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The 16th century Monastery is the jewel in the Central Mongolian steppe with 108 white stupas and a dozen temples that survived the 1930s Stalinist purge in Mongolia. Today Erdene Zuu is an active monastery with about 100 monks, daily chants, and religious activities, and is a famous place for pilgrims and visitors alike. Karakorum is about 6hr drive from Ulaanbaatar.
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Immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, explore the vast and diverse landscapes of the Gobi Desert and the Altai Mountains witness the ancient traditions of eagle hunting and horseback riding, and connect with the warm-hearted Mongolian people.
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Get ready to be inspired by the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary experiences awaiting you in Mongolia.
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Let the spirit of adventure and the allure of the unknown ignite your curiosity and fuel your wanderlust as you embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Let Mongolia inspire you to embrace the beauty and diversity of the world and discover the extraordinary within yourself.

Mongolian festivals & events

2023-08-03

The Naadam festival

Naadam is the finest of Mongolian festivals and was listed in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in 2010. Historical documents show that Hun Empire (209BC) held Naadam among its' tribes, and this festival has been passed to our generation through the ages. Known as Eriin Gurvan Naadam – the Three Manly Games – the Naadam festival is a regular feature on the summertime holiday. In a tradition dating back thousands of years, the official two-day event features wrestling, archery, and horse racing and ranks as Mongolia’s biggest public festival. There are also highly competitive ankle bone tournaments during the festival. When countless smaller versions are held throughout the country, Naadam’s biggest event takes place for three days in the days capital of Ulaanbaatar starting every 11 July, Mongolia’s National Day, when Soviet–backed troops “liberated” the capital from the occupying Chinese in 1921.

The Naadam festival

Wrestling not only tests the strength of the wrestlers but also teaches the athletes to handle both victory and defeat gracefully. Losers of wrestling matches must perform the ritual by taking off their “zodog” (top) and going under the right arm of the winner honoring the victory of his opponent. The winner runs toward the state flag and performs a kind of dance as a sign of his victory. Archery is said to require an orderly mind and precision, featuring both men and women, usually in mixed teams of 10. Dressed in traditional costumes, contestants each shoot four arrows at 360-round leather targets with grey, yellow, or red rings. Judges standing near the targets – 75 meters (260 feet) away for men and 60 meters (200 feet) for women – signal each shot. Many Mongolians believe that horse racing, which features races up to 27 km long, brings good fortune. Ankle bone shooting builds endurance and stamina. Winners of the horse races and wrestling matches are praised with traditional chants and are awarded titles and medals. The festival is a time of great celebration and Mongolians dress up for the part – donning their specially designed deels and ornaments.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL

The most spectacular event in Mongolia during autumn unfolds in the far west, in Bayan-Olgii, where the predominantly Muslim Kazakh people showcase one of Asia's oldest arts – the use of eagles for hunting. The Golden Eagle Festival, held at the beginning of October, promises a photographer's dream with the Kazakh hunters adorned in exquisite embroidered jackets, fur overcoats, and vibrant fur-lined hats. The festival brims with cultural delights as Kazakh minstrels, known as akyns, engage in joyful contests of wit and improvisational skill called aytis, accompanied by lively music. Traditional Kazakh dishes are savored, offering visitors a chance to taste the rich flavors of the region. The highlight of the festival is the eagle hunting event, where the hunting eagles, unfed prior to hunting, soar majestically into the sky from the arms of skilled hunters. The spectacle captivates as the eagles scan the terrain below for their prey.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE FESTIVAL

Beyond eagle hunting, the festival features various other thrilling events. The Kazakhs exhibit their prowess in horsemanship, strength, and bravery, showcasing games like "kokbar," a horseback rugby competition, and auderyspak, wrestling on horseback to unseat opponents. The daring game of "kumis alu" or "pick up the coin" adds to the excitement as riders must grab a coin from the ground while galloping at full speed. Horse racing is also a highlight, often accompanied by private wagers. For visitors, attending the Eagle Hunting Festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be amazed and inspired by a centuries-old culture living in harmony with the natural world amidst a breathtaking landscape.