people sitting on grass field during daytime

YAK FESTIVAL 2026

DURATION: 5N 6D

DISTANCE: 1,315 KILOMETERS

YAK FESTIVAL – A UNIQUE CULTURAL TOURISM EVENT

We warmly invite history and culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photography fans to join this combining the breathtaking beauty of central Mongolia with the fascinating traditions of the Yak Festival. - It is truly a must-see festival in Mongolia.

The Yak Festival is a cultural tourism event held every July in Bat-Ulzii soum, Uvurkhangai province. In 2026, the festival will celebrate its 17th time.

This event highlights one of the most distinctive elements of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage — the yak. It showcases how Mongolians have traditionally relied on yaks in their daily lives, promoting and preserving this unique cultural tradition.

The festival attracts not only domestic visitors but also international travelers from countries such as Germany, France, Australia, the Netherlands, the United States, and Japan. With its vibrant atmosphere, cultural performances, and scenic steppe landscapes.

DATE: JULY, 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.
Lunch in Kharkhorin city
Travel to the Orkhon Valley – UNESCO inscribed this valley on the World Heritage List in 2004 during its 28th session. The Orkhon River Valley is home to exceptional monuments and cultural remains that showcase the development and transformation of Central Asian nomadic civilizations over more than two thousand years.
Dinner
Stay at the ger camp

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 ELSEN TASARHAI - KHARKHORIN /180 km/

Breakfast
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.
Drive to Bat-Ulzii soum /100 km/
Lunch
Travel to Tovkhon temple /30 km/- 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.
Horseback riding
Arrive in tourist camp and check-in
Dinner
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 KHARKHORIN - TOVKHON TEMPLE, BAT-ULZII /175 km/

Breakfast
Travel to Khuishiin Naiman Lake /70 km/ - There are 8 lakes, which are interconnected through underground water channels, with distances between the lakes ranging from 500 meters to 3 kilometers. This remarkable region, formed by volcanic eruptions during the 4th geological period, has left behind both tangible and intangible natural heritage, making it an incredibly beautiful and unique place.
Back to tourist camp and having lunch
Head to Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall /20 km/ - The waterfall itself has a height of about 20 meters (66 feet) and is known for its dramatic drop over a rocky cliff into a pool below. The water cascades down the rocky landscape, surrounded by green vegetation during the summer months, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists.
Back to tourist camp
Dinner

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 4 BAT-ULZII, NAIMAN LAKES, ULAAN TSUTGALAN /180 km/

Breakfast
Depart for the annual Yak Festival in Bat-Ulzii soum, where locals gather to celebrate the vital role of yaks in nomadic life.
Opening Ceremony of the Festival - Witness the colorful opening ceremony, with traditional music, costumes, and performances.
- Yak Parade – Admire a lively parade showcasing beautifully decorated yaks.
- Yak Catching & Taming Competition – See skilled herders demonstrate traditional techniques of roping and taming yaks.
- Yak Racing – Cheer on riders as they race their powerful yaks across the steppe.
- Best Yak Contest – A unique competition that, yaks are judged for strength, appearance, and harmony.
- Traditional Wrestling (Bökh) – Experience Mongolia’s national wrestling sport, a highlight of every festival.
• Lunch
• Return to Tourist Camp
• Dinner
• Campfire - Gather around the campfire under the vast starry sky, sharing stories, songs, and the true spirit of Mongolian hospitality.

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 BAT-ULZII, YAK FESTIVAL /20 km/

DAY 6 BAT-ULZII SOUM - UB CITY /460 km/

Breakfast
Drive back to Kharkhorin soum by off-road /100 km/
Lunch – On the way /At your own expenses/
Head back to in UB city /360 km/ by paved road
Drop off at your hotel

Meals: B/--/--

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV/ LAND LC

HIACE/RUSSIAN VAN

1,315 km

5N 6D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

TOURIST CAMP

2 Nights

3 Nights

Group size

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

Price & Transportation

1,590 USD /Per pax/

990 USD /Per pax/

850 USD /Per pax/

750 USD /Per pax/

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Transportation during trip
- Alphard MPV/Land LC/HIACE/Russian Van
Experienced tour driver
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Ger camp /2 nights/
- Tourist camp /3 nights/
Meals:
- Breakfast /5 times/
- Lunch /5 times/
- Dinner /5 times/
Camel riding in sand dune
Kharkhorin museum entrance ticket
Erdenezuu monastery entrance ticket
Orkhon valley NP fee
Visiting a nomad family
Tovkhon temple entrance ticket
Horseback riding
Protected Areas fee
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
Cameras for photography /If needed/
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.