Mongolia: Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert Adventure

The descendants of Chinggis Khaan (known as Genghis Khan in the West) still live on the windswept steppes of Mongolia, where the medieval warlord — remembered as both a violent conqueror and an agent of positive change — is looked on as the country’s founder. Its capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is home to more than a million residents who blend the best of traditional nomadic culture with modern sensibilities. They offer a warm welcome amid Mongolia’s vast landscapes noted for their austere beauty.

Visit the Chinggis Khaan Museum, the largest in Mongolia. View items from tombs and private collections related to the Khaan empire and Mongolian history, accompanied by an expert on the subject. Relax at your hotel before gathering for a special welcome dinner.

Gain entry to Gandan Khiid Monastery with its 75-foot statue made of copper, gold and precious stones, accompanied by a top-ranking lama who discusses monastic life. Afterward, visit a fine arts museum. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure before dining at a local restaurant.

Fly to the Gobi Desert, home to such diverse species as Bactrian (two-humped) camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is vast, with a surprising variety of landscapes and hidden paleontological treasures. The people who live here preserve nomadic traditions, often moving place to place with their herds. In the late afternoon, witness local archers demonstrate the kind of ability that gave rise to the former Mongol empire. After dinner, gather outside to view the steppe’s extraordinary starlit skies.

Journey overland to the Yol Valley, a narrow, craggy chasm. Hike the valley for a chance to spot vulture-like lammergeiers and Altai snowcocks as well as ibex, yak and Argali mountain sheep. Afterward, visit the Flaming Cliffs, a place rich with dinosaur fossils and the site where dinosaur eggs were first found.

Journey overland to the Yol Valley, a narrow, craggy chasm. Hike the valley for a chance to spot vulture-like lammergeiers and Altai snowcocks as well as ibex, yak and Argali mountain sheep. Afterward, visit the Flaming Cliffs, a place rich with dinosaur fossils and the site where dinosaur eggs were first found.

Ride a Bactrian camel through the dunes of Moltsog Els for insight into a way of life that has endured for centuries. Visit a local camel-herding family in their home and later witness the construction of a ger. In the afternoon, you may opt to hike through the Havsagit Valley to discover ancient petroglyphs atop a mountain. This evening, savor a refreshing cocktail and a sunset dinner.

Fly to Ulaanbaatar, where you join your fellow guests this evening for a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and khoomi throat singers. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Take in all the pageantry of the elaborate opening ceremony, an event showcasing local dancers, athletes, horse riders and musicians.

Spend a second day at the Naadam Festival, attending a range of events and competitions featuring archery, traditional wrestling and horse racing. This evening, gather with fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport to board your departing flight.