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Maestro Jrnys

Mongolia Unframed

Naadam Festival Expedition with Hari Menon

LED BY

Hari Menon

TRIP DATES

04 Jul 26 - 12 Jul 26

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 3,100

OFF-BEAT

PHOTOGRAPHY

CULTURE

Join This Jrny

Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

Join This Jrny

Mongolia Unframed: Naadam Festival Expedition with Hari Menon

TRIP DATES

04 Jul 26-12 Jul 26

PRICE PER PERSON

$ 3,100

Join This Jrny

About this Jrny

Mongolia’s wide-open skies, golden grasslands and timeless nomadic spirit set the stage for a photography adventure bursting with colour and character. In Ulaanbaatar, you dive into the capital’s energy as you explore the Chinggis Khaan Museum, wander across Sukhbaatar Square and enjoy a lively welcome dinner with traditional performances. In Kharakhorum, you capture the quiet grandeur of Erdene Zuu Monastery and enjoy a hands-on moment at a local co-operative workshop.
The Orkhon Valley invites you into wild beauty, from the dramatic Ulaantsutgalan waterfall to a peaceful hike up to Tuvkhun Temple, where a picnic becomes a scenic reward. The Khognokhan Mountain Reserve offers cinematic landscapes, a cosy ger-camp lunch and the fun option of camel riding. In Khustai National Park, you photograph wild horses, explore cultural traditions and experience Mongolia’s heritage up close.
Returning to Ulaanbaatar, you meet Mongolian and Kazakh families, visit Khui Doloon Khudag and soak in the thrill of the Naadam Festival. Join this joyful journey and celebrate Mongolia through your lens.
This Jrny is curated by Hari Menon, best known for his ability to turn the trivialities of everyday life into showstoppers. Interact with and photograph locals, learning about their rich culture along the way. And of course, there is no dearth of breathtaking scenery and landscapes to immortalise with your camera.

Highlights

Explore Ulaanbaatar’s museum, Sukhbaatar Square, and enjoy a traditional welcome performance.
Visit Kharakhorum’s monastery and photograph artisans at local workshop.
Hike Orkhon Valley to Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall and Tuvkhun Temple.
Photograph Bayangobi’s Khognokhan Mountain landscapes, with an optional camel ride.
See wild horses and nomadic life at Khustai National Park.
Meet Mongolian and Kazakh families at Khui Doloon Khudag grounds.
Experience Naadam Festival’s wrestling, archery, and horse racing celebrations.

Inclusions

Meals as per itinerary

Unique Stays

Internal Transport

English Speaking Guides

Entrance Fees and Permits

Maestro's Expertise

Led by Jrny Maestro

Hari Menon

India's finest travel photographer who brings life to the simplest of subjects

3 Jrnys

Overview

Dates

04/07/26 - 12/07/26

Suggested Ages

Min 12

Duration

9 Days

Activity level

Moderate

Price per person

$ 3,100

Travel Style

simple

Maximum Group size

Itinerary

Sat 04 Jul

Arrive Ulaanbaatar

Sun 05 Jul

Ulaanbaatar - Kharakhorum

Mon 06 Jul

Kharakhorum - Orkhon valley

Tue 07 Jul

Tuvkhun temple & Hiking

Wed 08 Jul

Khognokhan Mountain

Thu 09 Jul

Khustai National Park

Fri 10 Jul

Cultural learning & Khui Doloo Khudag

Sat 11 Jul

Naadam Festival

Sun 12 Jul

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Stay

CHECK IN 04 Jul

1 N

CHECK OUT 05 Jul

Blue Sky Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

CHECK IN 05 Jul

1 N

CHECK OUT 06 Jul

Ger camp - Anja

Kharakhorum / Kharkhorin

CHECK IN 06 Jul

2 N

CHECK OUT 08 Jul

Ger camp - Durvun Berkh

Orkhon valley

CHECK IN 08 Jul

1 N

CHECK OUT 09 Jul

Ger camp - Bayangobi

Bayangobi

CHECK IN 09 Jul

1 N

CHECK OUT 10 Jul

Ger camp - Mongol Nomadic

Khustai National Park

CHECK IN 10 Jul

2 N

CHECK OUT 12 Jul

Blue Sky Hotel

Ulaanbaatar

Your Daily Itinerary

Sat 04 Jul

Arrive Ulaanbaatar

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar and feel the energy of Mongolia’s capital as you transfer to the city centre. Step into the Chinggis Khaan Museum, where grand halls showcase the legacy of the Mongol Empire through immersive exhibits and striking artefacts. Continue to Sukhbaatar Square, the city’s central gathering place, framed by elegant government buildings and monuments that reflect Mongolia’s storied past. Take a moment to absorb the blend of tradition and modern life unfolding around you. Check in at your hotel and settle into the rhythm of the city. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner that introduces Mongolia’s flavours, followed by a traditional art performance that brings its rich cultural heritage to life. Let the music, dance, and atmosphere set the tone for a journey filled with discovery.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Activities

Meet and Greet at Chinggis Khaan Airport

09:00 - 12:00

Arrive at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Airport Code: UBN). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Please look for JrnyOn representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo at the exit. Transfer to your hotel.

Duration: 1 hr 20 min
Distance: 50 km/ 31 miles

Visit Chinggis Khaan Museum

14:00 - 15:00

Visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum and trace Mongolia’s epic past. Wander through grand halls, study treasured artefacts, and immerse yourself in stories that shaped an empire. Discover history come alive.

The Central Sukhbaatar Square

15:00 - 17:00

Sukhbaatar Square stands at the heart of Ulaanbaatar, where grand monuments, open space, and daily city life come together. Take in the architecture, feel the energy, and experience Mongolia’s civic centre.

Welcome Dinner & traditional performance

18:00 - 21:00

Enjoy a warm welcome dinner as traditional art performances unfold around you. Savour local flavours, take in the rhythmic energy, and immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural evening.

Sun 05 Jul

Ulaanbaatar - Kharakhorum

Begin your morning journey towards Kharakhorum, passing open steppe and quiet stretches of countryside. Arrive in the former capital of the Great Mongolian Empire and step into its layered past. Visit the Local Museum to gain a vivid sense of Mongolia’s imperial legacy, exploring artefacts that echo the rise of this once-vast realm. Continue to Erdene Zuu Monastery, the country’s first Buddhist temple complex, where ancient walls and ornate halls stand over the foundations of a historic city. Wander through its courtyards, admire intricate artworks, and sense the quiet spirituality that still fills the air.

In the late afternoon, join a local cooperative and take part in a hands-on felt-making workshop. Learn how small felt products are crafted using time-honoured techniques, and feel the warmth of community artisans sharing their skills. Let the textures, colours, and stories behind each piece give you a deeper connection to Mongolian culture. End the day surrounded by the heritage and creativity that define Kharakhorum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

Transfer to Kharakhorum

08:00 - 14:00

Journey by road from Ulaanbaatar to Kharakhorum, take in shifting steppe scenes as you travel towards history.

Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 364 kms / 226 miles

Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery

15:00 - 17:00

Visit the Local Museum and Erdene Zuu monastery, the first Mongolian Buddhist temple complex built on the remains of ancient capital city of Great Mongolian Empire

Visit a local cooperative workshop

17:30 - 18:30

Late afternoon unfolds in Kharkhorin as you step into a local cooperative alive with craft and colour. Join a hands-on workshop, shape soft felt into small creations, and appreciate the artistry behind Mongolia’s traditional techniques.

Mon 06 Jul

Kharakhorum - Orkhon valley

Travel across sweeping steppes towards the legendary Orkhon Valley, where Mongolia’s nomadic heritage thrives in every horizon. Arrive in this UNESCO-listed landscape and sense the shift as vast grasslands open into a cradle of history, storytelling, and time-honoured traditions. Settle into a cosy ger camp and breathe in the calm of the valley, framed by rolling hills and the distant echoes of herders moving with their livestock. Step outside and let the land guide your pace—feel the crunch of earth beneath your boots as you begin a gentle hike towards Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall. Follow winding paths through rugged terrain, passing wildflowers, fluttering prayer flags, and glimpses of grazing horses. Hear the roar of the waterfall grow louder, drawing you in before the cascade reveals itself in a powerful rush of white water against dark volcanic rock. Pause, take in the mist as it rises in soft spirals, and savour the serenity of this untouched corner of Mongolia. Return to the camp for a peaceful evening surrounded by the valley’s timeless beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Kharakhorum - Orkhon valley - Day 3 image

Activities

Transfer to Orkhon Valley

09:00 - 13:00

Travel to the Orkhon Valley and follow the road into Mongolia’s ancestral nomadic heartland. Arrive in this UNESCO-listed landscape, where sweeping grasslands and ancient traditions shape every view. Explore at your own pace as the valley’s heritage comes vividly to life.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 120 kms / 74.56 miles

Hiking to Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall

14:00 - 18:00

Rest at the ger camp and take in the quiet steppe. Hike to Ulaantsutgalan Waterfall as the landscape shifts from open plains to rocky cliffs. Feel the rush of mist as you reach the cascading waters.

Tue 07 Jul

Tuvkhun temple & Hiking

Set out towards the tranquil slopes leading to Tuvkhun Temple, a monastery tucked high in the Khentii Mountains. Travel through quiet forested valleys as the landscape opens into rugged hills touched by sunlight. Arrive at the trailhead and begin the hike, a steady ascent that carries you through fragrant pine woods and sweeping meadows. Feel the ground shift beneath your steps as birdsong and wind accompany your climb. Reach the hilltop, where the temple rests in peaceful seclusion and offers wide, soul-stirring views across undulating ridgelines. Wander through the sacred site, noticing the stillness that lingers between wooden halls and meditation caves. Pause for a relaxed picnic lunch surrounded by nature’s calm, letting the fresh mountain air restore your energy. In the afternoon, travel back to camp, watching the scenery soften into warm hues as you retrace the path through forests and open plains. Settle in for a restful evening after a day shaped by exploration, serenity, and the quiet power of Mongolia’s mountain spirit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

Transfer to Tuvkhun temple

06:00 - 10:00

Travel from Orkhon Valley to Tuvkhun Monastery; take in forested slopes as you move through calm mountains.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 90 kms / 55.92 miles

Hiking

10:00 - 12:00

Hike the Shiree mountain towards the temple. The trail offers sweeping views of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the summit, the tranquil monastery sits perched on the rocks — a peaceful haven for reflection and awe.

Hike Duration: 1-2 hours

Picnic Lunch

12:00 - 13:00

Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings, savoring a delectable spread of local flavors and refreshments. As you dine, immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by nature's splendor and the calls of exotic birds.

Return to Camp

13:00 - 17:00

Return to your camp in Orkhon Valley as the sun sets.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 90 kms / 55.92 miles

Wed 08 Jul

Khognokhan Mountain

Set out for the Khognokhan Mountain Natural Reserve, a striking landscape where rugged mountains, quiet forests, and Gobi-type plains come together in one breathtaking sweep. As you travel, watch the scenery shift from rocky silhouettes to soft, sandy stretches touched by desert winds. Arrive at the reserve and let the vastness of the land draw you in; pause to take in the silence, the shapes of the cliffs, and the gentle movement of the steppe around you. Settle into a traditional ger camp for lunch, enjoying the warmth of Mongolian hospitality and the calm of the open wilderness. Wander through the surrounding terrain, tracing pathways shaped by centuries of nomadic life. Optional camel riding adds a touch of adventure, letting you experience the rhythm of desert travel as herders have done for generations. As the day unfolds, absorb the rare meeting of ecosystems and the deep sense of space that defines Khognokhan, a place where Mongolia’s diverse landscapes gather in harmony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Activities

Transfer to Khognokhan Mountain Reserve

08:00 - 12:00

Transfer to Khognokhan Mountain Natural Reserve, where rugged peaks, quiet forests and Gobi-type stretches meet in one striking landscape. Explore the trails as you take in this rare blend of nature.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 200 kms / 124.27 miles

Lunch at Ger Camp

12:00 - 14:00

Savour a homely meal in a traditional ger; enjoy hospitality as you take in the steppe’s calm.

Optional Activities

Camel Riding

15:00 - 16:00

Camel ride across golden dunes as the Ger camp rises in the distance; embrace desert calm and open skies.

Thu 09 Jul

Khustai National Park

Set out for Khustai National Park, watching the landscape stretch into rolling steppes as you travel towards this protected wilderness. Arrive and begin at the Information Centre, where you learn about the remarkable species that thrive here, from the endangered Takhi horses to deer, foxes, and countless birdlife. Step into the park and let the stillness of the steppe surround you. Follow gentle trails through open valleys and rugged hills, keeping an eye out for the iconic wild horses grazing freely in their natural habitat. Hike across untouched terrain, breathe in the crisp air, and savour the sense of vastness that defines Khustai.

Continue into the late afternoon with a journey to the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Centre. Settle into the ger camp and immerse in traditional nomadic life, where open plains meet timeless customs. End the day with the serenity of the steppe unfolding around you, embracing a deeper connection to Mongolia’s natural and cultural spirit.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Transfer to Khustai National Park

09:00 - 12:00

Travel to Khustai National Park and settle into the serene steppe; take in sweeping wild landscapes.

Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 160 kms / 99.41 miles

Explore Khustai National Park

12:00 - 15:00

Visit the Information Centre and discover the wildlife of the National Park. Venture into Khustai’s rugged landscape, spot wild Takhi horses, deer or foxes, and embrace the thrill of untouched wilderness.

Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center

15:00 - 16:00

Late afternoon unfolds as you travel to the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Centre. Step into open grasslands, meet skilled herders, and watch age-old traditions come alive through music and craft.

Fri 10 Jul

Cultural learning & Khui Doloo Khudag

Begin the day with meaningful cultural encounters as you visit Mongolian and Kazakh nomadic families. Step into their traditional lifestyle, learning how heritage and daily rhythms intertwine on the open steppe. Taste homemade vodka, observe the steady pace of ox and camel carts. Let the sounds of folk songs and traditional music wrap around you, offering a glimpse into stories passed through generations.

Continue towards Khui Doloon Khudag, the legendary horse-racing field central to Naadam festivities. Explore the vast plains where young riders showcase remarkable skill and endurance. Around midday, see the races in full motion, hooves thundering across open land as crowds cheer with infectious excitement.

As the energy settles, drive back to Ulaanbaatar, taking in sweeping steppe views and reflecting on a day rich in culture, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of Mongolia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cultural learning & Khui Doloo Khudag - Day 7 image

Activities

Visit Mongolian and Kazakh ethnic families

10:00 - 12:00

Step into nomadic life as you meet Mongolian and Kazakh families, taste traditional vodka, and listen to stirring folk music and songs under vast skies here.

Transfer to Khui Doloon Khudag

12:30 - 13:00

Continue across the open steppe to Khui Doloon Khudag, where the horse-racing field comes alive with thundering hooves.

Duration: 30 minutes
Distance: 20 kms / 12.42 miles

The Horse Racing Field

14:00 - 16:00

Step into the vast horse-racing field as thundering hooves charge across the steppe. Feel the energy rise around 2pm as the Naadam races unfold and you watch riders push towards victory.

Drive to Ulaanbaatar

16:00 - 17:00

Drive towards Ulaanbaatar as the city’s energy rises; feel the shift from open steppe to vibrant streets.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 35 kms / 21.74 miles

Sat 11 Jul

Naadam Festival

Begin your morning at Sükhbaatar Square, where the State Banner Relay moves from the Parliament House towards the Central Stadium. Watch soldiers on horseback, some dressed in striking Chinggis Khaan–era regalia, carry the revered nine white horsetail banners through the city. Follow the festive energy as Mongolia celebrates its National Day, marking the official opening of the Naadam Festival by the President of Mongolia.

Step into the National Stadium and take in the grand procession unfolding before you. Hundreds of adults and children parade in vibrant costumes representing Mongolia’s diverse ethnic groups. Immerse in a colourful spectacle of folk music, dance performances, and aerial displays that fill the arena with excitement. Feel the pulse of tradition as the ceremony concludes and the first round of wrestling begins.

Observe 512 wrestlers from across the country enter the field, each carrying the pride of their region. Let the atmosphere, the cheers, and the centuries-old rituals draw you into the heart of Mongolia’s most iconic celebration.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Naadam Festival

10:00 - 18:00

In the morning, witness and photograph the State Banner Relay as it moves from the Parliament House through Sukhbaatar Square to the Central Stadium, marking the start of Mongolia’s Naadam Festival. The ceremony, opened by the President of Mongolia, features soldiers on horseback carrying the nine white banners in a grand procession. At the stadium, enjoy a vibrant spectacle of folk music, dance, colourful costumes, and a parachute show, followed by the thrilling first round of wrestling, with 512 competitors from across the country.

Sun 12 Jul

Depart Ulaanbaatar

Begin your final morning in Ulaanbaatar with a relaxed breakfast, taking in the last glimpses of the city’s blend of modern rhythm and nomadic heritage. Savour the calm as you prepare for departure, reflecting on the landscapes crossed, the stories gathered, and the moments that shaped your time in Mongolia. Gather your belongings and embrace a smooth transfer to the airport, passing familiar streets that now feel part of your journey’s map. Notice the city gradually giving way to open skies, a gentle reminder of the vastness that defines this land. As you reach the terminal, take a moment to acknowledge the richness of the experiences behind you — from cultural encounters to sweeping steppes and quiet, powerful spaces. Conclude your trip with a sense of fulfilment, carrying Mongolia’s spirit with you as the adventure comes to an end.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Depart Ulaabaatar

00:00 - 23:50

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Airport Code: UBN) for your flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!

Duration: 1 hr 20 min
Distance: 50 km/ 31 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

- You love capturing stories through your lens and immersing yourself in authentic culture and raw natural beauty.

- You are drawn to wide-open landscapes, nomadic culture, and epic photo moments that few travellers get to experience.

- You are excited to chase waterfalls, climb mountain temples, and wander across the sweeping dunes of the Gobi Desert.

- You can’t wait to spot wild horses galloping across the steppe and witness the energy of the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s most iconic celebration.

- You’re open to simple yet genuine experiences — staying in traditional Ger tents with shared rooms and common bathrooms for a true nomadic adventure.

- You’re someone who seeks culture, connection, and awe-inspiring landscapes — this journey has your name written all over it.

Yes, Hari will be travelling on this photographer's Jrny.

- International and Domestic flights

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, tips for guides and drivers)

- Camera/video charges during sightseeing

- Tips for guides and drivers

- Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Absolutely! Solo travellers are more than welcome on this trip. Many of your fellow travellers will be travelling solo, making it a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded people while discovering destinations together.

You should arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (airport code: UBN) in Ulaanbaatar. The tour ends in Ulaanbaatar as well, and your departure is also from Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN).

All foreign travellers will require a valid passport. The passport should have a validity for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. All travellers will require a visa for entry into Mongolia. UK and USA passport holders will get visa on arrival. Indian passport holders can apply for e-visa from the website - www.evisa.mn. It is recommended to check the latest requirements on the official Embassy website. Each passenger must be personally responsible for ensuring she/he possesses valid travel documentation. If you would like assistance with your visa, please write to [email protected]

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor in case you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

The afternoon museum and square visit is scheduled at 14:00 on Day 1. Standard hotel check-in is around 14:00 hrs, so you may plan your arrival accordingly.

You can depart anytime. Generally, there are no inclusions on the tour on the last day. The hotel check-out time is usually 1100 hours or 1200 hours.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised. Note: The Ger accommodations in will be basic tents with shared rooms and common toilets.

Please read through the itinerary in detail to understand the intensity of the activities planned. There are some long walks scheduled. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Yes, Mongolia involves long overland journeys between regions. Drives such as Ulaanbaatar to Kharakhorum and Orkhon Valley to Bayangobi can take 3-4 hours depending on road conditions. Refer to your daily itinerary for specific transfer days.

Absolutely, a variety of vegetarian meal options will be available. Vegan options may be limited but available.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Mongolia in summer is mild to warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C depending on the region. Nights in the steppe or mountains can be cool, sometimes dropping to 10°C or lower. Carry layers, especially for early mornings and evenings. For precise updates, check weather.com before your trip.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 50 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied

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