This package is exclusive to Bek Travel:
Bek Travel would like to invite you take part in something that is truly special: a Kazakh Countryside Naadam. This type of celebration occurs when a nomadic family has several events to celebrate all at once. Such celebrations only take place in the summer when the weather is warm and Kazakhs’ beloved dairy products (especially “kimis,” fermented mare’s milk) are in abundance. The celebrations feature a range of competitions and events particular to life in Western Mongolia.
Itinerary of the Kazakh Countryside Naadam:
Day 1:
Arrive in Olgii and eat lunch. Travel to Mainti, the site of the celebration, and settle into gers. Have dinner with local families.
Day 2: (Festival Starts)
Have breakfast. Watch the opening ceremony featuring traditional Kazakh music and dance. After lunch watch a wrestling competition. Play “Akh Suyek,” a traditional Kazakh game meaning “White Bone.”
Day 3:
After Breakfast watch the traditional game of “Asikh Atu.” Have lunch and dinner with the group while watching horse racing and “Kiz Kuar,” the Kazakh game in which women pursue men on horseback, during the day. You will also interact with nomadic families and learn to milk sheep, goats, cows, and horses. Drink lots of “kimis!”
Day 4:
Today, watch “Kok Par,” a game meaning “Blue Skin,” in which teams of men wrestle over an animal skin while on horseback. After lunch watch “Aitis,” a competition in Kazakh in which competitors compose songs and riddles. There will be a small closing ceremony on this night after dinner.
Day 5:
Have breakfast then travel back to Olgii.
Some recommendations: Summer months in Mongolia are from early-June to mid-September. Although the Mongolian summers are hot and dry with occasional rain, the temperature can fluctuate as much 20 degrees centigrade between day and night, so be prepared for all weather conditions.
What to bring: Binoculars, sunscreen, a hat, gloves, long underwear for travel in the high mountains, comfortable footwear, lip balm, sanitary hand wipes, sunglasses, prescription medications (if needed), rain gear, and a flashlight/torch.
Staff: A local guide who speaks English and Mongolian will accompany the group at all times. A cook will follow, with an assistant. In addition, the services of the local herdsmen will be hired along with their animals. The horsemen follow a traditional lifestyle in the areas where we will be riding.