Top Mongolian Festivals You Must See

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.

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.

Despite the cold temperatures and biting winds, many activities will not only warm you up but also push you out of your comfort zone! Here are some highlights:

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.

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.

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. 

If you want read more about the origin and history of the festival read this: https://mongoliaquest.com/revival-of-kazakh-eagle-hunting/

If the festival isn’t on your bucket list yet, you’ll definitely want to add it after reading about the exciting events and activities that await!

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.

Made your decisions? Here is the helpful tips for you. 

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!

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.

Highlights of the Naadam: 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!

Highlights of the Naadam: Foods

If you are a true foodie, Naadam is a dream come true. No Naadam 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. It’s a refreshing drink with a low alcohol content (typically 2-3%), and it plays an essential role in our culture. You’ll find airag everywhere during Naadam. In addition to airag, vodka is also a staple during Naadam. Sharing a vodka toast is our way of welcoming you and celebrating the festivities together.

Interested in Naadam foods? Read more on this topic from this blog: https://mongoliaquest.com/culinary-delights-tculinary-delights-of-naadam-and-golden-eagle-festivals/

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 celebrationsn in Asian countires, 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.

Even though it’s not technically a festival, it’s a vital celebration of Mongolia and a must-have on your bucket list to truly experience the spirit of our culture.

Why celebrate in spring? 

Mongolia’s distinct seasons shape our nomadic way of life. Tsagaan Sar celebrates overcoming the harsh winter and welcoming the first signs of spring—a fresh start after the toughest season.

Winter is especially challenging for herders, who face extreme cold, scarce water, and snow-covered pastures. Without enough stored fodder, livestock may perish in a phenomenon called dzud, marked by severe weather conditions. Urban areas like Ulaanbaatar face their own struggles, including intense air pollution from coal heating and traffic during freezing temperatures.

That’s why, surviving winter is both a physical and mental challenge, so when spring finally arrives, it’s something truly worth celebrating. But Tsagaan Sar wasn’t always a celebration of welcoming spring.

History of Tsagaan Sar

• Originally, during the Xiongnu period, Tsagaan Sar was celebrated in autumn, marking a season of abundance for herders—dairy products at their peak, healthy livestock, and a completed harvest. The name “White Month” likely symbolizes purity, prosperity, and the wealth of the season.
• In the 13th century, Genghis Khan shifted the celebration to spring. For Mongols, spring represents new beginnings—flowers blooming, grass growing, and livestock birthing. It became a time of renewal after winter.
• When Buddhism spread in the 16th century, Tsagaan Sar took on additional spiritual significance. Lamas used astrological charts to determine the festival’s date, blending nomadic traditions with Buddhist practices to create the Tsagaan Sar we celebrate today.

It’s fascinating how Tsagaan Sar has evolved over time while still retaining its core values of respect, unity, and gratitude. In modern society, the festival remains a heartfelt celebration of family and community.

Highlights of Tsagaan Sar

One of the highlights is 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.

If you’re a traveler hoping to experience Tsagaan Sar, here are some tips to ensure you fully embrace this unique and vibrant Mongolian tradition: