people sitting on grass field during daytime

"NOMADS" WORLD CULTURAL FESTIVAL

DURATION: 5N 6D

DISTANCE: 1,120 KILOMETERS

“NOMADS” WORLD CULTURAL FESTIVAL – MONGOLIA'S MUST-SEE FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS THE WORLD TO THE STAGE OF NOMADIC CULTURE. BE THERE, DON'T MISS IT!

“NOMADS” World Cultural Festival, first initiated in 2021 and held annually ever since, showcases the unique culture and traditions of all 21 provinces of Mongolia. It offers both Mongolian people and international visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the country’s timeless nomadic heritage in one place.

For thousands of years, Mongolians have carried forward the legacy of nomadic civilization, creating a rich and unique treasury of intangible cultural heritage that continues to inspire and fascinate the world today.

It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the centuries-old lifestyle and traditions of nomadic culture, while promoting it to the world. With a vision for the future, the festival aims to grow into the world’s largest nomadic cultural celebration and a premier tourism event.

"NOMADS" World Cultural festival not only promotes and showcases 362 types of cultural heritage classified under Mongolia’s seven categories of intangible cultural heritage, but also highlights the significance of 15 UNESCO-inscribed heritages and 24 items listed as World Cultural, Natural, and Memory Heritage. This festival continues to grow as an important platform for strengthening cultural identity and national consciousness, while sharing Mongolia’s priceless heritage with the world.

“Nomad” World Cultural Festival 2025 was held for the fourth time on August 22–24, 2025, at the foothills of Mount Taij, in Nalaikh District and it was organized in a unique camp-style format, in line with Mongolia’s regional development vision, to showcase and promote the country’s rich intangible cultural heritage and the traditions of its diverse ethnic groups. During the festival, visitors enjoyed more than 780 cultural heritage programs and competitions in 10 types of traditional sports. Beyond the performances and contests, the festival created an unforgettable opportunity for guests to experience Mongolia’s living traditions firsthand — to observe, participate, learn, and gain knowledge and skills directly from cultural bearers.

During the festival, the 17th World Horseback Archery Championship was held, bringing together over 120 top archers from more than 30 countries, along with 15 of Mongolia’s best archers. The competition was officiated by international judges and attended by representatives from UNESCO and the World Horseback Archery Federation.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, in cooperation with the Cultural and Arts Authority under the Government of Mongolia.

DATE: AUGUST, 2026

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick-Up from the hotel
Drive to explore sand dunes in central Mongolia and travel to ELSEN TASARKHAI – 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/

Breakfast
Drive to Kharkhorin city bu paved road /80 km/
EXPLORING THE KHARKHORIN MUSEUM - It is a great way to learn about Mongolia’s rich history. The museum is located in the ancient capital city of Karakorum. Inside the museum, you can see many interesting artifacts such as old tools, coins, pottery, and statues. These items show how people lived during the time of Chinggis Khan and the great Mongol Empire.
ERDENEZUU MONASTERY - is a peaceful and meaningful experience. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, built in the 16th century. When you arrive, you’ll see its beautiful white walls with many stupas surrounding the main temple area. Inside, there are colorful Buddhist statues, paintings, and old religious texts. You can walk through the temple halls, listen to monks chanting, and feel the deep spiritual atmosphere. The monastery is located near Kharkhorin.
Stay at the ger camp
Lunch in Kharkhorin city
Visit a Nomad family - It is a special and eye-opening experience. When you visit, the family welcomes you warmly, offering tea or traditional food. You might see how they cook over a fire, make dairy products by hand, or care for their animals. Life is quiet and peaceful, surrounded by nature.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 ELSEN TASARHAI - KHARKHORIN /85km/

Breakfast
Travel to Tovkhon temple - The monastery is located on a small plateau on the summit of a high mountain, surrounded by a dense forest. The path from the foot of the mountain to the monastery stretches for 5 kilometers uphill. In 1648, at the age of 14, Mongolia's first Bogd Zanabazar visited this place, admiring its unique and extraordinary natural features. /130 kms/
Drive back to ger camp
Having lunch
Stay at the ger camp
Dinner
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 KHARKHORIN - TOVKHON TEMPLE, BAT-OLZII /260 km/

Breakfast
Depart to Gorkhi, Terelj National park – The park is renowned for its dramatic granite rock formations, verdant valleys, and wide- open meadows. /420km/
Lunch /On the way and at your own expenses/
Travel to TURTLE ROCK /24 meters high/ - Shaped unmistakably like a giant turtle, this massive natural granite formation draws visitors with its unique shape, accessibility, and cultural significance. /15 km/
Hiking to the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, perched on a hill and accessed by a series of steep steps, offers panoramic views and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Stay at the tourist camp
Dinner

Meals: B/--/D

DAY 4 KHARKHORIN - GORKHI, TERELJ NP /435km/

Breakfast
Head to NOMADS World Cultural Festival /35 km/
“NOMADS” Experience - Visit the cultural camps representing all 21 provinces and the capital city. Discover each province’s unique traditions through cultural performances, handicrafts and various activities. /10:00 am – 7:00 pm/
WORLD HORSEBACK ARCHERY CHAMPIONSHIP – It runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm/
NATIONAL ARCHERY COMPETITION and ARCHERY ACTIVITIES FOR VISITORS /09:00 am – 07:00 pm/
13:00 – 14:30 “NOMADS” WORLD CULTURAL FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
Lunch break
FOLK PERFORMING ARTS /featuring Bayad, Durvud, Torguud, Khoton and Zakhchin Bii Viyelge edance, along with traditional Ikhel music/ - 09:00am – 07:00 pm
TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES, RITUALS, GAMES AND CUSTOMS /including erecting and dismantling a Mongolian ger, milk libation ceremony, housewarming ritual for a new ger, the tradition of exchanging snuff bottles, infant rutuals such as the for-cutiing ceremony, as well as traditional board games, puzzles and wooden toys/ - 09:00am – 07:00pm
Ride on Traditional Horse, Ox and Camel carts
Drive back to tourist camp in Terelj National park
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 TERELJ - NOMADS FESTIVAL /70 km/

DAY 6 TERELJ - NOMADS FESTIVAL - UB CITY /70 km/

Breakfast
Head to NOMADS World Cultural Festival /35 km/
“NOMADS” Experience - Visit the cultural camps representing all 21 provinces and the capital city. Discover each province’s unique traditions through cultural performances, handicrafts and various activities. /10:00 am – 7:00 pm/
TRADITIONAL SHAGAI (ANKLE BONE) SHOOTING GAME /a unique nomadic sport played for centuries/ – 09:00am – 04:00pm
TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN WRESTLING COMPETITIN /Mongolia’s National Sport and the pride of nomadic heritage/ – 10:00am – 03:00pm
MONGOLIAN HORSE RACING /Ikh nas – Mature Horses division/ - 11:00am – 01:00pm
Lunch break
EXHIBITION AND TRADE FAIR OF ENTERPRISES’ PRODUCTS /Featuring national costumes, wool and cashmere clothing, leather goods, yak down products, cosmetics, souvenirs and food products/ - 10:00am – 08:00pm
TRADITIONAL FOLK ART /Yatga (zither), Ever Buree (horn), Tsuur (flute), Shanz (three-stringed lute), Yoochin (dulcimer), and Limbe (transverse flute)/ 09:00am – 07:00 pm
TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS /Showcasing metal engraving, Mongolian hat making, traditional boot making, felt clothing, felt ger (yurt), wooden crafts, wood carving, traditional embroidery and sewing, applique’ art, and various know-tying techniques/ 09:00am – 07:00pm
Drive back to Ulaanbaatar city /35 kм/
Drop-Off at the hotel

Meals: B/L/--

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV /HIACE

1,120 km

5N 6D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

TOURIST CAMP

3 Nights

2 Nights

Group size

3-4

5-6

7-8

Price & Transportation

890 USD /Per pax/ - Alphard MPV

690 USD /Per pax/ - HIACE

590 USD /Per pax/ - HIACE

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation during trip
- Alphard MPV/HIACE
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Ger camp /3 nights/
- Tourist camp /2 nights/
Meals:
- Breakfast /5 times/
- Lunch /5 times/
- Dinner /5 times/
Camel riding in sand dune
Kharkhorin museum entrance ticket
Erdenezuu monastery entrance ticket
Visiting a nomad family
Horseback riding
Tovkhon temple entrance ticket
Gorkhi, Terelj NP - fee
Ariyabal temple entrance ticket
Travel Insurance
Daily bottled water

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Accommodation in UB city
Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Tips and gratuities
Personal belongings

CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Backpack (Comfortable and lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Suitable clothes depending the weather/season
Vacuum flask for drinks /If needed/
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.