people sitting on grass field during daytime

SILVER REEDS - ICE FESTIVAL 2026

Silver Reeds – Ice Festival in Khovd - Experience the Heart of Winter, Culture, and Tradition in Mongolia's Most Diverse Province. Don’t just travel – experience the culture!

Silver Reeds - Ice Festival is dedicated to promoting Winter tourism while supporting local small and medium-sized businesses. The unique identity, lifestyle, and traditions of many ethnic groups are reflected in their traditional clothing and accessories, making them an important part of cultural heritage.

Every January, the remote yet vibrant province of Khovd in western Mongolia transforms into a stunning winter wonderland for the Silver Reeds – Ice Festival, a spectacular celebration of snow, ice, and multicultural unity. Set against the backdrop of frozen lakes, snow-covered Altai mountains, and endless steppe, this festival is the crown jewel of Khovd’s winter calendar — drawing locals and travelers together in a unique cultural exchange.

Khovd is home to over 17 ethnic groups, including Torguud, Uuld, Durvud, Uriankhai, Zakhchin, and Kazakhs, making it the most culturally rich province in Mongolia. The Silver Reeds - Ice festival reflects this diversity with colorful performances, traditional clothing, throat singing, and indigenous games on ice.

During the festival, visitors can enjoy a diverse program including:

Winter Fashion Show /Multicultural (Ethnic)/
The epic chanting of "Jangar"
Ice Sculptures & Snow Art: Discover intricate ice carvings made by local artists inspired by nomadic myths and nature.
Horse & Camel Races on Ice: Feel the thrill of winter racing like never before.
Ice Archery competition
Folk Music & Dance: Enjoy performances from multiple ethnic groups, showcasing their unique traditions.
Local Cuisine: Warm up with hearty Mongolian dishes, and traditional dairy products.
Craft Markets: Shop handmade wool, leather goods, and ethnic crafts directly from local artisans.
Cultural Tours: Visit nearby villages and experience authentic nomadic hospitality and customs.Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the Ice Festival

Whether you're an adventurous traveler, a culture seeker, or a photographer chasing the magic of winter light, the Silver Reeds - Ice Festival offers an unforgettable blend of culture, cold, and community. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate in the Ice Festival!

Plan your journey to Khovd in January — where winter begins with the seed of unity and ends in celebration.

Main Organizers:

* Governor’s Office of Khovd Province

* “Tsast-Altai Ethnic Tourism Association”

DISTANCE: 3,480 KM

DATE: 20-24 JANUARY

DURATION: 4N 5D

TOUR ITINERARY

Pick-Up from airport and meet your guide
Drive to Chinggis Khaan International airport by paved road /50 km/
Have a domestic flight to Khovd province, Western Mongolia at 06:50 am and land at 08:00 am
Meet your guide and driver
Head to Khovd city and check-in at the hotel and having breakfast
Travel to Silver Reeds - Ice Festival 2026 in Khar Us lake
10:00 – 11:00 OPENING CEREMONY OF SILVER REEDS - ICE FESTIVAL 2026
11:00 – 14:00 Multicultural /Ethnic/ Winter Elegance – Fashion Show
Lunch break
11:00 – 17:00, the following events will take place:
- Ice Archery of Mongol Nations – Team competition
- Multicultural /Ethnic/ - Arts Performance
- Silver Skates /Amateur Skating Competition of the Western Region/
- Ice Football Match
-Traditional Games /Multicultural (Ethnic) National Games Competition/
- Happy Family /Entertaining Games/
- TEENSHOT, OPEN MIC

14:00 – 17:00 Horsemen’s Competition /Pacing Horse, Whip Snatching/
17:00 – 20:00 “SUNSET SHOW” /Bartender show, Arts Performance , DJ/
Back to hotel
Dinner
ADDITIONAL:
- 10:00 – 19:00 “Silver Reeds” /Photography competition of the Western Region/
- Horse and Camel riding
- “Made in the Western Region” – Exhibition & Trade Fair
- Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Service
- Ice Skating Service
- Multicultural /Ethnic/ Food Service
- Saranbai & Ice Archery Service
Note: A perfect opportunity to capture memories.
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 1 FESTIVAL DAY 1 - KHOVD /20 JAN, TUE/

Breakfast
Head to Silver Reeds - Ice Festival 2026 in Khar Us lake
09:00 – 10:00 Greetings from Uvs, Bayan-Ulgii, Zavkhan and Govi-Altai provinces /Arts Performance/
09:00 – 14:00 Let’s Dance with Queen Khar-Us Lake! – Flash Mob Dance Competition
Lunch break

09:00 – 16:00, the following events will take place:
- Ice Archery of Mongol Nations – Line Shooting Competition
- Multicultural /Ethnic/ - Arts Performance
- Traditional Games /Multicultural (Ethnic) National Games Competition/
- Happy Family /Entertaining Games/

11:00 – 14:00 Camel Racing
16:00 – 18:00 AWARDING & CLOSING CEREMONY
Back to hotel
Dinner

ADDITIONAL:

10:00 – 19:00 “Silver Reeds” /Photography competition of the Western Region/
Horse and Camel riding
“Made in the Western Region” – Exhibition & Trade Fair
Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides Service
Ice Skating Service
Multicultural /Ethnic/ Food Service
Saranbai & Ice Archery Service

Note: Endless Photo Opportunities

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 2 FESTIVAL DAY - 2 /21 JAN, WED/

Breakfast
Drive to Ulgii city by paved road /220 km/
Travel to the Frozen Beauty of Lake Tolbo – Located just outside Ulgii, Lake Tolbo is a breathtaking high-altitude lake that transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months. In October – April, its surface freezes into a vast sheet of ice, creating a surreal landscape surrounded by the majestic Altai Mountains. The frozen Tolbo offers a rare chance to experience silence and wilderness at its purest.
Arrive in Ulgii city and check-in at the hotel
Lunch
Visiting a museum in Ulgii – Discover the Western Mongolian culture in beautiful town. During your museum visit, you will explore ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, and unique handicrafts, learn about the nomadic way of life and the heritage, see fascinating exhibits on eagle hunting, folklore, and regional history, enjoy an authentic glimpse into the traitions of Western Mongolia
Head to The Eagle Hunters’ Heritage Center, which is a unique cultural site in Bayan-Ulgii province dedicated to preserving and showcasing the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. Selected by TIME Magazine in 2025 as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places to Visit!”
Back to Ulgii city
Shopping for Souvenirs
Dinner

Note: Unforgettable Photography Experience Await

Meals: B/L/D

DAY 3 KHOVD - ULGII CITY /22 JAN, THU/

Breakfast
Journey to Sagsai soum – Explore the Eagle Hunting Culture. Sagsai soum is the heartland of the famous Kazakh eagle hunters, where the ancient tradition of falconry has been preserved for centuries. This cultural experience offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life and witness the unique bond between hunters and their golden eagles. Observe how these majestic eagles of prey are trained, cared for, and used in traditional hunting practices.
Enjoy a traditional Kazakh lunch hosted by a welcoming eagle hunter family /local and nomadic cuisine/
Horseback riding tour – Embark on a horseback riding adventure across the wide-open steppe and snow-dusted landscapes of Sagsai soum. March is a special time when winter slowly gives way to spring, offering a unique mix of crisp air, snowy valleys and the first signs of new life.
Back to Ulgii city
Stay at the hotel
Dinner
Note: Rich in Scenic Views for Photography
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 4 ULGII – SAGSAI - KAZAKH EAGLE HUNTER /23 JAN, FRI/

Breakfast
Drive to Ulgii airport
Have a domestic flight to UB city at 9:20 am and land in Chinggis Khaan International Airport at 12:30 pm.
Pick-Up from airport and head to UB city by paved road /50 km/
Drop-Off at the hotel
Meals: B/L/D

DAY 5 ULGII - UB CITY /24 JAN, SAT/

TOUR DETAILS

Certified

GUIDE & DRIVER

DISTANCE

TRANSPORTATION

Alphard MPV/Hiace

Land LC/Russian Van

3,480 kms

4N 5D

DURATION

GER CAMPING

HOTEL

- Night

4 Nights

Group size

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

Price

2,190 USD

1,490 USD

1,290 USD

1,190 USD

LAND PRICE

Pick up and Drop-Off shuttle services
Domestic flight tickets /Round-trip/
Transportation:
- Alphard MPV / HIACE (in UB city)
- Land LC / Russian Van (in Ulgii city)
Experienced tour drivers
Professional local English/Chinese-speaking tour guide
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Khovd /2 nights/
- Hotel in Ulgii /2 nights/
Meals:
- Breakfast /5 times/
- Lunch /4 times/
- Dinner /4 times/
Museum Entrance ticket in Ulgii
The Eagle Hunters' Heritage Center - ticket
Eagle Hunter Family
Horseback riding
Daily bottled water

INCLUSION

EXCLUSION

Travel Insurance
Accommodation in UB city
International flight tickets
Other meals that not mentioned
Other services that not mentioned
Personal belongings
Tips for guides and driver

TRAVEL'S CHECKLIST AND REMINDERS

Passport
Cameras /for photography/
Backpack (Comfortable and lightweight)
Power bank (If needed)
Winter warm clothes /Hat, scarf, gloves, winter boots, winter coat, windproof/waterproof outer layer, socks, sunglasses/goggles etc/
Vacuum flask for hot drinks
Personal ID & emergency contact details
Extra cash for shopping & emergencies
Respect nature & Local communities
Luggage advice: Avoid bringing oversized suitcases
Medication Reminder: If you have regular medications or suffer from high blood pressure, ensure you have them with you at all times.
Dietary Requirements: Please inform us in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Kindly note: Let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.