Cultural · Ulaanbaatar + nationwide, Mongolia
Naadam Mongolia
“Mongolia's national festival — wrestling, archery + horse racing across 3 days”
Naadam is Mongolia's biggest cultural festival — 3 days of "three manly sports": Mongolian wrestling (bökh), archery + horse racing (child jockeys, up to 30 km races). UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. National holiday July 11-13. Book Ulaanbaatar 3-4 months ahead.
Upcoming dates
Next
2027
July 11-13
Following year
2028
July 11-13
July 11-13 fixed every year (Mongolian Revolution Day).
Duration
3 days official (some events extend to a week)
Crowd
Ulaanbaatar overwhelmed —
Budget/day
$80-200 mid-range
Book ahead
3+ months
Booking + planning tips
Best for: Cultural travellers + adventure travellers + families
- ✓Book Ulaanbaatar hotels 3-4 months ahead
- ✓Naadam Stadium wrestling + archery ($10-30 tickets). Horse racing free at Khui Doloon Khudag (30 km outside city)
- ✓Rural Naadam (in provinces) is more authentic + less touristy
- ✓Try khuushuur (fried meat pastries) + airag (fermented mare milk)
- ✓Combine with Gobi Desert tour before/after Naadam for full Mongolia trip
- ✓Naadam is peak Mongolia tourism — book everything 3-6 months ahead
Book hotels for Naadam Mongolia 2027
Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 3+ months ahead.
Fly to Chinggis Khaan International (Ulaanbaatar)
Airport transfer
Getting out of Ulaanbaatar + nationwide (UBN)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Frequently asked
When is Naadam 2027?
July 11-13, 2027 (fixed every year). Public holidays. Opening ceremony July 11 at Naadam Stadium.
What are the three Naadam sports?
Mongolian wrestling (bökh — no weight classes, no time limit), archery (60m range, standing + kneeling), horse racing (child jockeys 5-13 years old, 15-30 km races).
How do I get Naadam tickets?
Stadium wrestling + archery: buy at official kiosks or tour operators ($10-30). Horse racing: free but 30 km outside Ulaanbaatar at Khui Doloon Khudag — hire a driver.
Is Naadam worth visiting Mongolia for?
Yes — Mongolia's essential cultural experience. Combine with Gobi Desert + eagle festival for full 10-14 day trip.
What should I eat at Naadam?
Khuushuur (fried meat pastries), buuz (steamed dumplings), airag (fermented mare's milk — acquired taste), boodog (rocks-cooked mutton).