Naadam Festival July 11 - 13
The Naadam Festival is one of the most exciting
and colorful celebrations in Mongolia. Held from July
11 to 13 each year, this unique celebration marks the 1921 Mongolian Revolution.
The center of the festivities are the fierce horse racing, archery and
wrestling competitions, the traditional sports of the Mongolian warrior
(the three "manly" sports, though young girls and women participate
in the racing and archery contests).
Naadam is held in both countryside villages
throughout Mongolia and in Ulaan Baatar, the country's largest.
Participants
of all ages prepare for months prior to the competitions for the ultimate
test of their strength, skill and endurance. The atmosphere during Naadam
is electric with sport, entertainment and festivities.
Naadam Festivities in Ulaan Baatar coincide with our Mongolia Panorama Tour. You'll see the magnificent opening ceremonies with soldiers in bright uniforms and hundreds of others outfitted in the traditional warrior garb of Ghengis Khan parading into the stadium. For the next two days, enjoy the thrilling wrestling and archery competitions at the main stadium and the horseback riding races in the surrounding countryside. Naadam is the essence of the Mongolian spirit. Not to be missed!
The
dates of each countryside Naadam vary each year. We make every
effort to attend the countryside competitions, as you can experience Mongolian
culture up close in a way that is not possible with the larger festival
in Ulaan Baatar. We'll attend the unique Kazakh Naadam in Olgii
after our trek and climb in Western Mongolia.