If you could visit Mongolia this year, what would you do? 🇲🇳
For you, fellow adventurer, we’re sharing our top picks of Mongolia’s most exciting festivals 🎉, along with expert tips to make your journey truly unforgettable.
No matter your travel style, experiencing a cultural festival or traditional celebration is essential. It’s the perfect way to connect with a place and its people, creating memories that last a lifetime.
1. Thousand Camel Festival
Did you know that Mongolia is one of the major homelands of two-humped camels? Mongolia is home to the two-humped Bactrian camel, and for centuries, camels have sustained Mongolian nomadic herders through their milk, meat, and fiber, even in the harshest climatic conditions.
An interesting fact from 2024: three Russian travelers disappeared in the Sea of Okhotsk for two months, but one of them survived and was found after the ordeal. Remarkably, one of them managed to survive the extreme cold with the help of a camel wool blanket—amazing, right? It really shows how incredible camels are as creatures, with their wool providing crucial warmth in such harsh conditions.
To honor this magnificent creature and preserve camel herding traditions, promote breeding, and pass down customs to the next generation, the Thousand Camel Festival was created.
About The Festival
Held annually from February 1st to 3rd in Dalanzadgad, Umnugovi Province, this festival has brought life and excitement to Mongolia’s winters for over 25 years.
You might be wondering, what makes this festival so special and popular? The uniqueness lies in its name.With a camel population exceeding 470,000, Umnugovi has the largest camel population of the 21 provinces in Mongolia.
Hundreds of camel herders, along with thousands of local and international travelers, gather at this event from all across the country. Some camel herders even travel over 1,000 kilometers to attend.
In fact, in 2016, the festival gained global recognition during the Mongol Temee-999 event, where 1,132 camels raced across 15 kilometers, earning a Guinness World Record—an achievement we are proud to have contributed to. Imagine thousand camels, weighing half a ton and standing over two meters tall, racing and galloping across the vast, snow covered ladscape of southern Gobi.
Festival Highlights
- Camel Parade: The customary start of the festival. Up to 400 camels and herders from various families and locations participate, all proudly dressed in traditional attire, deel, exuding pride and joy.
- Camel Polo Tournament: Yes, you read that right—polo on camels! Local camel herders initiated this sport a few years ago to celebrate their love and dedication to two-humped camels.
- Crowning Competition: A celebration of the finest male and female camels. It’s like a beauty pageant for camels, judged by Mongolian standards and customs, reflecting the herders’ deep love for their livestock.
- Best Camel Herder Couple: Similar to picking the king and queen of a ball, this competition honors the couple with the most beautiful deel and accessories, along with the largest and most magnificent camels.
- Team Relay Race and Archery on Camelback: A unique sports competition you can only experience in Mongolia, set against the snowy Gobi landscape.
💡Tips:
- Dalanzadgad is approximately 600 kilometers (365 miles) from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. We recommend traveling with a dedicated guide or driver to ensure safety on the road and avoid getting lost. Driving in Mongolia’s winter can be tricky, requiring local knowledge and expertise.
- Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals or their camels. While Mongolians are generally open and kind, they value their livestock and prefer not to be disturbed, especially concerning their precious animals.
- Be cautious when interacting with camels or riding them. To avoid accidents, never touch the animal without permission and guidance. Though camels are typically calm, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
- The festival is held during the shoulder season, and while domestic travelers are increasing, accommodation and other amenities can be limited. Be sure to book your driver and hotel in advance, and plan your trip as early as possible to secure the best options.
Despite the cold temperatures and biting winds, many activities will not only warm you up but also push you out of your comfort zone!
Not only is there so much to see as an audience, but you can also experience the festival firsthand. You can ride camels, join the parade, and explore markets selling camel wool, dairy products, handcrafted items, hot drinks, and local foods while engaging with the local communities.
This is an event you’ve never seen before and won’t find anywhere else but in Mongolia. The warm atmosphere amidst the cold, the bustling communities, and the pride and joy on the herders’ faces, coupled with the grunting of the camels, will create an unforgettable memory.
2. Blue Pearl: Ice Festival in Khovsgol
If you’re planning to visit Mongolia in winter or looking to level up your adventure, the Blue Pearl Ice Festival is the experience you’re seeking. First initiated by local park rangers 25 years ago, this festival was created to raise awareness about protecting Khovsgol Lake and to promote Mongolia’s winter tourism.
Held annually in February on the frozen surface of Khovsgol Lake, the Blue Pearl Ice Festival has grown into one of Mongolia’s most anticipated winter events. Khovsgol is known for its crystal-clear waters, which give the lake its stunning blue hue, earning it the name “Blue Pearl.” Revered as the “Mother Lake,” it contains more than 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water resources and is listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While the lake is a hot spot for summer tourism, it offers something truly extraordinary when frozen.
About The Festival
Don’t let the cold temperatures hold you back! The festival offers a vibrant array of activities that will keep you warm and entertained. Highlights include ice ankle-bone shooting, skating competitions, motorsport demonstrations, dog sled races, and tug-of-war on ice, along with cultural performances by local theaters.
One of the most unique aspects of the Ice Festival is the horseshoe race. Training a horse to walk on ice is a complex skill, and only horses from Khovsgol are adapted to this. These horses trot and gallop as they see their own reflection on the mirror-like ice, showcasing a delicate bond between the animals and nature. It’s said that until the 1990s, horse-drawn sleighs were the primary mode of transportation for the people of the Khovsgol taiga and lake area. Today, the tradition continues with an elegant display of horse-drawn sleighs, and this culture is passed down through generations.
Another fascinating feature of the festival is the ice sculpture competition. Ice carvers create stunning sculptures of animals like horses, leopards, and deer, along with intricate structures such as ice huts and knights in armor. These masterpieces capture the attention of visitors and are truly a sight to behold.
You might be wondering how the event impacts Khovsgol Lake. No need to worry—local children play an active role in keeping the area clean. They’ve initiated a voluntary cleanup effort during and after the festival, picking up trash using sleighs. This impressive initiative demonstrates the dedication of the local community, particularly the younger generation, to protecting their beloved Mother Lake.
More Adventure Ideas 📌
Khankh Village: Another gateway town to Khovsgol Lake, Khankh village is a beautiful and remote settlement near the Russian border. While it usually takes two days to reach the village from Khatgal Soum in summer, in winter, the frozen lake makes the journey just two hours long.It is the only village in the province with ports, and its wooden houses feature strong Russian architectural influences. In addition to pastoralism, locals engage in trade, transporting goods between Mongolia and Russia
Visit the Reindeer Nomads: While in Khovsgol, consider visiting the Tsaatan or Dukha people, reindeer herders who live in the Taiga. Only around 300 people (about 40 families) remain in this harsh environment, where temperatures can drop to as low as -31 to -50°C in winter. The Tsaatans live at an altitude of 2,500-3,500 meters in the mountains. You can stay in their wooden huts made from reindeer skin, learn about their lifestyle and culture, and witness their shamanic rituals and traditional ceremonies up close.
💡Tips:
- Khovsgol can reach extreme lows, so insulated boots and thermal gear are essential. If you’re in Ulaanbaatar, you can pick up felt boots at Narantuul Market—locals’ top choice for winter, offering comfort and durability.
- Don’t miss out on Mongolian hot drinks and meals. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also offer a great opportunity to interact with locals. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap tea for a shot of vodka!
- Mongolian cuisine is meat-heavy, with lots of dairy in winter. If you have dietary restrictions, let your guide or cook know. But it’s polite to at least take a sip or bite if offered tea or food—(or, at the very least, pretend to enjoy it!)
- Khatgal village, main gateway town to Khovsgol, is 802 km (12 hours) from Ulaanbaatar. If you’re not on a tight budget, you can fly to Murun city, but be prepared for more driving. Hiring a local driver and guide is highly recommended for a smoother experience and safety.
3. The Golden Eagle Festival
You’ve probably heard of the eagle hunters of Mongolia or seen the Oscar-nominated documentary The Eagle Huntress. If not, now’s the time to get acquainted with this remarkable tradition!
The Golden Eagle Festival is one of Mongolia’s most unique and anticipated cultural events, held twice a year. Established in 2000, the festival’s goal is to preserve and revive the ancient customs of the Kazakh people, one of Mongolia’s ethnic minorities. Eagle hunting, a tradition that has been practiced by Central Asian nomads for over 6,000 years, is especially cherished in Mongolia, where it’s most notably preserved.
But we have more detailed blog on the festival’s origin and history, so let’s get into the festival highlights. You can check the blog from here: https://mongoliaquest.com/revival-of-kazakh-eagle-hunting/
Festival Highlights
- Eagle Hunting Competitions: The star of the festival! Watch in awe as eagle hunters showcase their incredible bond with their birds in thrilling hunting simulations. Eagles swoop down at breathtaking speeds, landing gracefully on their hunters’ arms, demonstrating their skill and precision.
- Traditional Mongolian Sports: Alongside the eagle hunting, enjoy watching horse racing, wrestling, and Uriankhai archery—traditional sports that add even more energy to the already vibrant atmosphere of the festival.
- Costume Parade: You won’t want to miss this! The eagle hunters wear stunning, fur-lined coats, intricate headpieces, and finely crafted hunting gear, turning the parade into a living showcase of their culture. It’s a feast for the eyes.
- Cultural Performances: Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Altai region with local music, dances, and storytelling. These performances are a fantastic way to learn about the history and traditions of the Kazakh community.
- Meet the Eagle Hunters: Get up close and personal with the hunters and their incredible birds.You can learn about the eagle training process, hear fascinating hunting stories, and even take photos with the eagles themselves.
- Horseback Riding & Kazakh Meals: For a truly immersive experience, try horseback riding through the stunning Altai Mountains. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy hearty Kazakh meals that will keep you warm and energized.
💡Tips:
- If you’re visiting Mongolia in the spring, consider attending the Spring Eagle Festival in March, near Ulaanbaatar. It’s a great option for those on a time or budget crunch, though it can get quite crowded as locals from the capital flock to the event.
- For a more authentic, intimate experience, head to the Golden Eagle Festival in Altai Soum, Bayan-Ulgii province, located in western Mongolia in september and October. The festival here offers a deeper connection with the eagle hunters and their communities.
- Alternatively, there are smaller, community-led festivals in other sums for those seeking a more personal and less crowded interaction with locals.
- Don’t wear bright colored clothes, especially red! Birds of prey are attracted to these colors and might mistake you for prey.Play it safe and stick to more neutral, earthy tones to blend in.
No matter when or where you attend, the Golden Eagle Festival promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with culture, tradition, and breathtaking moments. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss!
Check Out Our Eagle Festival Tours
4. The Naadam Festival
Did you know that the Naadam Festival is listed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? Pretty amazing, right? It’s not just globally recognized—it’s the most eagerly awaited celebration for us Mongolians!
Every year, we dress in our most beautiful deel (traditional attire), gather with loved ones, and head to the countryside, where the vast, lush steppe becomes the perfect stage for this grand event. This is a time of abundant dairy treats, delicious food, heartfelt hospitality, and joyful moments that bring everyone together. And here’s a fun fact: we even get days off from work to celebrate Naadam—it’s our constitutional right!
Brief History of Naadam Festival
Now, let us tell you a little bit about the festival’s background. Known as the “Three Men’s Games,” Naadam has deep roots in the traditions of our nomadic ancestors, going back more than 2,000 years to the founding of the Xiongnu Empire. During Genghis Khan’s time, Naadam was more than just a celebration—it was a way to unite the tribes and sharpen the skills of his soldiers. The competitions celebrated strength and military prowess, with titles awarded to the best warriors.
Fast forward to the 19th century, when the People’s Revolution gave Naadam a new meaning as a national holiday symbolizing Mongolia’s independence. Today, Naadam isn’t just held in Ulaanbaatar—you’ll find celebrations all across the country, in every province and small town.
Festival Highlights: Traditional Sports
- Wrestling: Imagine literally 1,072 wrestlers competing in nine bouts to earn the coveted title of “Champion”! Along the way, wrestlers earn honorary titles inspired by powerful animals like Falcon (Nachin), Hawk (Hartsaga), Elephant (Zaan), and Lion (Arslan). It’s an incredible display of skill and strength.
- Horse racing: The races are divided into six age categories, and the riders are children between 7 and 12 years old. It’s amazing to see these young jockeys guiding their horses across distances of 10–25 kilometers, depending on the horse’s age. On July 12, there’s a special ceremony where the fastest horses, known as the “Five of the Nation,” are honored with beautiful blessings and praise.
- Archery is another sport you’ll love with a long history. It dates back 2,000 years and evolved from hunting and warfare to a celebrated part of our culture. What’s special about Mongolian archery is the accompanying “Suryn Uukhai”—a traditional song that praises the skill and wisdom of the archers. It’s as much a musical performance as it is a competition!
Also, if you are a true foodie, Naadam is a dream come true. No festival here is complete without khuushuur (deep fried dumplings). During Naadam, khuushuur takes center stage—it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect to grab and eat while watching the festivities.
And if you’re okay with dairy, you’re in for a treat! Summer is when our livestock are at their healthiest, so dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) are in abundance. A staple of nomadic culture, it’s lightly alcoholic, tangy, and rich in probiotics, making it both refreshing and beneficial for digestion.
💡Tips:
- While the food and drinks during Naadam are delicious, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your diet, especially if it’s your first time trying traditional Mongolian cuisine. Khuushuur and Airag might take your stomach on an unexpected adventure. And trust me—no one wants to be stuck in a bathroom, crouching, and missing all the fun! Read more about Naadam delights: https://mongoliaquest.com/culinary-delights-tculinary-delights-of-naadam-and-golden-eagle-festivals/
- Naadam season is a busy time! Everything from accommodations to Naadam tickets can sell out quickly. To make sure you don’t miss out on the experience, it’s best to book everything several months in advance. Planning will save you a lot of stress and ensure you enjoy the festivities to the fullest!
Check Out Our Naadam Tours
5. Tsagaan Sar
When you think about New Year, you might imagine fireworks and midnight countdowns. In Mongolia, we celebrate it differently—with Tsagaan Sar, or “White Month.” Unlike other Lunar New Year celebrations in Asian countries, Tsagaan Sar is tied to the changing seasons, marking the end of harsh winters and the arrival of spring.
And by the way, a quick reminder: Tsagaan Sar and the Chinese Lunar New Year are not the same! We celebrate them at different times, so don’t get them confused.
Why Celebrate in Spring
Mongolia’s 4 seasons shape every aspect of our nomadic way of life. And after enduring the harsh winter, Tsagaan Sar is our way of celebrating a fresh start with the arrival of spring.
Winter in Mongolia is tough, especially for herders. They face bitter cold, scarce water, and snow-covered pastures. Without enough stored fodder, livestock can succumb to the extreme conditions, a phenomenon we call dzud—a devastating winter that often leads to heavy losses. Even in urban areas like Ulaanbaatar, winter isn’t easy. The freezing temperatures mean intense air pollution from coal heating and traffic congestion.
So, when spring finally arrives, it’s more than a change in season—it’s a moment of relief, hope, and celebration. Surviving winter here is both a physical and mental challenge, which makes welcoming spring all the more meaningful.
But did you know Tsagaan Sar wasn’t always a spring festival?
The Brief History of Tsagaan Sar
During the Xiongnu period over 2,000 years ago, Tsagaan Sar was originally celebrated in autumn, a season of abundance for herders. Livestock were healthy, dairy products were at their peak, and the harvest was complete. The name “White Month” likely symbolized the prosperity and purity of the season.
It wasn’t until the 13th century, under Genghis Khan, that the festival shifted to spring. For Mongols, spring represents new beginnings: flowers blooming, grass growing, and livestock giving birth. It became a time to renew and rejoice after enduring the hardships of winter.
Later, in the 16th century, with the spread of Buddhism, Tsagaan Sar took on spiritual significance. Monks began using astrological charts to determine the festival’s date, blending traditional nomadic practices with Buddhist rituals. Over time, the Tsagaan Sar we celebrate today evolved—a unique mix of history, spirituality, and tradition.
Tsagaan Sar Highlights
- Visiting family members, especially the eldest, and offering a traditional greeting called zolgokh—placing your hands under their arms as a sign of deep respect. In smaller communities, people often visit the eldest in the neighborhood, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of Mongolian society.
- Tsagaan Sar is also marked by a lavish feast. The centerpiece is the boov tower, traditional biscuits stacked high. Alongside it, you’ll find buuz (steamed dumplings) and sometimes a whole roasted sheep’s back or cuts of meat, symbolizing abundance and hospitality. Dairy products like aaruul (dried curd), byaslag (cheese), airag (fermented mare’s milk), and vodka are also common.
- For many families, Tsagaan Sar is a time for Buddhist rituals, including offerings and prayers for blessings of health, wealth, and protection. We also honor our ancestors by offering portions of our festive food to them, as well as to nature and the spirits of our homeland, a way to reflect on the past and hope for the future.
- And yes, our animals don’t miss out! We ensure our livestock and pets are well-fed during the festival, reflecting the care and generosity that’s extended to all living beings.
💡Tips:
- Tsagaan Sar doesn’t have a fixed date and is determined by the lunisolar calendar, usually falling in February or March. Make sure to check the specific date for that year and plan your trip accordingly.
- To truly experience Tsagaan Sar, try to spend the celebration with a local family in the countryside. Many families welcome visitors, especially those interested in learning about Mongolian culture and traditions. Your local guide or tour operator can help arrange this for you.
- Mongolians take pride in their traditional dress. If you’re invited to a family gathering, consider wearing traditional Mongolian clothing, a deel (a long robe) to show respect for the occasion. If you don’t have one, ask if your tour guide can lend you a piece or you can buy it from local markets.
- Mongolian hospitality is renowned. You may be given food and drink repeatedly, and it’s polite to accept, even if you’re full. You might also be offered gifts—accept them with gratitude.
- While many Mongolians speak some English, learning a few key Mongolian phrases, like “Sain baina uu?” (How are you?) or “Amar baina uu!” (Greeting used during Tsagaan Sar!), Bayarlalaa(Thank You) can help you connect more deeply with locals and show your appreciation for their culture.