5 cultural festivals in Mongolia worth visiting

As a traditional country in Central Asia, the inhabitants of Mongolia celebrate many old, cultural festivals. Here we present the most important festivities and tell you where exactly the events take place.

Eagle hunt: the golden eagle feast

In Mongolia, it has been a tradition for many centuries to use eagles for hunting. For this, the eagles are trained and master many important skills they need to hunt. The best eagle trainers meet annually in winter in the Mongolian province of Bayan-Ulgii to measure their strengths. In the two-day event, in addition to the eagle competition, many other cultural points are on the program. For example, the most beautiful couple of the evening will be chosen and traditional songs will be sung. This traditional festival gives the opportunity for a deep authentic insight into the Mongolian culture, which you should not miss during your stay in the distant country.

The feast of the camel

Known for their traditional camel rides, Mongolians hold the annual Festival of the Camel in the small town of Dalandsadgad in the south of the country. Here, camel drivers gather at the beginning of March each year and show off their most magnificent camels on the edge of the Gobi Desert. They wear the thick, old Mongolian robes that have already protected their ancestors from the icy cold of the Mongolian winter. Waving their flags, they ride through the vast, flat landscapes. Some riders even have their children with them on the camel's back.

The Gobi International Marathon

As the name suggests, this event also takes place in the seemingly endless expanses of the Gobi Desert. Here, the Mongolian nomads have been calling for the marathon in September for over twenty years, and international participants are also welcome. The festival starts at the Moltsog sand dune on the flaming cliffs. In the evenings, weather permitting, these are bathed in a "flaming" red by the low sun, providing a breathtaking backdrop for the 42-kilometer marathon. The event will be rounded off with a big award ceremony and a closing party, where no need should come up short.

The ice festival

This is by no means ice cream, but the large quantities of frozen water that are appreciated once a year. Firmly anchored in the culture of the high mountain country is the cold. In winter the lakes freeze over and so it is only natural to use the vast expanses of ice for a celebration. From the third to the fourth of March each year, the Ice Festival is celebrated on Lake Chöwsgöl at the northern tip of the country.

Here, over 1600 meters above sea level, the ice layer is so thick that it can support large crowds without hesitation. The perfect place to pay homage to the art of ice skating. In addition, shamanic rituals, dance performances and nomadic music can be enjoyed, an experience like no other. But also unusual actions take place on the large ice surface. For example, Mongolians do not shy away from using the lake to hold sumo wrestling matches and horse-drawn sleigh rides. At this great festival there is something in everyone.

Naadam: The Olympia of Mongolia

Wrestling, archery and horse racing: The three most important Mongolian sports are held annually for competition from July 10 to 13. Here Mongolians can show their skills to the whole nation and the best among them are crowned the glorious winners. The festival is so indicative of the historical culture of the country that even UNESCO has selected it as an intangible world heritage site. 

At the festival, you can not only admire the athletes at their best performances but also experience the rousing atmosphere up close. This makes the national festival definitely worth a visit.

Feeling inspired and have a desire to experience this exciting country, culture and people first hand? Our Mongolia Trip gives you the opportunity to get to know the people and nature of the distant country.

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