Trip Summary
Naadam means games. Naadam originally was a way to train men in military skills: every soldier had to be able to ride fast, shoot arrows, and wrestle with enemies during combat. In Mongolia, with its scarce population and nomadic ways, where individual herders live far apart, it was important to come together occasionally for training. That is why the Naadam is often called 3 manly sports: horse racing, archery, and wrestling.
Trip Highlights
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT…
- Experience the rich history and traditions of the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s most significant celebration.
- Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance, and colorful costumes.
- Interact with friendly Mongolian people who are renowned for their hospitality.
THIS TRIP IS PERFECT FOR…
- Culture Enthusiasts with a keen interest in learning about and experiencing unique cultural traditions and festivals.
- Families and groups looking for a fun, educational, and engaging travel experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.
- Photographers looking to capture the vibrant colors, dynamic action, and unique cultural moments of Mongolia’s most celebrated festival.
Location & Itinerary
National Sports Stadium
- Events: The main venue for the Naadam Festival, hosting the opening ceremony, wrestling matches, archery competitions, and the finish of the horse races.
- Facilities: Large seating capacity, modern amenities, and a festive atmosphere with food stalls and cultural performances.
Khui Doloon Khudag
- Events: Primary location for horse racing events, with expansive grounds to accommodate the long-distance races.
- Facilities: Temporary grandstands, food and beverage vendors, and areas for spectators to gather and watch the races.
Enjoy two full days in the city, attending the Naadam festival games, consisting of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The festival is also an occasion for family reunions and big feasts.
Three manly sports are believed to have existed pre-Chinggis Khaan and were a way to train for military campaigns. Nowadays archery competitions exist for both men and women and usually occur just outside the main stadium in Ulaanbaatar. Unlike our warlike ancestors, modern archers compete on moderate distances between 70-100 meters.
Wrestling is big in Mongolia and while for newcomers it might seem unfair – there are no age or weight restrictions and often one can see big guys wrestling small athletes – it is an ages-old tradition
where in a battle field one can not choose his opponent and has to fight anyone. Horseracing takes place outside of the city and is divided into 6 horse age groups, starting from 2 year olds. Usually, the jockeys are young children aged between 6-12 years. The race is more about endurance than speed, as even the two-year-old horses need to race for 12 km and adult horses race for over 30 km at once.
You will be able to attend all three competitions and various events of sport and culture arranged during this centuries-old celebration. Hotel accommodation is arranged on your own. (L)
Pricing
- Naadam Entrance tickets;
- 3 daily meals as indicated as B, L or D;
- All transfers by private Land Cruiser including drinking water;
- English-speaking guide with local knowledge, expertise, suggestions, and support throughout the trip;
- All taxes and service charges.
- International airfare;
- Personal laundry;
- Drinks not mentioned in the itinerary;
- Travel insurance and Medical evacuation costs;
- Excess baggage charges, Visa fees;
- Gratuities;
- Photography and video fees and any other item not mentioned as included.
PHOTOS & REVIEWS
I took a 10 day solo tour centered around the Naadam festival. The tour included tickets to Naadam’s opening ceremony and trips to Hustain National Park, the Flaming Cliffs, and Hovsgol. For ten days we covered a good amount of ground and the logistics were handled seamlessly. The highlights was the chance to learn more about the culture and history of this fascinating place. My wonderful guide, Duuya suggested opportunities that were not in the official itinerary such as meeting reindeer herding families who happened to be in the area. She also helped bridge the gap speaking to families in gers we visited along the way. The drivers were all champions. Recommend!
