Festivals of Mongolia Complete Calendar

Every culture tells its story through celebrations, rituals, and seasonal gatherings. Festivals are not only events but living traditions that bring people together, preserve history, and connect communities with their land. 

For travelers, they offer a rare chance to see a country at its most vibrant. In Mongolia, festivals are a tapestry of sports, music, spiritual ceremonies, and nomadic customs that have survived for centuries.

Whether in the icy north, the vast deserts, or the mountainous west, these festivals provide a front-row seat to the soul of the country.

Why Festivals Matter in Mongolia

Festivals in Mongolia are deeply rooted in family life, nomadic culture, and historical traditions. They celebrate everything from the arrival of spring to the endurance of animals that support herders’ livelihoods. For locals, it’s a chance to honor ancestors, showcase strength, and pass knowledge to younger generations. For visitors, festivals reveal the intimate connection between people, nature, and heritage.

Major National Festivals

Naadam Festival (July)

Perhaps the most iconic celebration, Naadam is held every July across the country. Known for the “Three Manly Games” – wrestling, archery, and horse racing – it’s a national holiday that unites urban and rural communities.

The capital, Ulaanbaatar, hosts the grandest version with colorful parades, musicians, and dancers. Beyond the entertainment, Naadam reflects Mongolia’s warrior past and nomadic identity.

Highlights of Naadam:

• Traditional wrestling matches with rituals and chants.
  
• Long-distance horse racing with child jockeys.
  
• Archery competitions using both modern and traditional bows.
  
• Street fairs, food stalls, and cultural performances.
  

Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year – February)

Tsagaan Sar, or “White Moon,” is the Lunar New Year and one of the most significant family-oriented festivals. Homes are cleaned thoroughly to welcome good fortune, and families gather to share dairy products, dumplings, and traditional drinks.

Guests greet elders with a special gesture called zolgokh, exchanging silk scarves called khadag.

Why it’s special for travelers:

• Experience warm Mongolian hospitality.
  
• Taste homemade delicacies such as buuz (steamed dumplings).
  
• Witness age-old rituals of respect and renewal.
  

Golden Eagle Festival (October)

Held in the Bayan-Ölgii province, this festival is a spectacle of skill and culture. It celebrates the Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting, where hunters ride horseback with massive golden eagles trained to catch prey.

Participants wear richly decorated costumes, and the surrounding Altai Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Festival highlights:

• Eagle hunting demonstrations.
  
• Traditional Kazakh songs and dances.
  
• Competitions for costume, horsemanship, and eagle handling.
  
• A unique chance for photographers to capture nomadic life.
  

Seasonal and Regional Celebrations

Spring Festivals

• Camel Festival (March, Bulgan province): A colorful event with camel races, camel beauty contests, and performances highlighting the importance of the Bactrian camel in desert life.
  
• Ice Festival (March, Lake Khuvsgul): Taking place on the frozen lake, activities include ice sculpture contests, horse sled racing, and traditional shamanic rituals.
  

Summer Festivals

• Yak Festival (July, Arkhangai province): A tribute to the yak, featuring yak racing, milking contests, and cultural games.
  
• Danshig Naadam (August, Ulaanbaatar): A spiritual gathering with Buddhist rituals, prayer ceremonies, and historical re-enactments.
  

Autumn and Winter Festivals

• Thousand Camel Festival (November): Dedicated to preserving the camel population, it combines races, music, and cultural parades.
  
• Winter Horse Festival (December, Orkhon Valley): Showcases horse culture with winter riding games, training demonstrations, and folk performances.
  

Festivals of Mongolia: Month-by-Month Calendar

Month	Festival & Location	Key Highlights
February	Tsagaan Sar (Nationwide)	Lunar New Year, family rituals, feasts
March	Ice Festival (Lake Khuvsgul)	Ice games, sled races, shamanic ceremonies
March	Camel Festival (Bulgan)	Camel races, beauty contests, cultural shows
July	Naadam Festival (Nationwide)	Wrestling, archery, horse racing
July	Yak Festival (Arkhangai)	Yak races, dairy contests, nomadic traditions
August	Danshig Naadam (Ulaanbaatar)	Buddhist rituals, traditional performances
October	Golden Eagle Festival (Bayan-Ölgii)	Eagle hunting, Kazakh music and costumes
November	Thousand Camel Festival	Celebrates camels, cultural parades
December	Winter Horse Festival (Orkhon Valley)	Horse culture, winter competitions

Why Travelers Should Plan Around Festivals

Festivals offer more than entertainment; they open a door into Mongolia’s soul. Aligning your travel with these events means you can:

• Witness traditions that have been passed down for centuries.
  
• Engage with local families and learn about their way of life.
  
• Capture stunning photographs of costumes, landscapes, and ceremonies.
  
• Create memories that go beyond sightseeing, making your trip truly unforgettable.
  

Practical Travel Tips for Festival Tours

To make the most of your experience, keep the following in mind:

• Book early: Popular festivals like Naadam attract thousands, so secure accommodation and guides in advance.
  
• Respect customs: Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and follow local etiquette.
  
• Pack wisely: Bring warm gear for winter festivals and sun protection for summer.
  
• Travel smart: Many festivals take place in remote regions, so 4×4 vehicles and guided support are recommended.
  

Conclusion

Festivals are more than gatherings; they are living traditions that bring Mongolia’s history, culture, and nomadic lifestyle to life.

From the frozen games on Lake Khuvsgul to the majestic eagle flights in the Altai, each festival adds depth to a journey through this vast land.

If you’re planning a trip, consider timing it with these festivals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

With the right guidance, such as curated tours from Explorer Company, you can witness the best of Mongolia while enjoying a seamless and authentic adventure.