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Experience Ulaanbaatar’s Naadam Festival: 2-Day Tour in Mongolia (11–12 July 2025)

Experience the jubilant Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, a national celebration held each year from 11–13 July that centers on the “Three Manly Sports”: traditional wrestling, long-distance horse racing and archery; you’ll see the colorful opening ceremony and cultural show followed by the thrilling first round of the wrestling tournament at the Central Stadium, while archery and the unique ankle-bone shooting contest unfold in the stadium aisles and surrounding grounds; hundreds of herders arrive with race horses to compete on the plains in six age categories over distances up to 15–20 miles, creating an unforgettable mix of sport, culture and outdoor spectacle-book your Naadam Festival Tour in advance through Varoom to secure accommodations that put you close to these iconic Events.

About this activity in Ulaanbaatar

Cancellation policy
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Experience Mongolia’s largest cultural celebration during Naadam (11–13 July) with vibrant opening ceremonies and traditional performances in Ulaanbaatar.
  • See the iconic “Three Manly Sports” up close: Mongolian wrestling, long-distance horse racing across the plains, and nomadic archery displays.
  • Watch ankle-bone shooting and archery contests inside the Central Stadium aisles and witness hundreds of herders and racehorses competing in age-category races.
  • Join a guided Naadam tour to secure prime viewing, learn local traditions from expert guides, and enjoy included meals while exploring the region’s festival highlights.

Important Information

  • Naadam runs annually from 11 to 13 July; expect large crowds and allocate full days for festival activities and travel between venues.
  • Races take place on nearby plains with distances up to 15–20 miles across multiple age categories; wear comfortable shoes and sun protection for outdoor viewing.
  • This destination offers public transport nearby and guide service throughout the festival; bring personal travel and medical insurance and note alcoholic beverages are not included.
  • Book in advance to guarantee access and optimal viewing in Ulaanbaatar during peak festival dates-meals, water, and entrance fees are provided on our tour.

Meeting Point

Meet at the designated Varoom check-in point near the Central Stadium entrance in Ulaanbaatar; exact time and spot will be confirmed on your booking voucher and communicated by your guide before arrival.

Includes

  • You’ll have access to a reliable water supply throughout the experience in and around Ulaanbaatar, so you can stay hydrated during activities.
  • A professional guide service is provided at all times, giving you continuous on-site support and local knowledge during the event.
  • Daily breakfast and lunch are included, ensuring you have meals covered while you explore the area or take part in activities.
  • Entrance fees to scheduled venues or sites are covered, so you won’t need to arrange or pay for standard admissions separately.

Excludes

  • You are responsible for travel insurance and medical insurance; these are not included and should be arranged before you depart.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not included in the package and must be purchased separately if desired.

Other

  • Service animals are allowed, making this a more accessible option if you rely on an assistance animal while traveling here.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach meeting points and local attractions using regional transit.
  • This activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries; please assess suitability and consult your provider if necessary.
  • The program is suitable for all physical fitness levels, with options designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities in the region.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
Noboru_Y
• Jul 12, 2025 11:35:32 PM
Summary: The day before the tour, I visited the Mongolian Vision Tours office, which had just been renovated and was clean and likable. It also seems to have a hostel, so I wanted to stay here next time. The staff were friendly and worked very well during the tour. The schedule of the two-day tour itself was very well organized and I fully enjoyed Nadam.
Francis_C
• Jul 13, 2024 02:52:46 PM
Summary: I am very happy to attend the Naadam Festival. It IS the crown jewel event in all of Mongolia. It was very hard to secure tickets for foreigners as it requires a Mongolian phone number and the tickets are very limited. So I'm glad I found the tour over Viator to have this opportunity. I definitely had the sticker shock when I saw the price but when you calculate it out, its about $30-$40 more. But that gets you convenience, where transport was provided and a dedicated Mongolian guide. A guide is essential to get you through the rat maze of people, position you to the best spots and provide context of what you are looking at in ENGLISH. If you dont speak Mongolian you will be wasting a lot of time just getting to the event and getting lost. They just change itineraries and close of roads on a whim. Having an experienced guide was absolutely helpful. so that extra dollars is well worth it!

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Know more about Ulaanbaatar

You’ll witness Mongolia’s biggest national celebration featuring a colorful opening ceremony, the traditional Three Manly Sports-wrestling, horse racing and archery-and cultural shows that showcase nomadic heritage right in the Central Stadium and surrounding plains.
Yes-you can watch the first round and subsequent wrestling tournaments during Naadam, with the opening ceremony at the Central Stadium where the wrestling draws large, enthusiastic crowds.
In addition to the Three Manly Sports, you’ll find ankle bone shooting in the aisles of the Central Stadium, a cultural game that complements the archery and other festival activities.
Naadam takes place annually from July 11–13, giving you three days to experience the opening ceremony, the first round of wrestling at the stadium, archery displays and long-distance horse racing across the plains.
Hundreds of herders bring their race horses from across the country to compete in long-distance races on the plains, with multiple age categories and distances that can reach up to 15–20 miles, offering a thrilling, authentic Mongolian experience.
You should book in advance to secure your spot on a Naadam Festival tour. For cancellations, a full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.