Naadam Festival Tours
The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most important national holiday and a vibrant celebration of history, tradition, and nomadic culture. Held every year from July 11–13, Naadam showcases the “Three Manly Games” wrestling, horse racing, and archery ancient sports that have been practiced for more than 2,000 years.
Naadam is more than just a sports event; it is a symbol of Mongolian identity, independence, and pride. Throughout the festival, locals dress in colorful traditional clothing, enjoy festive foods, and gather with family to celebrate one of the world’s most unique cultural traditions.
🎉 Naadam Festival – Mongolia’s Greatest Cultural Celebration
🤼 Wrestling
Mongolian wrestling is the most iconic event of Naadam. Hundreds of wrestlers compete in an open field with no weight classes, testing strength, balance, and technique. Each match follows ancient rituals, footwork, and eagle-like movements.
🏹 Archery
Archers men and women use traditional composite bows made of wood, horn, and sinew. The competition focuses on precision and control, often accompanied by rhythmic vocal counting from judges.
🏇 Horse Racing
Naadam horse races take place across vast open steppe landscapes. Young jockeys (ages 5–13) ride powerful Mongolian horses over long distances the longest race reaching up to 30 km. It is one of the festival’s most exciting and emotional events.
📸 A Photographer’s Dream
Colorful deels, decorated horses, traditional ceremonies, and powerful athletic competitions make Naadam one of the most photogenic events in Mongolia.
🥟 Festival Food & Atmosphere
Naadam is also known for its festive foods:
Khushuur (fried meat pastries)
Buuz (steamed dumplings)
Airag (fermented mare’s milk)
Visitors can explore craft stalls, traditional clothing stands, and local markets full of energy and color.
🌍 Where Naadam Happens
Ulaanbaatar hosts the largest and most famous Naadam.
Almost every province and village holds smaller, more local Naadam festivals with a more intimate atmosphere.
🌟 Why Naadam Is Worth Experiencing
Unique, ancient festival found nowhere else in the world
A deep look into Mongolia’s nomadic culture
Exciting, authentic sports competitions
Colorful celebrations and national pride
The best time to meet locals and experience tradition firsthand
🎭 Opening Ceremony – A Cultural Spectacle
The main Naadam in Ulaanbaatar begins with a grand opening ceremony featuring:
Traditional music and dance
Military parade
Colorful costumes
Horse formations
Cultural storytelling
This ceremony is one of the most impressive cultural performances in Mongolia.
Top Naadam festival tour packages
🎉 Naadam Festival Highlights
🏇 Horse racing, wrestling, archery – Mongolia’s traditional “Three Manly Games”
🎭 Colorful opening ceremony with music, dance & parades
👘 Traditional costumes and festive atmosphere
🤼 Wrestling matches with ancient rituals
🏹 Archery competitions using traditional bows
🐎 Long-distance horse races across the open steppe
🥟 Naadam foods like khushuur, buuz & airag
📸 Great photography and cultural experience
⭐ Why Attend the Naadam Festival
Experience Mongolia’s biggest cultural event
See traditional horse racing, wrestling, and archery
Enjoy a colorful opening ceremony and local traditions
Great for photography and meeting Mongolian nomads
🚶♂️Tour Pace
Moderate to Active
🚗 Daily drives of 3–7 hours
🥾 Light walking and cultural engagement
🎭 Festival attendance, wildlife watching, and nature exploration
Ideal for active travelers who enjoy off the beaten path discovery with downtime in nature.
🛖Accommodation
We provide the highest range of ger camps, equivalent to 4-star accommodation, ensuring you experience traditional Mongolian hospitality with exceptional comfort. These premium ger camps offer private beds, modern sanitation, and hot meals all while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
✨Customize your Mongolia tour
Every traveler is different and your tour should reflect that. We tailor each itinerary to your interests, whether it’s history, trekking, wildlife, or nomadic culture.
Contact us today to start designing your personalized Mongolian adventure. We’re excited to craft an unforgettable experience just for you!
❓ Naadam Festival – FAQ
1. What is the Naadam Festival?
Naadam is Mongolia’s biggest national festival featuring wrestling, horse racing, and archery, celebrated every year in July.
2. When does Naadam take place?
The main festival in Ulaanbaatar is held July 11–13.
Smaller local Naadams happen throughout July across the country.
3. Where is the main Naadam festival?
In Ulaanbaatar, mainly at the Central Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag horse racing field.
4. What are the “Three Manly Games”?
Wrestling
Horse racing
Archery
These sports date back to the time of Chinggis Khaan.
5. Is Naadam suitable for tourists?
Yes! It is one of Mongolia’s most exciting cultural events and welcomes visitors from all over the world.
6. How crowded is Naadam?
The Ulaanbaatar festival is very crowded.
Local Naadams in the countryside are more relaxed and authentic.
7. Do I need tickets?
Yes, you need tickets for the opening ceremony and wrestling.
Your tour operator can arrange them.
Horse racing areas are open to everyone.
8. What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes, sun protection, and a hat.
It can be hot during the day but cool in the evening.
9. What food is available?
Festival favorites include khushuur, buuz, and airag, plus street snacks and drinks.
10. Can I take photos?
Yes! Naadam is very photogenic, with colorful costumes, horses, and energetic competitions.
11. Is Naadam family-friendly?
Absolutely. Children especially love the horse racing events.
12. Can I attend Naadam outside Ulaanbaatar?
Yes. Every province and many small villages host their own Naadam festivals — often more intimate and traditional.
🌤️ Weather in Mongolia in July
July is one of the best months to visit Mongolia. It is warm, green, and perfect for festivals, outdoor activities, and countryside travel.
🌡️ Temperature (Average)
Daytime: +20°C to +28°C
Nighttime: +10°C to +15°C
Highest: Up to +32°C on hot days
Cooler Areas: Mountains, lakes & northern regions can be +12°C to +20°C
☀️ Weather Conditions
Warm and sunny
Green landscapes and wildflowers
Mild breeze
Occasional rain showers or thunderstorms (short-lived)
Clear nights with comfortable temperatures
🌼 Why July Is a Great Time to Visit
Best warm weather
Naadam Festival (July 11–13)
Beautiful green scenery
Great for hiking, camping, horse riding, and photography
🎒 What to Pack for July
Light jacket or fleece
T-shirts & light pants
Comfortable hiking shoes
Rain jacket (for sudden showers)
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
Warmer layers for mountains & deserts
🌍 Regional Temperatures
Gobi Desert (South)
Day: +25°C to +38°C
Night: +15°C to +20°C
Hot, dry, and sunny.
Central Mongolia / Orkhon Valley
Day: +20°C to +27°C
Night: +10°C to +14°C
Northern Mongolia / Khuvsgul Lake
Day: +15°C to +22°C
Night: +5°C to +10°C
Cooler near the water.
Western Mongolia / Altai Mountains
Day: +12°C to +20°C
Night: +2°C to +8°C
Cold at night; snow possible in high areas.
⭐ Why Choose Kerege Travel for the Naadam Festival
🎫 We secure official Naadam tickets
🚙 Safe, comfortable transport
🤝 Friendly local guides who explain every event
🎉 Well-organized, stress-free festival experience
📸 Best spots for photography
🎒 Flexible 1–3 day Naadam tour options
Pictures of Naadam Festival
★★★★★ Rated 3 out of 5
祭りの魅力は圧巻、でも運営とマナーには課題あり
モンゴル人の知人のおかげで、ナーダム祭りのチケットを前日に確保でき、初日に観覧することができました。しかもこの日は、日本の天皇陛下がご訪問されたことも重なり、会場は大変な混雑。モンゴル最大の国民的イベントの熱気と盛り上がりを肌で感じられたのは本当に貴重な体験でした。
しかし、交通や入場の警備体制はほとんど機能しておらず、押し合いや割り込みが頻発。高額なVIP席を予約していたにもかかわらず、現地に着くとその席が撤去されており、他人が勝手に座っているというありえない状況に驚かされました。スタッフによる誘導やチェックもほとんどなく、混乱のまま観覧することになってしまい非常に残念でした。
ナーダムそのものは素晴らしい文化体験であり、相撲、競馬、弓といった伝統競技を見ることができるのは大きな魅力です。ただし、訪問を検討している方は、混雑やマナー、運営面の課題を念頭に入れて準備することをおすすめします。
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5
Naadam festival tour experience with Kerege travel team
If you're looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, the Naadam Festival tour is an absolute must. Held annually in Mongolia, Naadam is the country's most significant celebration, and this tour offers a front-row seat to a tradition steeped in history, culture, and athletic prowess.
The Experience: The tour kicks off with a visit to Ulaanbaatar, where you'll get an introduction to the rich history and significance of Naadam. The opening ceremony, complete with traditional music, dances, and vibrant costumes, sets the stage for an incredible journey into Mongolia's cultural heart. It's a perfect introduction to the excitement that unfolds over the course of the festival.
The Events: The festival's three "manly" games—wrestling, archery, and horse racing—are the highlight,