse without travel health insurance. For this reason, we advise that inexperienced riders who want to ride a horse or those who cannot walk 20 km be accompanied by a private riding guide.

Please note: Mongolia is definitely the wrong place for those looking for comfort.

Special requests

This trip may not be suitable for people with special needs such as reduced mobility due to local conditions and activities. If in doubt, please contact us.

Please do not send sensitive information (such as health, accident or other highly personal information) through our contact form. You may want to get in touch with us directly via phone instead.

Insurance

We do strongly recommend you take out travel insurance as soon as you make your deposit to ensure the most coverage. Your travel insurance policy should at least cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, activities you intend to do, and repatriation in the event of an accident or illness. We will reach out and collect your travel insurance and emergency contact details shortly before the departure date. Your trip price with us does not include any travel insurance. Travel insurance policies are generally speaking more economical when taken out locally in your country of origin. For those who would like to ride a horse, a travel insurance is mandatory.

Cash & Co

While your trip with us cover most of the expenses, things such as some meals, non-/alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your trip. Any optional activity is mentioned clearly so that you don't have to worry about hidden costs.

We recommend carrying some cash and budgeting around $10 – $30 USD/EUR per day for incidental expenses.

Further details and recommendations on what to pack will be provided prior to departure.

Travel Companions

We care about getting to know our fellow travellers, hence we keep our groups small and intimate. Our tours usually run with 12 or fewer participants and require a minimum of 6 participants to take place. This trip is a guaranteed departure with 3 more bookings. It will be an international group and the main language will be English.

People from all walks of life and nationalities, singles, couples, friends, and families with a sense of adventure, an open mind, and an open heart can join our tours. We consider each trip as an opportunity to cultivate our travel persona with humility, curiosity, and respect, what we call a "Mindful Adventure".

The Adventure with us

Designing a trip is engineering work, and this is not a cookie-cutter tour. We curated this itinerary to make the best use of your hard-earned bucks and vacation days with lots of wonderful handpicked activities and locations included!

We want you to have the most rewarding experience possible. We take care of all the hassle of planning, and you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind, not least because we support social projects and NGOs, and partner with the best local enterprises.

Join us on this Mindful Adventure, Highlands to Oceans!

How to book your spot

To reserve your spot, please use our booking form!

Please note, the minimum age to participate in this tour is 8.(must be accompanied by an adult). Families with younger kids would only be accepted after an interview due to the adventures aspects involved. Please get in touch with us prior to booking.

Should you need any support with your pre or post-tour travel arrangements, we are here to help.

Have a question?

Have we missed anything?

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your Mongolia dream a reality.

Can’t make this one? Then, simply sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when registration opens on future trips, and chat to us for bespoke itineraries.