Naadam Festival – Mongolia’s Greatest National Celebration

Every July, Mongolia comes alive with the sounds of cheering crowds, galloping horses, traditional music, and colorful costumes during the Naadam Festival—the country’s largest and most beloved national celebration. Often called “Eriin Gurvan Naadam” (The Three Manly Games), this iconic festival showcases Mongolia’s ancient traditions, nomadic culture, and national pride. Naadam is more than just a festival—it is a living heritage that connects modern Mongolia with its 2,000-year-old history.

The Three Manly Games of Naadam

Naadam features three traditional sports that date back to the time of the Mongol Empire. These sports reflect nomadic life, warrior skills, and centuries-old national values.

🤼 1. Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)

Strength, respect, and ancient tradition

Mongolian wrestling is the most prestigious Naadam event.

What makes it unique:

• No time limit
• No weight classes
• A wrestler loses only when any part of his body except feet touches the ground
• Wrestlers wear traditional zodog-shuudag (open-chest costume)

Champions earn titles like Arslan (Lion) and Avarga (Titan), respected throughout the nation.

🐎 2. Horse Racing

Speed, endurance, and the spirit of the steppe

Naadam horse racing is unlike modern racetrack events. Races take place on open steppe over distances of 15–30 km, and jockeys are often children aged 5–13 years, chosen for their light weight and skill.

Why it’s special:

• Horses compete in age categories
• Riders sing traditional long songs to encourage horses
• Horses are celebrated as champions, not jockeys

Thousands gather to watch dust clouds rise as racing horses thunder across the grasslands.

🏹 3. Archery

Precision, teamwork, and ancient warrior skills

Men and women both compete in archery using traditional Mongolian bows made of wood, horn, and sinew.

Key features:

• Archers shoot at leather surs targets
• Judges announce hits with ritual sounds
• Costumes reflect ancient warrior and noble styles

Archery represents Mongolia’s deep historical connection to hunting and warfare.

🎭 Opening Ceremony – A Spectacle of Culture

Naadam officially begins on July 11, with a grand and colorful opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.

Highlights include:

• Horsemen carrying the national nine white banners
• Traditional musical performances
• Folk dances and throat singing
• Parade of athletes and judges
• Reenactments of Mongol army processions

It is one of the most beautiful cultural performances in Mongolia.

🎉 Local Naadams Across the Country

While the Ulaanbaatar Naadam is the largest, local Naadams in provinces and villages offer a more intimate and traditional atmosphere.

Why travelers love local Naadams:

• Closer to the action
• More authentic nomadic atmosphere
• Easier to meet wrestlers, archers, and horse trainers
• Photographers can capture raw, unscripted moments

Many travelers combine the main Naadam with a small provincial Naadam for the full experience.

🍲 Naadam Food & Festive Atmosphere

During the festival, locals enjoy:

• Khuushuur (fried meat pastries)
• Airag (fermented mare’s milk)
• Buuz (steamed dumplings)
• Traditional snacks

Crowds celebrate, families gather, and vendors sell handmade crafts, traditional clothes, and souvenirs.

🧭 How to Attend the Naadam Festival

Main Naadam (Ulaanbaatar)

• Date: July 11–13 every year
• Main events at National Stadium + Khui Doloon Khudag (horse races)

Tickets

• Must be purchased early (often sell out months in advance)
• VIP and tourist tickets available

Local Naadams

Held throughout July across all provinces.

📸 Best Photography Moments

• Opening ceremony dancers
• Wrestlers preparing backstage
• Eagle banners and cavalry processions
• Horses sprinting over the steppe
• Children jockey portraits
• Traditional archers in colorful clothing

Naadam is one of Mongolia’s most photogenic cultural events.

💡 Tips for Travelers

• Book accommodation early—July is peak season
• Bring sunscreen and hat for outdoor sports
• Attend both Ulaanbaatar and a small provincial Naadam if possible
• Try khuushuur! It’s the festival’s signature food
• Be respectful around horses and riders

🌟 Why Naadam Belongs on Your Mongolia Itinerary

✔ Mongolia’s most important national celebration
✔ Ancient traditions of wrestling, archery, and horse racing
✔ Incredible cultural performances
✔ Vivid costumes, music, and ceremonies
✔ An experience that connects you with Mongolian history

Naadam is more than a festival—it is the heartbeat of the Mongolian people, celebrating strength, bravery, culture, and unity.