Naadam Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Mongolia's most spectacular festival is approaching, and this year promises to be bigger than ever. Learn about the history, events, and how to plan your visit to experience this UNESCO-recognized cultural celebration.

The Naadam Festival, known locally as "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" (The Three Games of Men), is Mongolia's largest and most famous festival, featuring competitions in the three traditional sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Dating back centuries, this annual celebration has evolved from a simple display of nomadic prowess to a grand national holiday that showcases Mongolia's cultural heritage to the world.

What is the Naadam Festival?

Naadam is more than just a sporting event; it's a vibrant expression of Mongolian identity and cultural pride. The festival's origins can be traced back to the era of Genghis Khan, when military celebrations included competitions in these three sports to keep warriors in peak condition. Today, Naadam is a colorful spectacle that combines athletic competitions with elaborate opening ceremonies, traditional music and dance performances, and a festive atmosphere that engages both locals and international visitors.

In 2010, Naadam was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its cultural significance and the importance of preserving this unique tradition.

When and Where is Naadam 2025?

The National Naadam Festival is held annually from July 11-13, coinciding with Mongolia's independence celebrations. The main events take place in Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium and surrounding areas, though smaller local Naadam celebrations are held throughout the country during this period.

For 2025, the schedule is as follows:

• July 11: Opening ceremony at the National Stadium (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM), followed by the first rounds of wrestling and archery competitions
• July 12: Horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag (about 30km outside Ulaanbaatar), continuation of wrestling and archery competitions
• July 13: Final competitions and closing ceremony

The Three Traditional Sports

Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)

Mongolian wrestling is perhaps the most prestigious of the three sports. Unlike many international wrestling styles, there are no weight categories or time limits in traditional Mongolian wrestling. Competitors wear special open-chested jackets (zodog), shorts (shuudag), and traditional boots (gutal). The objective is simple: the first wrestler to touch the ground with any part of his body other than his feet or hands loses the match.

What makes Mongolian wrestling particularly fascinating are the rituals surrounding the competition. Before and after each match, wrestlers perform the "eagle dance" (devekh), extending their arms like the wings of an eagle to symbolize strength and freedom. The tournament follows a single-elimination format, with winners receiving titles based on the number of rounds they complete, such as "Falcon" (5 rounds), "Elephant" (7 rounds), and the most prestigious, "Lion" (the champion).

Horse Racing (Mori Uraldag)

Horse racing during Naadam is unlike any equestrian event you might have seen elsewhere. These races cover long distances (15-30 km) across the open steppe, and the jockeys are children aged 5-13, selected for their light weight and riding skill. The races are categorized by the age of the horses, with six different categories ranging from two-year-olds to full-grown horses.

Before the race, the young riders sing traditional songs to the horses for good luck. After crossing the finish line, spectators rush to collect sweat from the winning horses, believing it brings good fortune. The top five horses in each category receive titles, with the winner being named "Tumnii Ekh" (Leader of Ten Thousand).

Archery (Sür Kharvaa)

Archery competitions at Naadam showcase Mongolia's long tradition of bowmanship. Unlike the other two sports, archery competitions include both men and women, though they compete separately. Archers use traditional composite bows made from layers of horn, bark, wood, and sinew, which require considerable strength to draw.

The targets are small leather cylinders (sur) arranged on the ground at distances of 75 meters for men and 60 meters for women. Each archer typically shoots 40 arrows, and judges stand near the targets, signaling hits with a raised arm and specific verbal calls. The archery competition also features team events, adding a collaborative dimension to this test of precision and skill.

Beyond the Three Sports

While the three traditional sports are the main focus, Naadam offers much more for visitors to experience:

Opening Ceremony

The festival begins with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring hundreds of performers, musicians, dancers, and athletes. The ceremony includes a colorful parade, traditional music performances, and the entrance of the Nine White Banners (Tug), which represent the nine tribes of Mongolia and the country's sovereignty.

Cultural Performances

Throughout the festival, you can enjoy performances of traditional Mongolian music, including throat singing (khöömei), long song (urtiin duu), and horse-head fiddle (morin khuur) concerts. Dance performances and cultural exhibitions are also held at various venues around Ulaanbaatar.

Food and Crafts

The festival is an excellent opportunity to sample traditional Mongolian cuisine, including khuushuur (fried meat pastries that are especially popular during Naadam), airag (fermented mare's milk), and various dairy products. Craft markets sell traditional items such as felt products, leather goods, and clothing, making it a great time to shop for authentic souvenirs.

Planning Your Visit to Naadam 2025

Visa Requirements

If you're planning to attend Naadam 2025, you'll need to ensure you have the proper visa to enter Mongolia. Many countries are eligible for Mongolia's eVisa program, which allows you to apply online without visiting an embassy or consulate. The process is straightforward and typically takes 3-5 business days for approval.

Accommodation

Naadam is the peak tourist season in Mongolia, and accommodations in Ulaanbaatar fill up months in advance. We strongly recommend booking your hotel as early as possible, ideally by January or February 2025. If you're interested in staying in a ger camp outside the city, these should also be reserved well ahead of time.

Transportation

Getting to the various Naadam venues requires some planning:

• National Stadium: Located in central Ulaanbaatar, it's accessible by taxi, public bus, or walking from many downtown hotels.
• Horse Racing Venue: Khui Doloon Khudag is about 30km from the city. Tour operators organize transportation, or you can hire a private driver for the day.
• Around the City: During Naadam, traffic in Ulaanbaatar can be extremely congested. Consider using the public bus system or walking when possible.

Tickets

Tickets for the opening ceremony at the National Stadium are the most sought-after and should be purchased well in advance. Prices typically range from 30,000 to 150,000 MNT ($10-50 USD) depending on the seating section. The horse racing events at Khui Doloon Khudag are generally free to attend, though there may be charges for parking or special viewing areas.

Tickets can be purchased through:

• Official government ticket offices in Ulaanbaatar
• Major hotels in Ulaanbaatar
• Tour operators offering Naadam packages

Weather Considerations

July in Mongolia is generally warm, with daytime temperatures in Ulaanbaatar typically ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). However, weather can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers not uncommon. We recommend bringing:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection
• A light raincoat or umbrella
• Layers for cooler mornings and evenings
• Comfortable walking shoes

Naadam Festival Tours

For the most comprehensive Naadam experience, consider joining a specialized tour. These packages typically include:

• Guaranteed tickets to the opening ceremony
• Transportation to all venues, including the horse racing location
• English-speaking guides who can explain the cultural significance and rules of the competitions
• Accommodation during the busy festival period
• Additional cultural experiences before or after the main festival

Cultural Etiquette During Naadam

To ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience, keep these cultural considerations in mind:

• Photography: While photography is generally welcomed, ask permission before taking close-up photos of participants, especially wrestlers and archers preparing for competition.
• Dress Code: There's no strict dress code for spectators, but modest clothing is appreciated, especially during the opening ceremony which has official government attendance.
• Respect for Traditions: Some aspects of the competitions have spiritual or traditional significance. Follow the lead of local attendees and your guide regarding appropriate behavior.
• Sacred Objects: The Nine White Banners displayed during the opening ceremony are important state symbols. Show respect by not pointing at them or turning your back to them when they're being displayed.

Conclusion

The Naadam Festival offers a unique window into Mongolia's cultural soul, combining athletic prowess, artistic expression, and centuries of tradition. Whether you're fascinated by the wrestling competitions, moved by the traditional music, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, Naadam provides an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Mongolian culture.

By planning ahead for Naadam 2025, you can secure your place at this remarkable celebration and witness firsthand the living heritage of the steppes. From the thundering hooves of racing horses to the precise skill of archers and the strength of wrestlers, Naadam embodies the spirit of Mongolia and offers visitors a chance to connect with one of the world's most unique cultural traditions.