By Daniel Mills, Operations Executive

My life long ambition to visit Mongolia was finally realised in July of this year when I was afforded the opportunity of escorting our Festivals of Mongolia tour.

Our fascinating journey through the ‘Land of Blue Skies’ began with a day at the Naadam, Mongolia’s biggest festival. People had travelled great distances across the steppe to be in Ulan Bator for this special occasion. The atmosphere was electrifying as men and women dressed in their traditional ‘del’ or caftan, in the national colours of blue, red, and maroon, socialised around Ulan Bator’s national stadium, where the festival is held.

The Nadaam began with an elaborate opening ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horseriders, and musicians. Once the opening ceremony had finished the competition started with an impressive wrestling tournament. After two rounds we then proceeded to the archery arena. The arena was a hive of activity and everyone cheered as the President of Mongolia began the tournament by firing an arrow at the target.

Perhaps the most exciting and memorable part of the Naadam was the horse racing. Thousands of people battled out of the city to watch children as young as six race, some bareback, over the plains for 20km. The excitement of the local people as the horses were spotted racing towards us from far in the distance is something I will never forget.

The Naadam Festival is undoubtedly the best time to experience the culture and people of this amazing land and provided the perfect start to the journey of a lifetime.

About Daniel Mills

Other articles by Daniel Mills

I had my first experience of Bales at a young age as my family have always been keen travellers and enthusiasts of the company. To expand my knowledge of the travel industry I studied Geography and Tourism at university, before gaining several years work experience at Virgin. I then applied to Bales as I liked the idea of working for a family orientated, more personal company. I have now worked here for nearly five years as a Tailor Made specialist in the operations department.