Cycling in Mongolia - Naadam Festival

BM-10739

5.0Based on

17 days

“

I can not recommend this adventure enough: Mongolia is a special country and Exodus provided the ideal adventure to highlight all aspects of Mongolia and Mongolian life. We aren’t really mountain bikers but the biking was superb - not particularly easy - but truly enjoyable in terms of terrain, scenery and fun riding. We aren’t really campers - but have to admit it was kinda enjoyable in the end 😎. Food on the trip was exceptional - we were v well fed: breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon snack, substantial dinner. Ghana and her assistant certainly kept us well fed. We even had a shower and a proper sit down toilet on camp 😎. The whole Mongolian support team were superb and NK - our guide - was a special guy. Knowledgable, funny, kind and considerate - he really made our adventure special.

Anonymous | Traveled in July

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

17 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

14 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Ends

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

3 other people are considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Discover a variety of landscapes as we cycle through open steppe and forests

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery and Genghis Khan's ancient capital

Camp wild and stay overnight at hot springs

Attend Naadam Festival and witness traditional games

Itinerary

Ever wondered what it’s like to cycle Mongolia’s sweeping grasslands and celebrate its most famous festival? The Cycling in Mongolia – Naadam Festival tour delivers 17 days of intrepid mountain biking adventure for experienced travelers. Ride from Ulaanbaatar through remote steppe, majestic mountains, and tranquil forests, camping wild under the vast Mongolian sky. Along the way, witness nomadic traditions and vibrant local life. The tour’s centerpiece is two immersive days at the Naadam Festival, where you’ll be swept up in Mongolian wrestling, horse-racing, archery, and colorful festivities. This trip’s USP is its rare blend of challenging cycling and cultural spectacle, making it a must for those who want to experience Mongolia’s rugged beauty and ancient heritage from a truly unique perspective.

day 1Adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar

Our cycling adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city. There are no activities planned for today to allow for different arrival times. If you have time to explore some of the sites we recommend visiting Sukhbaatar Square, the National Museum and the landmark State Department Store.
Around 6pm, say hello to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Want more time in Ulaanbaatar? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals

Dinner

day 2Morning sightseeing followed by a free afternoon; overnight train to Erdenet

day 3Ride to Tal Tolgoi Well via the small township of Bugat

day 4Cross Tuluugiin Pass

day 5Arhangai steppe ride to a valley below Khairkhan Mountain

day 6Short climb to cross the Kholboogin Pass before descending to Khairkhan Lake camp

day 7Cycle up Khunjiin River Valley to camp beneath Chingeltei Mountain

day 8Short climb past the headwaters of the Khunjiin; descend into Tamir River valley; camp near Great Rock of Ikh Tamir

day 9Half-day ride to Tsetserleg; afternoon free

day 10Morning ride in foothills of the Khangai Mountains

day 11Cycle across rolling steppe to Ondor Khairkhan Mountain

day 12Ride the Khangai mountain range on good jeep tracks; descend to Orkhon River Valley

day 13Ride to Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery; overnight in traditional ger camp

day 14Drive to Ulaanbaatar, visit Mongol Els dunes; enjoy a traditional Mongolian show

day 15 - 16Naadam Festival

day 17Adventure ends in Ulaanbaatar

What's Included

Accommodation

All accommodation: 4 Classic nights (hotels), 12 Simple nights (9 participatory camping, 2 traditional nomadic ger camp, 1 sleeper train)

Meals

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners included

Transport

Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activitiesArrival transfer for any flight, group departure transfer available11 days cycling with full vehicle support

Guide

Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure

Others

Local bike hire of a fully serviced Giant XTC 860 mountain bike

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

based on 1 review

Availability

Loading availability...

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

No credit card or booking fees.

Best price guaranteed.

Carbon neutral tours.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 849 customer reviews from

&quot;&quot;

Easy booking through Bookmundi and great customer service

3 weeks ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Cycling in Mongolia - Naadam Festival that you might like.

Cycling in Mongolia

5.0(7 reviews)

Pedal into the wild heart of Central Asia with the "Cycling in Mongolia" tour, a challenging 15-day mountain biking adventure for experienced travelers hungry for untamed landscapes. Starting and ending in Ulaanbaatar, this journey takes you through Tsetserleg, Khairkhan, the Tamir River, and beyond—across open steppe, forested valleys, and rolling mountains where nomadic traditions remain strong. You’ll follow well-chosen trails that showcase the region’s natural diversity, from larch and pine forests to vast grasslands dotted with white gers. Nights are spent camping beneath Mongolia’s endless sky, adding a true sense of adventure and camaraderie to the trip. Expect to encounter few other tourists, as this route traverses regions still largely untouched by mainstream travel. The unique selling point of this tour package is the rare opportunity to experience Mongolia’s landscapes and culture from the vantage point of a mountain bike—combining physical challenge with immersive local encounters. For those seeking an intrepid cycling tour off the beaten path, this trip promises memories to last a lifetime.

15 days

Discover Mongolia - Eagle Festival

5.0(10 reviews)

Rolling steppe make way to stark desert; small nomadic ger camps pepper this vast land where camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, sand dunes are known to ‘sing’ and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here on horseback to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. We travel through steppe, mountains and the Gobi desert exploring the nature and culture of Mongolia, yet little known country before making our way to the far western reaches to visit the eagle festival, celebrating the fascinating past time of hunting with eagles and the strong connection the Mongolian people have with their animals and land. For an alternative Eagle Festival itinerary, please click here.

17 days

Discover Mongolia - Naadam Festival

5.0(9 reviews)

The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people unite to compete in wrestling, archery, horse racing and ankle-bone flicking during the Naadam Festival but traditions can be witnessed throughout the year. We travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. This itinerary is for the departure starting in Ulaanbaatar on 30 June 2027. For an alternative itinerary that departs on 9 July 2027, click here.

15 days

Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival

4.0(4 reviews)

Vast steppes, singing dunes, and golden eagles—Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival is a 17-day odyssey unveiling the land’s wild spirit and ancient traditions. Ideal for seniors and culture lovers, this small group trip traverses Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, from the Gobi Desert to the far-western provinces. Attend the legendary Eagle Festival, where Kazakh hunters showcase their bond with majestic eagles, and immerse yourself in nomadic life, from ger camps to herding goats on horseback. Experience the unique blend of Buddhist and Animist customs, marvel at dinosaur fossil sites, and sample Mongolia’s distinctive cuisine. The festival itself—a rare glimpse into a centuries-old tradition—is the tour’s crowning jewel, making your journey truly one-of-a-kind.

17 days

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

Step into Mongolia’s rich heritage with the Mongolia’s Naadam Festival tour—a 15-day moderate trip timed to showcase the country’s most exuberant celebration. Start and finish in Ulaanbaatar, journeying through dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and storied cities. The heart of this adventure is the Naadam Festival, where the fabled “three manly sports”—wrestling, archery, and horse racing—take center stage. Go behind the scenes to meet local competitors and gain insights into traditions dating back to Genghis Khan’s era. Explore flaming cliffs, wild outback, and the ruins of Mongolia’s dynastic past for a deeper connection to this enigmatic land. For travelers seeking a rare cultural immersion, the unique selling point is exclusive festival access and the chance to witness Mongolia’s living history in action—a vibrant blend of sport, pageantry, and nomadic spirit.

15 days

Discover Mongolia - Naadam Festival

The rolling steppe of Central Asia makes way to stark desert; across this vast landscape, nomadic ger camps are peppered, camels and goats are herded on horseback, fermented mare’s milk is the tipple of choice, dunes sing and the first intact dinosaur eggs were found. Genghis Khan went forth from here to conquer the biggest land empire in history and, to this day, Buddhist and Animist traditions mix. In July, all over the country, people unite to compete in wrestling, archery, horse racing and ankle-bone flicking during the Naadam Festival but traditions can be witnessed throughout the year. We travel through steppe, mountain and the Gobi Desert exploring the nature and culture of this fascinating, yet little known, country. This itinerary is for departures starting in Ulaanbaatar on 9 July 2027. For an alternative itinerary that departs on 30 June 2027 click here.

15 days

Mongolian Odyssey with Danshig Naadam

Set off on a cultural journey that takes you through Mongolia's breathtaking landscapes and rich history. Experience the excitement of the Danshig Naadam Festival, where traditional sports and performances bring Mongolia's heritage to life. Wander through the wide-open spaces of Terelj National Park, and travel back through the centuries at Karakorum, the ancient Mongolian capital. Explore the stunning Gobi Desert, where the Yol Valley and Khongor Sand Dunes offer dramatic natural beauty and a chance to see wildlife in its native habitat. Visit the peaceful Ongi Monastery, a place of spiritual calm that connects you with Mongolia's Buddhist traditions. This journey is perfect for those looking to dive deep into Mongolia's culture, enjoy its natural wonders, and learn about its historical and spiritual sites.

13 days

Journeys: Mongolia & The Naadam Festival

5.0(4 reviews)

Take a rare glimpse into Mongolia’s deep-rooted nomadic traditions watching thrilling competitions at the renowned Nadaam Festival. The vibrant celebrations, rich cultural performances, and the infectious energy of local people make it an unmissable event that showcases the heart and soul of Mongolian heritage. Continue the exciting adventure on a 4x4 journey through the country, visiting the famed Gobi Dessert, learning from local Buddhist monks, searching for wild horses, all while staying in yurts, just like the nomadic people of Mongolia still do today. Enjoy the incredible opportunity to connect with a unique culture, breathtaking nature and ancient ways of life.

16 days

Europe Tours

Asia Tours

South America Tours

Africa Tours

North America Tours

Oceania Tours

Polar Tours

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history Tours

Adventure and sport Tours

Wildlife, landscapes and nature Tours

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife Tours

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation Tours

Food, wine, events and nightlife Tours

Air tours, road trips and transfers Tours

Special interests and hobbies Tours

Hi there

Highlights