THE WARRIOR ORIGINS OF NAADAM

Long before grand stadiums and cheering crowds, Naadam was the ultimate test of a warrior’s skill. For Genghis Khan and his mighty army, these competitions were not just for entertainment—they were rigorous training grounds, shaping the most feared cavalry the world had ever seen. The warriors who triumphed in these events were not just champions of sport but warriors destined to ride into battle and forge one of the greatest empires in history.

ARCHERY – THE LEGACY OF THE MONGOL BOW

BEST PLACES TO VISIT ON A GOBI DESERT ECO TOUR

HORSE RACING – THE LONGEST HORSE RACE IN THE WORLD

MONGOLIAN WRESTLING – THE BATTLE OF TITANS

The thud of bodies hitting the ground, the roars of the crowd, and the warriors locked in a fierce struggle—this is Mongolian wrestling (bökh). Unlike modern wrestling, there are no weight classes or time limits—victory belongs to the one who remains standing.

• Ancient Roots: Wrestling was a core part of military training, ensuring that Mongol warriors were strong enough to grapple enemies in battle.

• Signature Move: The "shuudarga" (direct throw) was a preferred technique in combat, allowing warriors to quickly subdue opponents.

• The Eagle Dance: The winner, towering over his fallen opponent, raises his arms and performs the "Eagle Dance", symbolizing their dominance—just as Mongol warriors once stood victorious on the battlefield.

Unlike short-distance racetracks elsewhere in the world, Mongolian horse racing is a grueling test of endurance, spanning distances between 15 to 30 kilometers—making it the longest horse race in the world. This is a tribute to the legendary endurance of Mongol cavalry, whose horses carried them across continents during their conquests.

• Jockeys as Young as Five: Mongolian children learn to ride almost as soon as they can walk, preparing them to control a racing horse by the age of five or six.

• More Than Just Speed: Unlike traditional racing, the stamina of the horse is paramount. Winning isn’t just about finishing first—it’s about outlasting the competition.

A Warrior’s Steed: In Mongolian tradition, the horse is just as important as the rider. The winning horse is celebrated with songs, blessings, and even poetry, much like the horses that once carried Mongol warriors to victory.

The Kazakh eagle hunters of the Altai are world-famous for their ancient tradition of training golden eagles to hunt foxes and hares. During an eagle hunting festival, visitors can witness these skilled hunters in action, see how they form deep bonds with their birds, and even try holding a mighty golden eagle on their arm. It’s a rare glimpse into a centuries-old way of life that continues to thrive today.

TOURS

DAY TOUR

MONGOL NOMADIC

WHAT MAKES THE GOBI DESERT SPECIAL?

• The grandest Naadam celebration takes place in Ulaanbaatar from July 11-13 at the National Sports Stadium, but the true soul of Naadam can be found in the countryside festivals, where nomads gather to compete in their local games, free from the crowds of the capital.

  Other Cultural Highlights of Naadam

  Beyond sports, Naadam is a feast of tradition:

• Taste the Warrior’s Feast: Try khuushuur (fried meat dumplings) and airag (fermented mare’s milk), once the fuel of Mongol warriors.

• Music of the Steppes: Hear the haunting beauty of throat singing, long song, and the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle).

• Traditional Deel Costumes: Mongolians wear their finest deel, embroidered in bright colors and elegant patterns.

• Book Early: Naadam is Mongolia’s biggest event, and accommodations fill up quickly.

• Visit a Local Naadam: For a more authentic experience, attend a smaller regional festival.

• Respect Local Customs: Stand and remove your hat during the opening ceremony to show respect.

• Dress for the Weather: Mongolia’s summer can be hot, but sudden rain showers are common.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE NAADAM AS A TRAVELER

FINAL THOUGHTS

Naadam is more than just a festival—it’s a living legacy of Mongolia’s warrior spirit. When you see wrestlers locked in battle, hear the thundering hooves of racing horses, and watch archers let their arrows fly, you are witnessing the very essence of Mongolian history.

This is the same strength, endurance, and discipline that propelled a small nomadic people to create one of the greatest empires the world has ever seen. Whether you’re cheering for a young jockey, watching a champion wrestler dominate, or marveling at the precision of an archer, Naadam is a powerful tribute to Mongolia’s undefeated warrior soul.

Are you ready to witness Mongolia’s greatest festival?

Choose your individual self drive tour from one of the following departures or reach out to us for custom dates