Every July, Mongolia comes alive with color, athletic prowess, and deep-rooted nomadic tradition. Known locally as “Eriin Gurvan Naadam” (the Three Manly Games), the Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s biggest national holiday and a celebrated UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
For centuries, Naadam has brought together nomadic communities from every corner of the country to compete in three ancient sports: Wrestling, Archery, and Horse Racing.
If you are planning a trip to Mongolia, experiencing Naadam firsthand offers an extraordinary window into the spirit, pride, and heritage of the Mongolian people.
The Origin of Naadam: From Warrior Training to National Celebration
The roots of Naadam stretch back thousands of years to the era of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. Originally, these three sports were not just games—they were essential military skills used to train soldiers, test physical endurance, and keep troops battle-ready during peace.
Today, Naadam is a joyous celebration of independence, heritage, and community spirit held annually from July 11 to 13, with local regional Naadams taking place throughout the summer across different provinces (aimags).
The Three Manly Games Explained
1. Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)
Unlike Western wrestling, Mongolian wrestling has no weight classes, no ring boundaries, and no time limits. A wrestler loses the moment any part of their body above the knee or hand touches the ground.
- The Attire: Competitors wear the Zodog (a tight, open-chested jacket) and Shuudag (small shorts), along with traditional boots (Gutal). According to legend, the open front was introduced after a woman entered the competition disguised as a man and defeated all male contenders!
- The Eagle Dance (Devee): Before and after each match, wrestlers perform the symbolic Devee dance, mimicking the flight of a falcon or eagle to display strength and grace.
2. Traditional Horse Racing (Moriny Uraldaan)
Mongolian horse racing is fundamentally different from Western track racing. It is a cross-country endurance event covering distance routes from 15 to 30 kilometers (9 to 18 miles) across the open steppe, depending on the age of the horse.
- The Jockeys: The horses are ridden by child jockeys, usually between the ages of 6 and 12. In Mongolian nomadic culture, children learn to ride almost before they can walk, and their light weight allows the horses to cover vast distances at full speed.
- The Winner’s Glory: In Mongolia, the glory of victory belongs to the horse and its trainer rather than the rider. The winning horse is sprinkled with airag (fermented mare’s milk) and praised in traditional poetic song.
3. Archery (Sur Kharvaa)
Mongolian archery is a display of extraordinary precision. Male and female archers shoot handcrafted composite bows made of horn, wood, sinew, and leather.
- The Targets: Instead of bullseye boards, archers shoot at rows of small woven leather cylinders called Sur laid out on the ground.
- The Referees’ Song: Referees stand near the target area. When an archer scores a hit, the referees raise their hands in the air and sing a melodic signal called the Ukhai to announce the score to the audience.
Central Naadam vs. Countryside Naadam: Which Should You Attend?
- The Central Naadam in Ulaanbaatar: Features grand opening ceremonies at the National Stadium, state-level athletes, vibrant costume parades, and high-energy crowds.
- Countryside Naadams: Held in smaller villages (sums) and provinces. These festivals offer an intimate, crowd-free setting where you can stand right alongside nomadic families, interact with locals, and photograph the games up close.
Tips for Traveling During Naadam
- Book Early: Flights, hotels, and vehicle transport fill up months in advance for the July festival season.
- Dress Comfortably: July is peak summer in Mongolia. Pack sun protection, a wide-brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, and light layers.
- Try Local Foods: Naadam is famous for Khuushuur—crispy, fried flat pastry pockets stuffed with seasoned minced meat. Enjoying hot Khuushuur with a cold beverage is an essential Naadam tradition!
Experience Naadam with H&A Travel
At H&A Travel, we specialize in crafting immersive, seamless cultural journeys across Mongolia. Whether you want to witness the grand spectacles of Ulaanbaatar’s main stadium or experience an authentic, off-the-beaten-path countryside Naadam in the vast open steppe, our expert team manages all logistics, private transport, and local guiding.
Let H&A Travel turn your Mongolian adventure into an unforgettable story.