people sitting on grass field during daytime

PLAYTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL

DURATION: 4N 5D

DISTANCE: 900 KILOMETERS

PLAYTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL — MONGOLIA’S PREMIER MUSIC & CULTURE EVENT

Founded in 2002 by Natsagdorj “George” Tserendorj, Playtime started as a one-day concert featuring local rock and indie artists in Ulaanbaatar. Over time, it evolved into Mongolia’s largest and longest-running music festival, growing in scale, diversity, and cultural impact.

As of 2024 onwards, the festival is held at “Playtime Field” in Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar — an eco-designed open-air venue about 50 km from the city center. It typically takes place in early July, just before Mongolia’s Naadam festival, as a signature summer event.

Playtime hosts a diverse lineup of genres: rock, indie, pop, hip-hop, metal, electronic, world, and acoustic, blending both local Mongolian acts and international artists. For example, in 2025 the festival plans to feature about 37 international acts and 67 domestic ones across 8 stages.

The festival doesn’t only showcase music — it also features art installations, cultural performances, eco-initiatives, workshops, a creative zone, diverse food offerings and artisan markets, endless opportunities for stunning photos, local insights, and unforgettable moments for artistic interactions.

Playtime Music Festival emphasizes environmentally friendly practices: self-sufficient energy systems, eco-friendly camping, recycled art, and clean infrastructure.

In 2025, they have introduced QR-coded tickets and a cashless wristband payment system to improve security, reduce lines, and support a modern festival experience.

In 2024, the festival drew about 71,000 attendees over multiple days. In 2025, it aimed higher and welcomed around 100,000 attendees. The event had a significant economic impact, creating thousands of temporary jobs and boosting local businesses.

The European Union is also involved as a partner in 2025, contributing to creative, sustainability, and inclusion efforts at the festival.

Whether you’re a music lover, culture seeker, or just up for an unforgettable experience under the Mongolian sky, Playtime is your gateway to the heart of Mongolia’s creative spirit. Dive into Mongolia’s vibrant music and arts scene at “Playtime Music Festival”, the country’s longest-running and biggest live music event from 2 to 4 July, 2026.

Don’t just attend — live it. Experience Playtime!

DATE: 30 JUNE - 04 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/ - 30 JUNE

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 - One of the most iconic and immersive travel experiences you can have, especially if you're looking for adventure, culture, and vast, untouched landscapes.
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 ELSEN TASARHAI - KHARKHORIN /85km/ - 1 JULY

Breakfast
Drive to Argalant town, Tuv province - Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center by mostly paved road.
Lunch break at Cultural heritage center
Enjoy the show “Mongol Nomadic” and it lasts 2 hours /14:00 – 16:00/
- Mongol Nomadic Main Program
- Processing and tasting of dairy products
- Traditional music, throat singing, praise songs
- Shagai (ankle bone) shooting game
- Horse, camel, and yak riding
- Taking photos in traditional costumes
- Visiting an art gallery

Free time: /Optional Activities Travelers Can Do Themselves – At Their Own Expense/
- Horse riding
- Camel riding
- Yak riding
- Horse cart ride
- Camel cart ride
- Ox cart ride

Stay at “Mongol Nomadic” tourist camp
Dinner
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 KHARKHORIN - MONGOL NOMADIC /305 km/ - 2 JULY

Breakfast
Depart to Gorkhi, Terelj National park – The park is renowned for its dramatic granite rock formations, verdant valleys, and wide- open meadows.
Check-In at the tourist camp which is located in Terelj National park.
Lunch break
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/L/D

DAY 4 MONGOL NOMADIC - GORKHI, TERELJ NP /114 km/ - 3 JULY

Breakfast
Head to “PLAYTIME” Music Festival – Dive into Mongolia’s vibrant music and arts scene at Playtime Festival, the country’s longest-running and biggest LIVE music event. From July 2 to 4, 2026, the festival returns to its own specially built grounds, Playtime Field in Nalaikh (just outside Ulaanbaatar), featuring seven stages that host a mix of ROCK, INDIE, ELECTRONIC, HIP_HOP, METAL, WORLD, and ACOUSTIC acts.
Gather at meeting point
Drive back to UB city
Drop-off at the hotel

Note: This day, lunch and dinner are at your own expenses.

Meals: B/--/--

DAY 5 TERELJ NP - PLAYTIME MUSIC FESTIVAL /80 km/ - 4 JULY

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV /HIACE / County BUS

900 km

4N 5D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

TOURIST CAMP

2 Nights

GROUP SIZE

3-4

5-6

7-8

9-10

PRICE /Per pax/

1,050 USD

850 USD

750 USD

650 USD

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation:
- Alphard MPV/HIACE/County Bus
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Ger camp /2 nights/
- Tourist camp /2 nights/
Meals:
- Breakfast /4 times/
- Lunch /4 times/
- Dinner /4 times/
Camel riding in sand dune
Kharkhorin museum entrance ticket
Erdenezuu monastery entrance ticket
Visiting a nomad family
Horseback riding
The Show "Mongol Nomadic" entrance ticket
Gorkhi, Terelj NP - fee
Ariyabal temple entrance ticket
Travel Insurance /5 days/
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.