-NAADAM FESTIVAL-

Date: 10 and 11 July, 2025.
Location: Town and provincial center Naadam
Festivals Date: 11 and 12 July, 2025.
Location: Ulaanbaatar

The Naadam Festival is Mongolia's most cherished national holiday, celebrated to honor the country’s independence and historical milestones while preserving traditional customs and nomadic heritage for future generations. It serves as a powerful symbol of national unity and cultural identity. If you’re planning to attend the Naadam Festival, we provide valuable insights and guidance to help you fully enjoy and appreciate this extraordinary event, ensuring your holiday is memorable and filled with unique experiences. Join us for a special riding holiday that includes the Naadam Festival in 2025.
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Join us for a special riding holiday that includes the Naadam Festival in 2025. https://www.ridemongolia.com/lake-khuvsgul-tour-naadam-special
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History
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The origins of the Naadam games can be traced back to the Hunnu or Hun Empire (3rd century BC), when the events were more rugged and served as a test of strength and survival. Over time, the games evolved, and during the era of the Mongol Empire (13th-15th centuries), they gained prestige as showcases of military prowess and skill. However, the games gradually lost some of their grandeur and significance when Kublai Khan’s court moved to Peking, and the vast empire began to fragment. In the 17th century, a revival took place when the Mongolian tribes gathered at Shireet Tsagaan Lake to celebrate the Danshig Naadam—a grand festival of seven banners—accompanied by Buddhist religious ceremonies. This event symbolized unity and spirituality among the Mongolian people. The religious aspect of the festival was discontinued in 1921, leaving Naadam as a celebration focused solely on the traditional sports.  In the 21st century, Naadam has seen a resurgence of interest in traditional folk activities and serves as a living expression of Mongolia’s cultural heritage. Since 1922, when Sukhbaatar ordered a naadam to mark the first anniversary of the revolution on July 11 it has been held annually – from July 11 to 13. The festival highlights Mongolia’s three manly sports’- horse racing, wrestling and archery.

The State Naadam Festival Is Held In Ulaanbaatar City
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Wrestling, archery, and horse racing events are held on the first and second days of the festival. During these three days, most restaurants and shops remain closed, and virtually no one works as the entire country comes together to celebrate.
Day one begins around 9:00AM with a vibrant and colorful ceremony outside the State Parliament House. Chinggis Khaan’s nine yak-tail banners, symbolizing the nine tribes of the Mongols, are ceremonially transported from the State Parliament House to the Naadam Stadium, officially opening the festivities. The opening ceremony at Naadam Stadium, which starts around 11:00AM, features impressive musical performances that showcase Mongolia’s rich history and culture, followed by the president declaring the games open.

Mongolian Wrestling
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The first round of the wrestling, which starts at about noon on day one in the main stadium, is the most interesting and photogenic. Mongolian wrestling is similar to wrestling found elsewhere, except there are no weight divisions and also has no time limit. It will end only when the first wrestler falls, or when anything other than the soles of the feet or open palms touch the ground. Every wrestlers have their individual attendants (zasuul) and who calls their glorious winning titles (tsol duudah). The loser must perform the “takhimaa ogoh”, walking under the right arm of the winner, who then makes a lap of honor around the flag on a pedestal and does some more eagle dancing (devekh).    
Mongolian Horse Racing
Horse racing – is held at the place called “Hui doloon hudag”, about 30km along the main road to the West of Ulaanbaatar. The race in different categories over distances between 15km and 30km. children aged 9 to 12 take part as a jockeys. The winning horse is garlanded with blue ribbons and sprinkled with airag (fermented mare’s milk).     
A recent addition to the Naadam program is anklebone shooting. This entails using a hand-propelled mini crossbow to flick sheep ankle-bones, a row of which are set up as a target. The competition is held in a separate hall, normally near the stadium.
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Mongolian Archery
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Archery is held in an open stadium next to the main stadium. Archers use a bent composite bow made of layered horn, bark and wood. Usually, arrows are made from willows and the feathers are from vultures and other birds of prey. Traditionally dressed male archers stand 75m from the target, while women archers stand 60m from it. The target is a line of up to 360 round, gray, red, and yellow leather rings (known as sur) on the ground. Usually there are only about 20 or 30 rings. After each shot, special judges who stand near the target and raise their hands in the air to indicate the quality of the shot. The winner who hits the targets the most times is declared the best archer or ‘mergen’ mean good shooter.

July is the PEAK SEASON of tourists. While it is peak, the price of accommodation is doubled (desk rate price) and must book it at least 6 months before. Centrally located accommodation even guesthouses are fully booked in this time. Tour operator and local agents will be your reliable partner in the field.

-Tsagaan sar - Mongolian Lunar New Year -

Date: 01-03 March, 2025.

Every year Mongolians celebrate “Tsagaan sar” or Lunar New Year on the junction of winter and spring. The exact date depends on the lunar calendar. Usually, it is held on a new moon day at the end of january, february or beginning of march. The holiday is celebrated throughout Mongolia for three days. Tsagaan sar is a holiday celebrates the end of winter and welcome a flourishing new year. It symbolizes a healthy and wealthy life. People start their preparations for Tsagaan sar one month ahead. Families make several hundred to several thousand buuz (big dumplings), bansh (small dumplings). They prepare plenty of food for their relatives, neighbors, and friends who visit the family. The gers, barns, and yards of animals must be as clean as possible. Women make new deels (a traditional dress) for each family member.

-Golden Eagle Festival-

- Date: 6-7 Sep, 13-14 Sep, 20-21 Sep, 27-28 Sep, 2025.
- Where: Altai soum, Sagsai soum, Tolbo Soum,
Date: 04-05 October, 2025.. Where: Ulgii soum, Bayan-Ulgii Province

The Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia is a unique event that celebrates the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. For centuries, nomadic hunters have skillfully trained golden eagles to hunt for food, and this festival honors that time-honored practice. The Golden Eagle Festival, also known as the Eagle Festival, is an annual traditional celebration of Kazakh eagle hunters held in Bayan-Ulgii province in western Mongolia. This captivating festival aims to showcase and preserve the unique heritage of the Kazakh eagle hunters for future generations while promoting their culture to the world. During the festival, skilled hunters demonstrate the remarkable abilities of their specially trained golden eagles as they catch small animals like foxes and hares. The event highlights the impressive bond between the hunters and their birds, showcasing both their skills and training. Organized by the Mongolian Eagle Hunter’s Association, the Eagle Festival takes place during the first weekend in October, attracting visitors from near and far to witness this extraordinary cultural event.
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Highlights of the Golden Eagle Festival
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Eagle Hunters’ Clothing
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Witness the traditional attire of the eagle hunters, which reflects their rich cultural heritage and the deep connection to their craft. Each outfit is often adorned with intricate designs that showcase their identity and pride.
Eagle Hunters’ Horse Ornaments
The horses of the eagle hunters are beautifully decorated with colorful ornaments that symbolize their status and the significance of their bond with the eagles.

Archery Demonstrations
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Experience thrilling displays of archery, where skilled archers showcase their precision and technique, a sport that holds great importance in Mongolian culture.
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Eagle Agility Tests
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Observe the eagles' agility and ability to grip stuffed baits dragged by horses, demonstrating the impressive skills and training of these magnificent birds.
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Eagle Release
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Eagles are released from hilltops and must recognize the call of their trainers, showcasing their strong bond and training. Watch as the eagles soar and land gracefully on their trainers' arms.
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Camel and Horse Racing
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Experience the excitement of camel and horse races, highlighting the traditional transportation methods of the nomadic peoples and the speed and endurance of these animals.
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Coin Grabbing on Horseback
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Enjoy the unique challenge of coin grabbing, where riders attempt to collect coins from the ground while maintaining their balance on horseback.
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Kyz Kuar – Women Chasing Game
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Witness the thrilling Kyz Kuar, a traditional game where women chase men on horseback, showcasing speed, agility, and playful competition.
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Kykbar–Tug of War on Horseback
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Experience the excitement of Kykbar, a tug of war played on horseback using goat skins, which tests strength and teamwork among participants.
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Kazakh Concert
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Enjoy a concert featuring traditional Kazakh music, celebrating the vibrant culture and heritage of the Kazakh people, rounding off this extraordinary festival experience.

-Danshig Religious Festival-

The Danshig Naadam & Tsam Dance Festival is held annually to commemorate the anniversary of Holy Zanabazar, Mongolia’s first Buddhist leader, taking place on August 6-7 near Ulaanbaatar. Organized by the Gandan Monastery, the festival features the Khuree Tsam, a religious ceremony that includes mesmerizing masked dances and chanting, creating a spiritually rich atmosphere.
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Officials describe the event as a revival of the Danshig tradition, where participants in wrestling, archery, and horse training receive Danshig titles based on their achievements. This festival not only honors Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage but also celebrates traditional sports and cultural practices, making it a significant and vibrant occasion in the Mongolian calendar.

-Khuvsgul Lake Ice Festival-

The Ice Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the enchanting winter of Mongolia while joining local herders and the nomadic reindeer people for a celebration filled with traditional games and activities. Held on the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul, surrounded by the majestic Taiga Mountains blanketed in glistening snow, this festival offers an unforgettable winter adventure.
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The event features a variety of exciting competitions, including ice sumo, horse-drawn sleigh races, ice skating races, tug-of-war between local teams, and a thrilling Russian Jeep race on the ice. Visitors can also observe Shamanic practices, enjoy traditional dance and music performances, and gather around a large bonfire to soak in the warmth of Mongolian hospitality.