Naadam Festival Guide: Mongolia's Three Manly Games (11–13 July)

Each summer, Mongolia pauses for Naadam, the country's largest and most beloved celebration. Held nationwide on 11–13 July, the festival brings together athletes, families and visitors to honour the three traditional disciplines known as the "three manly games": wrestling, archery and horse racing. For travellers, Naadam offers a rare window into a culture where nomadic heritage and national pride meet in the open air.

A festival rooted in history

Naadam has deep roots in Mongolia's past, when the games served as a way to train warriors and celebrate military and hunting skill. Over the centuries it evolved into a national gathering, and today it also marks the anniversary of Mongolia's 1921 revolution. UNESCO has recognised Naadam as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, reflecting how central these traditions remain to Mongolian identity.

The three manly games

Wrestling

Mongolian wrestling has no weight classes and no time limit. Wrestlers in distinctive open-fronted jackets and boots compete in a single-elimination tournament until one champion remains. A wrestler loses the moment any part of his body above the knee touches the ground. Winners perform the graceful eagle dance, a gesture that honours opponents and judges alike.

Archery

Both men and women take part in archery, using traditional bows to strike small woven targets set on the ground. Judges stand near the targets and signal hits with a melodic call and raised arms, an atmospheric tradition that has changed little over generations.

Horse racing

Perhaps the most stirring event, the horse races are run across open countryside rather than a stadium track, over distances that vary by the age of the horses. The jockeys are children, often aged between roughly six and twelve, chosen for their light weight and skill. Watching hundreds of horses thunder toward the finish is an unforgettable sight.

The opening ceremony

The national festival opens in Ulaanbaatar with a colourful ceremony at the central stadium. Expect processions, music, dancers in traditional dress and a parade of the state ceremonial banners. Tickets for the stadium are limited and sell quickly, so it is wise to arrange access well in advance through your tour organiser.

Where to watch: Ulaanbaatar or the countryside

You have two very different experiences to choose from:

• Ulaanbaatar: The capital hosts the largest and most formal celebration, with the grand opening ceremony, the main wrestling tournament and large crowds. It is the easiest option if your time is limited.
• Countryside Naadam: Smaller regional festivals take place in provincial centres and rural districts. These are more intimate, less crowded and often feel more authentic, with horse races run across genuine open steppe. Combining a countryside Naadam with a stay in a ger camp is a wonderful way to experience rural life.

Tips for visiting

• Book accommodation and any tours early; Naadam is the busiest travel period of the year.
• Bring sun protection, a hat and water, as much of the action takes place outdoors under strong summer sun.
• Dress for changeable weather; afternoon showers are common in July.
• Ask before photographing athletes or families up close, and be patient with crowds.
• Consider hiring a local guide or driver, especially for countryside races that can be hard to reach.
• Sample festival foods such as khuushuur, a fried meat pastry sold throughout the festival grounds.

Whether you join the spectacle in Ulaanbaatar or seek out a quieter celebration on the steppe, Naadam is one of the finest ways to understand the spirit of Mongolia. If you would like help planning your trip around the festival, we are happy to answer your questions.