Must-See Festivals in Mongolia

Must-See Festivals in Mongolia

·       Naadam Festival (July 11-13)
Naadam is the most famous festival in Mongolia, celebrating the "Three Manly Games": wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It’s a fun, colorful event with lots of excitement, held every July in Ulaanbaatar. If you're in Mongolia in the summer, don’t miss this one!

·       Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year January or February)
Tsagaan Sar is Mongolia’s Lunar New Year and is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional food, and cultural customs. It's a time to honor ancestors and enjoy special meals like dumplings. The celebration typically happens in February or March.

·       Thousand Camel Festival (January or February)
The Thousand Camel Festival takes place in the Gobi Desert and celebrates Mongolia’s camel herding traditions. You can watch camel races, ride camels, and learn about the herders' lifestyle. It’s a fun way to experience the desert’s unique culture, but be ready for cold weather in January!

·       Nomad World Cultural Festival (July)
The Nomad World Cultural Festival celebrates Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle. The festival features traditional games, horseback riding, and cultural performances. It’s a great chance to learn about Mongolia’s unique way of life and see how the nomads live today.

·       Golden Eagle Festival (October and February or March)
Held in the Altai Mountains, the Golden Eagle Festival is a celebration of eagle hunting, a traditional practice in Mongolia. The festival features eagle hunting competitions, traditional performances, and an incredible display of skill and tradition. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Mongolia’s cultural heritage.

·       Thousand Horse Festival (August)
The Thousand Horse Festival takes place in Kharkhorin, Mongolia’s ancient capital. The festival celebrates Mongolia’s deep connection with horses, featuring horse races, traditional nomadic games, and a chance to explore the history of the Mongol Empire. If you love horses, this one is a great festival to attend.

·       Reindeer Festival (February)
Held in northern Mongolia, the Reindeer Festival celebrates the Tsaatan people, one of the last groups to herd reindeer. You can enjoy reindeer races, ride reindeer, and learn about the reindeer herding life. It’s a unique and remote festival, perfect for adventurous travelers.

·       Play Time Music Festival (Summer 2025/7/03-7/06)
The Play Time Music Festival is a lively music festival held in Ulaanbaatar. Local and international artists perform, and the event is filled with great music, food stalls, and a fun atmosphere. If you enjoy live music and want to experience Mongolia’s modern cultural scene, this one’s for you.

·       Lake Khuvsgul Ice Festival (January)
The Lake Khuvsgul Ice Festival takes place on Lake Khuvsgul, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful lakes. The festival includes ice fishing, ice sailing, and traditional winter sports. It’s a great way to enjoy Mongolia’s winter wonderland if you love cold-weather activities.

·       Yak Festival (August)
Held in the beautiful Orkhon Valley, the Yak Festival celebrates one of Mongolia’s most iconic animals. Locals showcase yak milking, racing, polo games, and even yak rodeo! It’s an authentic look into rural life and perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the usual.

·       Danshig Naadam & Khuree Tsam Festival (August)
This religious and cultural festival combines Buddhist ceremonies and ancient Tsam mask dancing with traditional Naadam-style games. Originally held for political unity, it’s now a spiritual and cultural highlight, held near Ulaanbaatar. The colorful masks and rituals are mesmerizing.

·       Winter Horse Festival (February)
Held in the harsh yet beautiful winter of Mongolia, this festival honors the importance of horses during the cold season. You’ll see frozen river races, speed trials, and local horsemen dressed in traditional winter deels, showing off their skills and strength.

·       Tsam Dance Festival (Date Varies)
A religious ceremony rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, the Tsam Dance features lamas wearing intricate masks and costumes representing deities, animals, and spirits. These performances are meant to ward off evil and purify the land. It's deeply symbolic and visually powerful.

·       Bituun Night (Tsagaan Sar Eve)
While technically part of Tsagaan Sar, Bituun deserves its own spotlight. This is the last night of the lunar year, a time for families to clean their homes, light candles, and prepare special dishes to bring in good fortune. It’s one of the most intimate and spiritually meaningful evenings in Mongolia.

·       Altai Kazakh Culture Festival (September)
In western Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii Province, this festival is a celebration of the Kazakh ethnic group’s vibrant traditions. Expect throat singing, Kazakh embroidery, horse shows, and delicious traditional dishes like beshbarmak and baursak. It’s a warm, community-focused event with strong cultural pride.