Khuvsgul Ice Festival – Mongolia’s Magical Winter Celebration

Govi

Held every March on the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul, Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, the Ice Festival is one of the country’s most unique and spectacular winter events. With temperatures dropping below –20°C and the lake freezing more than one meter thick, this natural “ice stage” becomes the setting for thrilling competitions, cultural performances, and traditional games. This festival is a true celebration of winter, nomadic life, and northern Mongolian traditions.

What Makes the Ice Festival Special?

The Ice Festival combines:

  • Extreme winter sports
  • Mongolian and northern ethnic culture
  • Shamanic rituals
  • Traditional clothing
  • Pure winter landscapes

It is both visually stunning and culturally rich.


🛷 Top Festival Activities

🐎 1. Horse Sled Racing

Local herders compete with beautifully decorated sleds pulled by fast Mongolian horses. Teams race across the frozen lake, sending ice crystals flying in every direction—one of the festival’s most exciting events.


🏃‍♂️ 2. Ice Marathon

Runners from around the world join the marathon on the glass-like surface of the lake. The transparent blue ice beneath their feet makes this one of the world’s most unusual running races.


3. Ice Wrestling (Bukh on Ice)

Traditional Mongolian wrestling takes place directly on the slippery ice—creating fun, unpredictable matches.


🧊 4. Ice Sculpting Competitions

Artists carve beautiful sculptures from massive ice blocks:

  • Eagles
  • Horses
  • Nomadic symbols
  • Reindeer
  • Shamans
  • Traditional Siberian and Mongolian icons

These sculptures glitter under the sun, creating a magical icy gallery.


❄️ 5. Tug-of-War & Traditional Games

Competitors test their strength and teamwork on the slippery surface.


🔥 6. Shamanic Rituals & Cultural Performances

Since northern Mongolia is deeply connected with shamanism, the festival includes:

  • Blessing ceremonies
  • Drum rituals
  • Fire offerings
  • Cultural dances

Tsaatan (reindeer herder) and Khuvsgul ethnic groups often participate.


🦌 Meet the Reindeer Herders (Tsaatan)

Many Tsaatan families travel from the taiga to participate, offering visitors the chance to:

  • Take photos with reindeer
  • Learn about their nomadic winter life
  • Experience their unique clothing and crafts

Their presence brings a warm cultural spirit to the ice.


🧭 Location: Khuvsgul Lake – “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia”

Lake Khuvsgul is famous for its crystal-clear blue ice.
In winter, the frozen lake forms:

  • Cracks stretching for kilometers
  • Reflective surfaces like glass
  • Ice bubbles and frozen patterns
  • A landscape perfect for photography

It is one of Mongolia’s most beautiful winter destinations.


🗺 How to Get There

Step 1: Flight

Ulaanbaatar → Murun (1.5 hours)

Step 2: Drive

Murun → Khatgal village → Khuvsgul Lake (1–1.5 hours)

Festival Time:

Usually early March, lasting 2–3 days.


🛖 Where to Stay

Ger Camps (Winter-ready)

Heated stoves, thick blankets, hot meals.

Wooden Lodges

More comfort with electricity and showers.

Local Guesthouses

Budget-friendly and cozy.

Winter Camping (for adventurers)

Only recommended with professional guides.


💡 Tips for Travelers

  • Dress in layers: temperatures can drop to –30°C
  • Bring gloves, scarf, and thermal boots
  • Sunglasses are recommended due to bright ice reflection
  • Drone photography is incredible—check regulations
  • Try boortsog, hot tea, and local stews sold during the festival

📸 Best Photography Moments

  • Sunrise over frozen Lake Khuvsgul
  • Horse sled race in motion
  • Transparent blue ice with deep cracks
  • Ice sculptures at golden hour
  • Shaman ceremonies
  • Reindeer on the lake shore
  • Starry night sky reflected on the ice

The festival offers some of the most photogenic winter scenes in the world.


🌟 Why You Should Experience the Ice Festival

One of Mongolia’s most unique cultural events
Thrilling winter sports on a frozen lake
Amazing cultural and shamanic performances
A chance to meet reindeer herders
Stunning winter landscapes
Perfect for photographers and adventure travelers

The Khuvsgul Ice Festival is a rare blend of culture, tradition, and natural beauty—an unforgettable winter adventure.

Testimonial

What Client Say About Us

Maria Doe

Traveller

Exceptional Northern Mongolia Experience with Lunas Tours Our journey through Northern Mongolia was truly unforgettable thanks to 'Lunas Tours'. Traveling through the Khuvsgul region, Darkhad Valley, and remote northern landscapes, we experienced pristine nature, rich nomadic culture, and deep local traditions that few tours can offer. The tour was extremely well-organized, with careful planning for long distances, changing weather, and remote conditions. We especially appreciated the authentic experiences—staying with local families, learning about reindeer herders’ lifestyles, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mongolia’s northern taiga. The team’s strong local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and respect for nature made the journey both safe and meaningful. This was not just sightseeing, but a true cultural and natural immersion. We highly recommend 'Lunas Tours' to travelers who want to explore Northern Mongolia in a responsible, authentic, and well-guided way.

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Micheal and Debby from Nederland

Traveller

Outstanding service by Guide Luna & Driver Eba – Lunas Tours Our trip in Mongolia was exceptional thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She explained Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions with passion and clarity, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the journey. Driver Eba was equally impressive. His driving was safe, smooth, and reliable even on challenging roads and long distances. He handled every situation calmly and professionally, making us feel secure at all times. Together, Luna and Eba worked as a perfect team. Their coordination, friendliness, and attention to detail turned our trip into a truly memorable experience. We highly recommend them to anyone traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours.

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Sarah

Australian traveler

Amazing experience with Lunas Tours – Mongolia Our journey with Lunas Tours was truly unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything was well-organized, flexible, and thoughtfully planned. The team showed deep knowledge of Mongolia’s culture, history, and nature, and they always made sure we felt safe and comfortable. What we appreciated most was Lunas Tours’ personalized approach and support for local communities. Staying with local families, experiencing authentic food, and exploring Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes made this trip very special. We highly recommend Lunas Tours to anyone who wants a genuine, meaningful, and well-guided travel experience in Mongolia. 🐎

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John

American traveller

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lunas Tours gave us an authentic and unforgettable Mongolian experience! Professional guides, great organization, and strong support for local communities. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Mongolia.

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Vaiopoulos Nikos

Greece Traveller

Luna Khaliunaa Mongolian Guide provide for me and my company one of the best travel experience we ever had. Mongolia was awesome thanks to her! Ever consider visit Mongolia Lunas' Tours should be your only choice.

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Garry's family

Canadian family

Perfect family tour with Guide Luna & Driver Eba Our family had a wonderful experience traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours in winter - 2025, especially thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to our children. She explained Mongolian culture and history in a way that was easy and interesting for both adults and kids, making the journey educational and fun. Driver Eba made us feel completely safe throughout the trip. His careful driving, calm attitude, and readiness to help at any moment gave us great peace of mind, especially while traveling with children and luggage. Thanks to Luna and Eba, our family felt comfortable, well-cared-for, and truly welcomed. This was not just a tour, but a meaningful family memory. We highly recommend Lunas Tours for families visiting Mongolia.

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Minje & Dunhe

Korean family

함께한 완벽한 가족 여행 저희 가족은 루나스 투어(Lunas Tours)와 함께한 몽골 여행에서 정말 잊지 못할 시간을 보냈습니다. 특히 가이드 루나 와 드라이버 에바 덕분에 아이들과 함께하는 여행이 더욱 편안하고 안전했습니다. 가이드 루나는 아이들에게도 이해하기 쉬운 방식으로 몽골의 역사와 문화를 설명해 주었고, 항상 친절하고 세심하게 가족을 배려해 주었습니다. 여행 내내 아이들의 상태를 살펴주며 부모 입장에서 큰 안심이 되었습니다. 드라이버 에바는 장거리 이동과 험한 도로에서도 항상 안전하고 차분하게 운전해 주었으며, 가족 여행객에게 꼭 필요한 안정감을 주었습니다. 루나와 에바의 완벽한 팀워크 덕분에 이번 여행은 단순한 관광이 아니라 가족 모두에게 소중한 추억이 되었습니다. 몽골로 가족 여행을 계획하신다면 루나스 투어를 진심으로 추천합니다.

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Adrian Lee

Singaporeans

Our trip to Mongolia with Lunas Tours was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Traveling through the heart of Central Mongolia — from the breathtaking Orkhon Valley to the remote beauty of the Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur) — gave us a true glimpse into the soul of this vast and peaceful land. Special thanks to our amazing guide Luna, whose deep knowledge, kindness, and professionalism made the journey smooth and meaningful, and to our skilled driver Eba, who safely navigated the mountain passes and rugged trails with calm confidence. The Orkhon Valley, with its wide open grasslands, wild horses, and traditional herder families, was a highlight — we felt connected to Mongolian history and nomadic culture. The horseback trip to the Eight Lakes was truly magical, surrounded by pine forests, sparkling lakes, and the peaceful sound of nature. Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, was another memorable experience. The blend of ancient architecture and the serene spiritual atmosphere made it a powerful reminder of Mongolia’s rich history and culture. Finally, the hike up to Tuvkhun Monastery, perched high in the Khangai mountains, was both peaceful and inspiring. The view from the top was breathtaking, and it gave us a sense of tranquility that words cannot describe. We are deeply grateful to Luna and Eba for taking such good care of us throughout the journey — from comfortable accommodations to delicious meals and flexible travel arrangements. Their warm hospitality made us feel like family. Thank you, Lunas Tours, for organizing such a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and nature. We will definitely recommend your company to friends and family in Singapore who are seeking an authentic Mongolian experience. – On behalf of travelers from Singapore

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