people sitting on grass field during daytime

"ARA" MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026

DURATION: 6N 7D

DISTANCE: 1,480 KILOMETERS

ARA MUSIC & CULTURE FESTIVAL

ARA Music Festival (also called ARA Fest) is one of Mongolia’s biggest summer events — a month-long celebration of music, art, and culture held every year at the ARA Complex, just 8 km from Tsetserleg city in Arkhangai Province. The festival brings together Mongolian and international artists to perform live concerts, host art exhibitions, cultural shows, and outdoor adventures in one of Mongolia’s most beautiful regions. It aims to support tourism, creative industries, and cultural exchange.

ARA is more than just concerts — it features contemporary art, cultural exchange, motorsports, children’s programming, and more main attractions below.

Live concerts featuring top Mongolian bands, DJs, and international guests
Cultural performances: traditional music, folk dance, and fashion shows
Art exhibitions and workshops, including land art and sculpture
Children’s programs, puppet shows, and family activities
Sports and adventure: horse racing (ARA CUP), motocross, zip-lining, and more
Food & local markets offering Mongolian and international cuisine

ARA Festival blends modern creativity with Mongolia’s natural beauty and heritage. It’s an experience that unites music lovers, travelers, and families in a stunning setting surrounded by mountains and steppe landscapes.

Tips for tourists:

Bring comfortable clothing (evenings can be cool)
Arrive early for best views or to navigate the grounds
Download the festival schedule / map ahead of time
Respect local customs and the natural surroundings
Be prepared for walking over uneven terrain

DATE: 16-22 JULY, 2026

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick-Up from the hotel
Drive to explore sand dunes in central Mongolia and travel to ELSEN TASARKHAI /Sand Dunes/– It is a part of the Mongol Els sand dunes, extending across the Tuv, Uvurkhangai, and Bulgan provinces, spanning a total length of 80 km. Khugnu Tarna, a main road, divides the southern and northern parts of the sand dunes. /280 km/
Lunch at the ger camp
CAMEL RIDING TOUR - It is a fun and unique way to explore desert and steppe landscapes. When you ride a camel, you sit on a special saddle on its back. At first, it feels a bit high and wobbly, but soon you get used to the gentle rocking movement. The camel walks slowly and smoothly, giving you time to enjoy the wide views of the land — sand dunes, blue sky, and open space all around. /20 km/
Head back to the ger camp
Dinner

Meal: --/L/D

DAY 1 ULAANBAATAR CITY - ELSEN TASARHAI /300km/ - 16 JULY

Breakfast
Drive to Tsetserleg city, Arkhangai province – The central part of Mongolia. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Khangai Mountains, which are part of the greater Altai mountain range. The region is also rich in forests, rivers, lakes, grasslands, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
Lunch in Tsetserleg city
Free time /You can do additional activities/
"ARA" Music Festival day – It has grown in popularity in recent years /4th/, celebrating a blend of traditional and contemporary Mongolian music while promoting cultural exchange and artistic expression. The festival serves as a platform for both local and international artists to showcase their talents.
"ARA" Dance show /Mongolia and Korea/
- Stay at the ger camp/tourist camp

Additional:

Zipline
Rock climbing
The longest slide
Paintball
Open Mic
"ARA" Art Gallery
Food Street

Note: Dinner is at your own expenses.

Meals: B/L/--

DAY 2 ELSEN TASARHAI - TSETSERLEG, ARKHANGAI - FESTIVAL /200 km/ - 17 JULY

Breakfast
Tour to Taikhar Rock – It is located near the town of Tsetserleg city. The rock is a giant granite monolith that stands about 16 meters (52 feet) tall, with a distinctive shape and a rich history. It has deep cultural significance for Mongolian people, particularly for its inscribed writings and its association with ancient shamanistic and Buddhist rituals.
Return at the camp
Lunch break
Free time /You can do additional activities/
"ARA" Music Festival day
"ARA" Live Music Festival /Mongolia, Korea, China and Russia/ - A unique and rich cultural fusion of musical styles, traditions and performances. Each of these countries has distinct musical heritage, and combining them could offer an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Stay at the ger camp/tourist camp

Additional:

Zipline
Rock climbing
The longest slide
Paintball
Open Mic
ARA Art Gallery
Food Street

Note: Dinner is at your own expenses.

Meals: B/L/--

DAY 3 IKHTAMIR - TSETSERLEG - FESTIVAL /60 km/ - 18 JULY

Breakfast
Travel to Tariat town, Terkhiin Tsagaan lake by paved road – A breathtaking destination that offers a unique combination of stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. It’s often referred to as “The White Lake” due to its strikingly clear, blue waters, surrounded by mountains and volcanic formations.
Stay at the tourist camp
Lunch
Visiting a nomad family – Experiencing their lifestyle is a truly unforgettable and connect with the country’s rich culture heritage.
Horseback riding tour – An incredible way to explore the stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in the country’s nomadic culture.
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 4. TSETSERLEG - TARIAT, TERKHIIN TSAGAAN LAKE /180 km/ - 19 JULY

Breakfast
Khorgo mountain – Light hiking and exploration of volcanic features, with many tours focusing on the scenic beauty of the area and the geological significance of Khorgo. Hiking takes around 2-3 hours depending on the route. The road is mostly gravel and volcanic rocks, and while the ascent is not overly steep, it requires a bit of stamina. /8 km/
Return at the camp
Lunch
Chuluut gorge – One of Mongolia’s most impressive and picturesque natural wonders. The gorge, carved by the Chuluut River., is famous for its dramatic volcanic cliffs, stunning rock formations, and rich natural beauty. It offers a mix of adventure, geology, history, and breathtaking landscaoes, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and adventures. /45 km/
Stay at the tourist camp
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 TARIAT, KHORGO MOUNTAIN /110 km/ - 20 JULY

Breakfast
Journey to Ugii Lake – It offers travelers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Mongolia’s natural beauty. The Lake is a serene, freshwater body surrounded by mountains and rolling steppe, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and wildlife observation.
Lunch at the camp near Ugii lake
Free time - You can do boating, bicycling, swimming, hiking and others /at your own expenses/
Stay at the tourist camp
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 6 TARIAT - UGII LAKE /285 km/ - 21 JULY

Breakfast
Drive back to UB
Drop-Off at the hotel

Meals: B/--/--

DAY 7 UGII LAKE - UB CITY /345 km/ - 22 JULY

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV /HIACE

1,480 km

6N 7D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

TOURIST CAMP

3 Nights

GROUP SIZE

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

PRICE /Per pax/

1,990 USD

1,190 USD

990 USD

890 USD

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation:
- Alphard MPV/HIACE
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Ger camp /3 nights/
- Tourist camp /3 nights/
Meals:
- Breakfast /6 times/
- Lunch /6 times/
- Dinner /4 times/
Camel riding in sand dune
ARA Festival ticket /VIP/
Protected Areas fee
Visiting a nomad family
Horseback riding
Travel Insurance /7 days/
Daily bottled water

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Accommodation in UB city
Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Personal belongings
Additional activities in the festival
Outdoor activities /Boating, bicycling etc/
Tips and gratuities

CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Backpack (Comfortable and lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Suitable clothes depending the weather/season
Hiking shoes, sunglasses etc
Vacuum flask for drinks /If needed/
Sunscreen and lip balm
Personal ID & emergency contact details
Extra cash for shopping & emergencies
Respect nature & Local communities
Luggage advice: Avoid bringing oversized suitcases
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Kindly note: Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.