The Ultimate Guide to Naadam Festival
Naadam is Mongolia’s most beloved national festival, a celebration of the “Three Games of Men”: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Held annually in July, Naadam has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For travelers, it’s one of the most spectacular events in Central Asia.
History and Origins
Naadam’s roots stretch back to the era of Genghis Khan, when military training was conducted through these three sports. Over centuries, the festival evolved from military preparation into a cultural celebration that brings Mongolians together across the nation.
The main Naadam festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar from July 11-13, coinciding with Mongolia’s National Day. Smaller regional Naadam festivals are held throughout the country in the weeks surrounding the main event.
The Three Manly Games
Wrestling
Mongolian wrestling (Bökh) features no weight categories and no time limits — a wrestler is eliminated when any part of their body above the knee touches the ground. Wrestlers wear distinctive costumes and perform the elaborate Eagle Dance ritual before each bout.
Archery
Both men and women compete in archery, using traditional Mongolian composite bows to shoot at a wall of small cylindrical leather targets. Judges signal each hit with a traditional cry — a haunting, beautiful sound that echoes across the stadium.
Horse Racing
The horse races take place across open steppe outside the city. Child jockeys aged 5-13 race distances of 15-30 kilometers depending on the horse’s age category. It’s a mesmerizing sight: hundreds of horses thundering across the grassland, their young riders singing traditional songs to encourage their horses.
Tips for Attending Naadam
- Book accommodation and tours 6-12 months in advance — Naadam is Mongolia’s busiest tourist period
- The opening ceremony at the National Stadium is spectacular — arrive early for good seats
- The horse racing venue is 40km from Ulaanbaatar — arrange transport in advance
- Sample traditional festival foods: buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), and airag
