The Nadaam
Enter one of the most remote regions on earth, where eagles soar above wide valleys and the secrets of Genghis Khan lie hidden in the grassy steppes. Here in the land of the blue sky, you will witness the ancient Nadaam Festival and immerse yourself in Mongolian life by galloping and hiking your way through Terelj National Park where the valleys are full of nomadic families and pristine rock formations.
The Majestic Mountians of Terelj
Our adventure will begin at Terelj National Park, a place famous for its valleys of beautiful rock formations and rugged mountain peaks. Here, we will ride horseback across the green valleys to explore temples and sacred stones, and trek up mountains to get a bird's eye view of the picturesque landscapes below. One of the most gorgeous places in Mongolia, Terelj is the perfect place to begin our exciting journey.
Life in the Ger
The ger is the perfect place to learn about Mongolia’s nomadic traditions and will be our home for the majority of the trip. Hospitality is customary in all of Mongolia, and visitors like you are always welcome to participate in ger life. Our host families will be busy with preparation for the Nadaam and you may get the chance to watch wrestlers practicing their moves or see men training their race horses. These few days before the Nadaam are quite eventful, so be ready to immerse yourself in the unique customs of this curious culture.
The Three Manly Sports
Sports have long been a part of Mongolian culture, and you may even find yourself in the middle of a few impromptu competitions! Wrestling is the national pastime and a common evening activity. Horse racing across the open countryside is also very popular, and jockeys are traditionally young children who are no more than 12 years old. You may also have a chance to learn archery, which is another national pastime out on the steppes and is practiced by both women and men. These three activities are known as the Three Manly Sports and the trip will end in truly epic fashion as you join the celebration of these three sports at the Nadaam Festival. Wrestlers, archers, and horse trainers from across the country gather to compete and you will see pride wash over the faces of competitors and spectators alike during this national event. Let the locals’ enthusiasm for sport carry you away, and join the party!
Who Should Come?
This program is for students interested in exploring new cultures and ways of life. If you have an open mind and heart, then come join us on this adventure deep into the heart of Mongolia. Add this program to our Off the Map Mongolia program for an in-depth look at this intriguing country.
If you have questions about any of our Mongolia programs, please e-mail Mongolia@rusticpathways.com for more information.
