Experience Mongolia’s Nomad Olympics

Cox & Kings is offering a £250 discount on a special departure of the Mongolia: Land of Blue Sky tour that coincides with the Naadam Festival. Dating from the Ghengis Khan era, the Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most important annual event. Also known as the ‘Nomad Olympics’, the festival is a showcase for the traditional nomadic pursuits of horse riding, archery and wrestling, and takes place every year between 11-13 July in Ulaan Baatar.

The colourful opening ceremony includes a large parade of athletes, monks and soldiers dressed in Ghengis Khan-style warrior uniforms. Male and female participants of all ages prepare for months to take part in the sporting competitions, which take place predominantly at the National Stadium in Ulaan Baatar. Only the horse races are held outside of the city, on the open grasslands with no set track or course. The male-only wrestling competition is equally exhilarating to watch – the lack of weight divisions always ensures an interesting contest. In addition to the sporting action, the locals engage in storytelling, singing and the celebratory drinking of airag, the national drink made from fermented mare’s milk.

Cox & Kings’ Far East Product Manager, Robin Ball, says: “The Naadam Festival is one of the world’s most intriguing festivals, and allows a true insight into the fascinating culture and century-old traditions of Mongolia, which are still alive today.”

Highlights of Cox & Kings’ 13-night escorted group tour include the towering sand dunes of Hongor Els, an exploration of the stunning Gobi desert, a visit to Hustain Nuruu National Park to search for takhi (the world’s last remaining species of wild horse), a chance to go camel-riding at a camel-breeding centre and a night in Beijing. This special departure also includes the spectacular opening ceremony and first day of the Naadam Festival in Ulaan Bataar.

The tour departs on 8 July 2008 and costs £2,145 per person including flights with Air China, accommodation with most meals, transfers and guided excursions.

For more information, visit Coxandkings.co.uk.