The Blue Pearl Ice Festival 2026: Confirmed Dates, Tickets & Survival Guide
- Enkhzaya Ganbold
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Update Dec 2025: Official dates for the Blue Pearl Festival are confirmed for March 2–3. Limited gers remaining. Contact us immediately to check availability.
Imagine standing on a surface of crystal-clear, deep blue ice. Beneath your boots, the water is frozen two meters thick. Every few minutes, the lake lets out a deep, booming "singing" sound—the natural shifting of the ice that echoes across the valley.
While many travelers flock to our country in July for Naadam, the locals know a secret: Winter is the "real" Mongolia. And there is no better way to experience the raw beauty of winter than at the Mongolia Ice Festival 2026 (The Blue Pearl Festival) at Lake Khuvsgul.
At Enza Tours, we specialize in winter logistics. We know the roads, we know the weather, and most importantly, we know how to keep you warm. Here is everything you need to know to join us for this spectacular event.
Confirmed Dates for the 2026 Ice Festival
The official dates for the 2026 Blue Pearl Ice Festival are Monday, March 2nd and Tuesday, March 3rd.
Because the festival takes place in northern Mongolia, you cannot arrive on the morning of the event. We recommend all travelers arrive in Khatgal Village or Murun city by March 1st to settle in and prepare for the opening ceremony the next morning.
What Happens at the Festival?
Lake Khuvsgul is the largest fresh water lake in Mongolia by volume, and in March, it transforms into a massive playground. The temperature may be cold, but the atmosphere is electric.
Ice Sumo: Watch traditional Mongolian wrestlers compete on the slippery ice—a true test of balance and strength.
Horse Sleigh Racing: Local nomads race horse-drawn sleighs across the frozen surface.
Shamanic Rituals: Khuvsgul is the home of the Tsaatan (Reindeer people) and Darkhad tribes. You will witness authentic Shaman rituals honoring the spirits of the lake and mountains.
Shagai (Bone Throwing): Try your hand at this traditional game using sheep ankle bones on the ice.
Ice Skating: You can even rent skates and glide across the "Blue Pearl" yourself.
How to Get There: Logistics
Lake Khuvsgul is located in the north, near the Russian border. Getting there is part of the adventure.
Option 1: The Flight (Fastest)
You can fly from Ulaanbaatar to Murun (the provincial capital). The flight takes approximately 1.5 hours. From the airport, it is another 1.5-hour drive through the taiga forest to reach the lake. Note: Winter flight schedules can change due to weather, so flexibility is key.
Option 2: The Overland Adventure (Most Popular)
For the true explorer, the overland journey is spectacular. It is roughly a 10-12 hour drive from Ulaanbaatar. This might sound intimidating in winter, but this is where Enza Tours shines. We provide comfortable, high-clearance 4x4 Land Cruisers with heavy-duty heaters. You will travel in warmth and safety, watching the snowy steppes roll by outside your window.
Where Will I Sleep? (Is it too cold?)
This is the number one question we get at Enza Tours!
You will stay in traditional Gers (Yurts) located either in Khatgal Village or right on the shoreline of the lake.
Yes, they are heated. Every guest Ger is equipped with a central wood-burning stove. The staff will keep the fire roaring, so you can sleep comfortably in a t-shirt even if it is -30°C outside.
The Experience: Stepping out of your warm Ger at night to see the Milky Way reflecting off the frozen lake is a memory you will never forget.
The Survival Packing List
The weather for the Mongolia Ice Festival 2026 will likely range from -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F). This is dry cold, which is manageable if you dress right.
Here is your essential checklist:
Thermal Base Layers: Merino wool is best (top and bottom).
Wool Socks: Bring more pairs than you think you need.
Hand and Toe Warmers: The chemical heat packs you can put in your gloves and boots are lifesavers.
Sunglasses: The sun reflecting off the white snow and blue ice is incredibly bright. Snow blindness is a real risk without them.
Power Bank: Cold weather drains phone batteries quickly. Keep your phone and power bank inside your jacket, close to your body heat.
Ready to Book Your Winter Adventure?
The Blue Pearl Festival is gaining international fame, and accommodations in Khatgal are limited. Hotels and camps often reach full capacity by late January.
If you want to witness the singing ice and the shamanic drums, you need to plan now.
Accommodation for the Ice Festival sells out by January. Contact Enza Tours today to secure your heated ger and driver for March 2026.
