Naadam Festival Tour Mongolia 2026

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. After arrival, enjoy a half-day city tour, including visits to Gandan Monastery and the National History Museum. If timing allows, you will witness the traditional Nine White Banner ceremony at the central square and attend a national cultural performance in the evening.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

Happy Naadam Festival! Today you will experience Mongolia’s most important national celebration. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as wrestlers, horse racers, and archers compete in the traditional “Three Manly Games” for top titles. Naadam brings together people from all across the country, from remote regions to the capital city. It is not only a sporting event, but also a lively cultural gathering where locals come together to celebrate, socialize, and share their traditions.

Throughout the day, you will watch the famed Opening Ceremony of the Naadam Festival, followed by traditional wrestling and archery competitions. You will also have time to explore the festival grounds and take in the unique energy of this special occasion. This is one of the highlights of your journey and a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

What are the Three Manly Games in Mongolia’s Naadam Festival?

The Naadam Festival is centered around three traditional sports: horse racing, wrestling, and archery, each reflecting Mongolia’s nomadic heritage. These games are not only sports, but also a celebration of tradition and identity.

Horse racing is one of the most important and exciting parts of the Naadam Festival. The races take place across long distances on the open steppe, with distances ranging from 15 to 30 km depending on the age of the horse.

• Daaga (2-year-olds): 15 km
• Shudlen (3-year-olds): 20 km
• Khyazaalan (4-year-olds): 22 km
• Soyolon (5-year-olds): 25 km
• Azarga (stallions): 28 km
• Ikh nas (adult horses): 30 km

Each race can include hundreds of horses, creating a fast and energetic atmosphere. The top five horses are honored with traditional awards, including airag (fermented mare’s milk), a khadag (ceremonial blue scarf), and medals.

Mongolian wrestling is one of the most important and respected traditions of the Naadam Festival. During the event, 512 wrestlers compete in the stadium for the prestigious title of "State Titan". In the early rounds, both leading wrestlers and their trainers may choose opponents, helping to reduce the number of less experienced competitors and building excitement toward the final matches on the second day.

The rules are simple: there are no weight classes, and the wrestling area is unrestricted. A wrestler loses if any part of the body, other than the feet, touches the ground. The winner advances to the next round, while the loser shows respect by standing under the arm of the winner. Before and after each match, wrestlers perform the traditional “eagle dance” (deveelt), symbolizing strength, power, and respect. Wrestlers also earn traditional titles based on their performance, such as Falcon, Elephant, and Titan, reflecting their rank and achievement. Wrestlers wear traditional outfits consisting of tight shorts and an open-chested jacket, a unique design that highlights movement and strength and historically ensured that all competitors are male. 

Archery is an essential part of Mongolia’s nomadic culture and has been practiced for centuries. It requires strength, focus, and precision, skills that are developed from a young age. Mongolian bows are traditionally strong and require considerable effort to draw, reflecting the physical skill needed for this discipline. During the Naadam Festival, teams of archers compete in a traditional format. Each team, usually consisting of 5–7 archers, aims to hit 33 small leather targets from a distance of 75 meters. Archery at Naadam is not only a sport, but also a reflection of Mongolia’s heritage and the skills that have long been part of daily nomadic life.

In the early morning, you will drive outside the city to watch the Naadam horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag, where hundreds of horses race across the open steppe. This is one of the most exciting and authentic parts of the festival. After the races, you will travel to Terelj National Park, one of Mongolia’s most scenic natural areas. Here, you will explore the beautiful rocky landscapes and enjoy the peaceful countryside. You will also have the opportunity to ride on horseback and visit a local nomadic family to learn about their daily life and traditions. In the evening, stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger camp, offering a comfortable and authentic experience.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

After breakfast, you will return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping on the way at the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex. Standing at 40 meters high, this is the largest equestrian statue in the world. The statue depicts Chinggis Khaan on horseback, holding a golden whip, and is made from over 250 tons of steel. The surrounding structure includes 36 columns, symbolizing the lineage of Mongolian kings connected to Chinggis Khaan. After the visit, continue to Ulaanbaatar. If time permits, you may enjoy some shopping or a short city tour.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel. Meals: Full board

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure. We hope you leave Mongolia with wonderful memories of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast