Naadam Festival

When: Annual, held 11 - 13 July each year.

Where: Main events in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with horse races staged in nearby aimag centres and the countryside.

Cost: Most city events are free to watch; paid grandstand and hospitality tickets for the National Sports Stadium are available and should be bought in advance.

Don’t miss: The opening ceremony and wrestling finals at the National Sports Stadium and the nomadic-style horse races outside the city.

Naadam, often called Eriin Gurvan Naadam (the “Three Manly Games”), is Mongolia’s flagship cultural festival celebrating wrestling, archery and horse racing - sports rooted in nomadic military training and seasonal community gatherings.

In Ulaanbaatar, the centerpiece is a big, colourful opening parade and ceremony that fills the National Sports Stadium, while provincial centres host large horse races and local competitions; the atmosphere mixes competitive focus with music, traditional dress and food stalls.

Naadam runs every year from 11 to 13 July, a fixed national holiday period held at the height of summer in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The festival typically opens on 11 July with the stadium ceremony; wrestling and archery competitions run across the three days with the top wrestling rounds and final contests staged toward the last day, and longer horse races often held in the mornings outside the city.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is served by Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), about a 30 - 50 minute drive to the city depending on traffic; taxis and airport shuttles connect to central hotels and the festival area. Arrive at least 48 - 72 hours before 11 July to settle logistics, and book accommodation and stadium tickets well in advance.

• If you go to Ulaanbaatar for Naadam, book hotels and any grandstand tickets months ahead; the city fills fast during the holiday.
• Dress in layers and bring sun protection; July days are warm but early mornings and evenings can be cool, especially out on the steppe.
• Respect local customs: ask permission before photographing competitors or children, avoid touching horses, and observe seating/entrance rules at the National Sports Stadium.
• Carry cash (Mongolian tugrik) and a working SIM card; some rural vendors do not accept cards and connectivity can be patchy at race sites.
• For horse races outside the city, hire a reputable guide or join an organised transfer - race sites are remote, travel can be long and roads rough.
• Expect large crowds at stadium events: arrive early for good viewing, keep valuables secure, and plan a meeting point in case your group is separated.