Mongolian Naadam Festival: History, the Three Games, and How to Experience It
- Enkhzaya Ganbold
- Aug 1, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Naadam is Mongolia's biggest national festival, held every year on July 11–13 in Ulaanbaatar and in every province across the country. Often called the "Three Games of Men," it centers on Mongolian wrestling, cross-country horse racing and archery, and was inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The national holiday runs July 11–15, and the main opening ceremony takes place at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar.
What is the Naadam Festival?
Sometimes described as the "Olympics of the nomads," Naadam is the most important event in Mongolia's cultural calendar. District and provincial competitions are held throughout the summer, and the strongest wrestlers, fastest horses and best archers compete at the national Naadam in Ulaanbaatar. Beyond sport, Naadam is a celebration of Mongolian statehood and nomadic heritage: families dress in the traditional deel, eat khuushuur (fried meat pastries), drink airag (fermented mare's milk) and gather for concerts, ceremonies and fairs.
The Three Games of Naadam
Wrestling (bökh): hundreds of wrestlers in traditional zodog and shuudag compete in a single-elimination tournament with no weight classes and no time limit. Titles such as "Falcon," "Elephant" and "Lion" are earned over successive Naadams.
Horse racing: unlike track racing, Mongolian races are cross-country events of roughly 15–30 km depending on the age of the horses, ridden by child jockeys. The main races are held on the open steppe at Khui Doloon Khudag outside Ulaanbaatar.
Archery: men and women compete with traditional composite bows, shooting at rows of small leather targets while judges signal hits with a raised-hand chant called uukhai. Alongside the three main games, you can also watch shagai — ankle-bone shooting, a recognized part of the festival.
When and Where Naadam Takes Place
The national Naadam is always held July 11–13 in Ulaanbaatar, with the opening ceremony on the morning of July 11. Nearly every aimag (province) and soum (district) holds its own smaller naadam in late June or July, which can be a more intimate way to experience the games. July is peak travel season in Mongolia — see our guide to the best times to visit Mongolia and plan accommodation and tours several months ahead.
A Short History of Naadam
The three games grew out of military training under the Mongol Empire — wrestling, riding and archery were the essential skills of Chinggis Khan's warriors, and festivals combining them accompanied state ceremonies for centuries. The modern national Naadam has been held annually since 1921 to mark the People's Revolution, and today it also commemorates the anniversaries of the Mongol Empire and Mongolian statehood. In 2010, UNESCO added Naadam to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Naadam Festival FAQ
When is the next Naadam Festival?
Naadam is held on the same dates every year: July 11–13, with the national holiday running July 11–15. The next national Naadam takes place July 11–13, 2027 in Ulaanbaatar. For planning details, tickets and itineraries, see our ultimate Naadam Festival travel guide.
Do I need tickets for the opening ceremony?
Yes. Seats for the opening ceremony at the National Sports Stadium are limited and sell out quickly, and most foreign visitors get tickets through a local tour operator as part of a Naadam package. Wrestling and archery sessions after the opening ceremony, and the horse races outside the city, are much easier to attend.
Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia for Naadam?
It depends on your nationality — many travelers can enter Mongolia visa-free or with an e-visa, while others need to apply in advance. Check our Mongolia travel visa guide for current requirements by country.
Can I combine Naadam with a tour of the countryside?
Absolutely — most visitors pair the festival days in Ulaanbaatar with a trip to the Gobi Desert, Central Mongolia or Lake Khuvsgul. Browse our Mongolia tour packages or contact Enza Tours to build a custom Naadam itinerary.
