EXPERIENCE MONGOLIA
FESTIVALS and EVENTS
"Despite their different ethnic backgrounds, and being dispersed over such a large area, the nomads share close bonds as they unite against their common hardships … and when they do come together, they play, and they play hard!"
Keegan Benn, NomadsLand
Mongolians love to celebrate, and their festivals are filled with energy, tradition, and community spirit. From ancient customs to modern gatherings, every event is a chance to come together, share food, and enjoy music, dance, and sports.
Naadam, the most famous festival, showcases Mongolia’s “three manly sports”—wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Families gather to cheer on competitors, eat traditional food, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year, is another major celebration where families visit each other, exchange gifts, and feast for days.
Beyond these well-known events, Mongolia has many unique festivals. There are yak festivals, felt festivals, and camel festivals, each celebrating an important part of nomadic life. In the western provinces, the Kazakh people host highly regarded eagle festivals, where skilled hunters compete with their trained golden eagles. These lesser-known events offer visitors an authentic and unforgettable glimpse into Mongolia’s rich cultural traditions.
Naadam Festivals
Experiencing one of Mongolia’s many Naadam festivals is a must for any visitor. This annual event celebrates the nation’s warrior traditions with wrestling, horse racing, and archery—the “three manly sports” that date back centuries. The atmosphere is electric, with competitors in colorful traditional outfits, families cheering, and vendors selling local snacks.
While the national Naadam in Ulaanbaatar is grand, attending a provincial Naadam offers a more personal experience. In the countryside, you can stand right by the wrestling ring, feel the ground shake as horses race past, and watch archers up close. There are no big crowds or barriers—just pure, authentic competition. You won’t need a telephoto lens to capture the action; you’ll be right there in the middle of it.
A local Naadam also offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where travelers can interact with locals, share traditional food, and truly immerse themselves in Mongolia’s most cherished festival.
WHERE AND WHEN
Ulaanbaatar: July 11-13
Arkhangai, and all Provincial Capital Naadams: July 10-11
Small town Naadams: various. Please contact us for information
KHUVSGUL ICE FESTIVAL
Experience the magic of Mongolia’s winter at the Khuvsgul Blue Pearl Ice Festival! Held on the frozen surface of Khuvsgul Lake, this unique event celebrates the beauty and traditions of Mongolia’s northernmost province.
Watch thrilling ice competitions, including horse sled races, ice wrestling, and tug-of-war on ice. Marvel at intricate ice sculptures and join locals in traditional games and shamanic ceremonies. The crystal-clear lake, frozen solid beneath your feet, creates a breathtaking backdrop for adventure and cultural immersion.
This festival is a rare chance to witness Mongolia’s winter spirit at its finest. Whether you're skating across the ice or enjoying warm hospitality in a nomadic ger, the Blue Pearl Ice Festival is an unforgettable experience.
WHERE AND WHEN
Khuvsgul Lake: March 3-5
TSAGAAN SAR
Tsagaan Sar (literally ‘White Moon’), Mongolia’s Lunar New Year celebration, is an intimate occasion marked by reciprocal home visits among friends and family in traditional dress, feasting on popular Mongolian foods, and the mutual exchange of gifts. It’s also a time for renewal and new beginnings, with many people making a point of cleaning their homes and livestock barns or repaying outstanding debts from the previous year. With roots at least as far back as the Chinggis Khaan in the 13th century, Tsagaan Sar continues to be celebrated with diverse customs, often including elements of Buddhist ritual and shamanic practice.
If you would like to experience the traditional hospitality of Tsagaan Sar first-hand, contact us and we can arrange a visit to a nomadic family to join in the celebration.
WHERE AND WHEN
February (exact dates vary based on the lunar calendar).
Celebrated nationwide, in family homes and gers
YAK FESTIVAL
The Yak Festival in Bat-Ulzii is a great way to experience Mongolia’s nomadic culture. Set in the Orkhon Valley, this festival brings local herders together to celebrate their yaks. You can stand close as yaks race past or watch a game of yak polo, where riders try to hit a ball while balancing on these big animals.
Between events, you can try yak dairy products like yogurt and airag (fermented milk). Local families welcome visitors, and you can listen to traditional throat singing and watch Mongolian dancing.
This festival is small and personal, with no big crowds or barriers. You can walk around freely, meet herders, and see everything up close. If you want to experience real nomadic life, the Bat-Ulzii Yak Festival is a great choice.
WHERE AND WHEN
Uvurkhangai Province, Bat Ulzii, near the Orkhon Waterfall: July 23rd