Naadam Festival – Mongolia’s Greatest Celebration

Naadam is Mongolia’s most important and vibrant national festival, celebrated every summer across the country. It honors Mongolia’s history, independence, and nomadic heritage through the famous “Three Manly Games”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery—skills deeply rooted in nomadic life and warrior traditions.

The Three Manly Games

• Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh):Hundreds of wrestlers compete in an open-elimination tournament. There are no weight classes, and the goal is simple: make your opponent touch the ground with anything other than feet or hands.

• Horse Racing:Unlike stadium races, these take place across the open steppe, with distances up to 30 km. Riders are usually children aged 5–13, showcasing Mongolia’s lifelong connection with horses.

• Archery:Men and women compete using traditional bows, aiming at small leather targets called surs, while spectators chant rhythmic encouragement.

Cultural Highlights