Naadam / Festival

Naadam/Festival

Naadam is a traditional festival in Mongolia. The festival is also locally termed “eriin gurvan naadam”, “the three games of men”. The games are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and are held throughout the country during midsummer.

Naadam Festival is the only one of its kind; it is a sophisticated and eloquent expression of nomadic culture, it is the honored celebration of a national independence, and it is an outstanding combination of arts and sports.

Even, the core of the festival – three manly sports – the wrestling, horseracing and archery, embrace many elements of arts, such as singing, dancing and performing.

Nomadic Mongolians have known when to throw the parties. Naadam Festival is held in the most enjoyable month of the most pleasant season in the country. Therefore, everyone takes the opportunity and enjoys the Festival in diverse schedule such as travelling to the countryside, camping out and gathering in their closest herds.

Everyone is so looking forward to Naadam that after each Naadam, Naadamers moan that next Naadam is too long to wait. Don’t be one of those moaning about next Naadam being too long to wait!

Come travel to Mongolia with us to experience this Festival, which is the only one of its kind, in the world.

Naadam is a traditional festival in Mongolia. The festival is also locally termed “eriin gurvan naadam”, “the three games of men”. The games are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and are held throughout the country during midsummer

Day1:

Depending on the program at that time, you will enjoy the military parade, traditional costume show “Deeltei Mongol” and State Banner Raising Ceremony on central square. The first round of archery and ankle bone shooting competition takes place in the central stadium. You will enjoy a live Traditional Folklore music and dance performance before dinner. Discuss with your guide where to start.

Meet in Ulaanbaatar. You will go out with your guide to see the preview of the Naadam Festival. You will visit the horse-racing arena to watch a race of foals and archery, “Shagai” shooters. You can enjoy a national folklore performance.

Day 2.

July 11. The ceremony of Naadam festival

Main event day: At Central square, 9 o’clock, Chinggis Khaan’s 9 knights will carry the State Nine Banners on the horseback and take them to the Naadam Court. After the official Opening Ceremony in the Central Stadium at 11 o’clock, stay around the Naadam court and enjoy 3 manly games: wrestling, archery and ankle bone shooting games. Get soaked into the holiday atmosphere, grab food and enjoy around our traditional culture. Overnight in a hotel

Day 3.

July 12. Khui doloon khudag and second day of Naadam

According to the fact, The Mongols always celebrated The Naadam in the countryside. Today we will drive to the horse racing court “Khui doloon khudag”, which is located in west side of Ulaanbaatar. Be ready for the real experience and see how passionate  the locals are when the racing horses rush into the finish line.  Horses are our symbolic animals that we have been breeding for thousands of years. Racing horses are divided in 6 age division and you will see 1 or 2 divisions today. Discuss the timing with your guide.