What is Naadam? Discover the fascinating tale behind Mongolia’s legendary ‘Three Manly Games.’

When people think of Mongolia, images of endless steppes, traditional gers, vast deserts, and the iconic figure of Genghis Khan often come to mind.

Even though Genghis Khan, the first great khagan of the Mongol Empire, passed away in 1227, his remarkable legacy still echoes throughout Mongolia. This resonates most powerfully during the country’s most celebrated event—the Naadam festival.

Today, Naadam has become the highlight of the year—a national extravaganza of sports and culture that attracts thousands of Mongolians and a growing number of international visitors. With its rising popularity, those keen to experience the event should start planning for July 2024.

Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from the festivities and tips on how to witness them firsthand.

What exactly is the Naadam festival?

Known as “Eriin Gurvan Naadam,” or “The Three Manly Games,” this event is a powerful symbol of Mongolia’s warrior heritage.

According to Buyandelger Ganbaatar, a Mongolian native and country director for Nomadic Expeditions, Naadam boasts over 2,000 years of history. It originally served as a method for tribes to prepare for battle, as raids between Mongolian tribes were common.

The term 'Naadam' translates to 'games' in Mongolian, and the festival features three major events: Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse racing.

Naadam is the largest annual gathering in Mongolia, uniting all 21 provinces to celebrate the nation’s traditional nomadic culture, from the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to the far-flung towns of the Gobi Desert.

The main official celebrations are held from July 11-13 in Ulaanbaatar, specifically at the National Stadium.

“You can see pride, joy, and happiness on everyone’s face during the festival,” says Ganbaatar. “Naadam has truly become an integral part of Mongolian national identity.”

The origins of Naadam trace back to Genghis Khan himself.

It wasn't until 1921 that Naadam officially became an annual national holiday in Mongolia.

For centuries, the trio of events—archery, horse riding, and wrestling—were essential for honing skills vital to Mongolia’s nomadic way of life and its warriors.

Historical records suggest that in the early 13th century, after Genghis Khan unified the Mongol tribes, he introduced these games as a form of celebration.

Supporting this, the Stele of Genghis Khan—a stone monument from the 1200s featuring the first known Mongolian script—shows a nobleman named Yesunge shooting an arrow over 500 meters to hit his target.

In 2010, Naadam was inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

According to UNESCO, 'Mongolian Naadam is deeply rooted in the nomadic civilization of the Mongols.'

'The three sports are intimately tied to the traditional Mongolian way of life and have been passed down through home-schooling by family members. While formal training programs have emerged for wrestling and archery, Naadam’s rituals and traditions emphasize a deep respect for nature and the environment.'

Visiting Naadam has become easier than ever for international travelers.

In 2020, the Mongolian Government extended the multi-day Naadam holiday from three to five days, and much of the country comes to a standstill during this period.

Naadam is a prime time for international visitors, with over 11,000 foreigners attending the festival in 2019 alone, according to local news reports based on government data. That same year, Mongolia saw about 637,000 international visitors in total.

Due to the pandemic, the Naadam games were held virtually for two years, from 2020 to 2021. With lingering effects of border restrictions in 2022, hopes were high that the 2023 Naadam festival would signal the return of international tourism.

To boost tourism, the Mongolian government declared 2023-2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia.” As part of the initiative, travelers from 34 additional countries can now visit Mongolia without a visa for up to 30 days.

With the inclusion of several European countries, as well as Australia and New Zealand, the total number of countries and territories on Mongolia’s visa-exempt list has expanded to 61.

From the bustling capital to the serene countryside, Naadam is celebrated nationwide.

Beyond the grand festivities in Ulaanbaatar, smaller Naadam events are held across Mongolia’s countryside. Many tour companies offer these rural alternatives for visitors seeking a more intimate experience.

Visitors attending the main Naadam festival at the National Stadium can expect an extravagant celebration, complete with an opening ceremony, parades, performances, and, of course, the iconic games, spread over several days in Ulaanbaatar.

The opening ceremony is a spectacular display of Mongolia’s rich culture, featuring vibrant dance, music, and other traditional performances. A highlight of the event is the procession of the Nine White Banners, where horse riders in traditional attire enter the stadium, proudly holding banners adorned with white horse tail hairs atop a pole.

As explained by Nomadic Expeditions, the Nine White Banners have been carried during peace negotiations and festivals dating back to the era of Genghis Khan.

Today, the Nine White Banners are considered a sacred symbol of Mongolia, typically kept in the State House as a national treasure.

Can women participate in the ‘manly games’?

Most of the Naadam games are open to participants of all ages and genders, with the exception of wrestling, which is reserved for male competitors only.

In Ulaanbaatar, hundreds of the country's finest wrestlers compete over two days in a series of nine untimed, single-elimination rounds.

'There are no age limits, time constraints, or size restrictions in the competition,' says Nomadic Expeditions on its website. 'It’s not uncommon to witness a David versus Goliath-style match, where the underdog often prevails.'

Multiple wrestling bouts take place simultaneously, with competitors dressed in a traditional hat, shoulder vest, and shorts. The goal is to throw the opponent to the ground, and a competitor loses if any part of their body, other than their hands and feet, touches the ground.

The primary archery competitions are held over several days at the National Archery Field, located next to the National Stadium. In one type of event, archers aim their arrows at a series of leather targets on the ground, with the winners being those who hit the most targets.

The horse races, which take place at fairgrounds outside Ulaanbaatar, are endurance tests for the horses. Child jockeys typically ride the horses in these long-distance races. While the sport is a proud part of Mongolia's cultural heritage, concerns over the age of the riders have led to recent changes in regulations to enhance safety standards.

After each race, the crowd rushes to surround the victorious horse. This is because the horse’s sweat is believed to bring good luck.

Are there any special foods served during Naadam?

Visitors to any of the Naadam festivals can expect to indulge in delicious food.

Vendors and bustling markets set up shop outside the game venues in every province, offering a wide variety of local treats.

Between games, spectators can grab a khuushuur, a crispy, deep-fried meat dumpling that has become Naadam’s unofficial snack, from one of the nearby street vendors.

Is it hard to get tickets for Naadam?

International travelers planning to visit Mongolia for the Naadam festival should book their accommodation and tickets well in advance, including for the weeks before and after the games.

Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies in Ulaanbaatar are particularly limited, so early booking is highly recommended.

Ticket sales typically open about a week before the festival, but travelers can secure their tickets in advance through a tour company or by booking through local hosts and accommodations.

Even if you miss out on tickets, you can still enjoy the thrilling horseraces.