2026 Mongolia Events & Festivals Guide
For International Travelers
This guide provides a clear and practical overview of major events and festivals held in Mongolia in 2026.
It is designed for international travelers and explains what you can experience, how to prepare, and how these events differ from similar events in other countries, in an easy-to-understand format.
Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year) | February
What kind of event is it?
Tsagaan Sar is the most important traditional holiday in Mongolia and is comparable to New Year celebrations in other cultures. Families gather to show respect to elders and to pray for health, prosperity, and good fortune in the coming year.
What can travelers do?
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Visit local families or tourist ger camps during New Year celebrations
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Taste traditional foods such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and dairy products
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Try on traditional Mongolian clothing (deel)
Traveler tips
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This is a very formal and respectful occasion
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Temperatures can drop below –20°C, so proper winter clothing is essential
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Quiet, polite behavior is highly appreciated
Spring Golden Eagle Festival
March 7–8, 2026 | Near Ulaanbaatar
What kind of event is it?
The Spring Golden Eagle Festival introduces the traditional eagle hunting culture of the Kazakh people, which has been passed down for generations in western Mongolia.
Unlike the main autumn Eagle Festival, this spring event is held near the capital and is easier to access, making it especially popular with first-time visitors to Mongolia.
What can travelers do?
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Watch demonstrations of golden eagles flying and returning to their handlers
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Observe eagle training techniques
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Enjoy Kazakh traditional costumes, music, and dance
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Take photos with eagles under professional supervision
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Join short cultural explanations (mainly in English, sometimes with Japanese support)
Traveler tips
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No long-distance travel required (held near Ulaanbaatar)
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Can be experienced in half a day to one full day
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Focuses on cultural preservation, not animal entertainment
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Spring weather can be windy and cold—bring a warm jacket
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Highly recommended for photography and video enthusiasts
Recommended for
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Travelers who want to experience Mongolian culture in a short time
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Those interested in animals and ethnic traditions
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Visitors with limited time who cannot travel far
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First-time travelers to Mongolia
Notes
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Programs may change depending on weather and eagle condition
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Always follow staff instructions when near eagles
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Strong winds may make temperatures feel colder than expected
Thousand Camel Festival | February
South Gobi Region
What kind of event is it?
The Thousand Camel Festival is a winter festival held in the Gobi Desert to preserve the culture of the Bactrian camel and traditional nomadic life.
As camel herding declines due to modernization, this festival plays an important role in cultural preservation. It is a genuine local event rooted in daily life, not a staged tourist show.
What can travelers do?
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Ride Bactrian camels in the desert
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Watch camel races and decoration contests
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Visit nomadic families and experience winter nomadic life
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Enjoy traditional music and folk dances
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Photograph the vast Gobi Desert landscape
Traveler tips
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Held far from urban areas in a natural environment
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Toilets, heating, and mobile networks are very limited
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“Inconvenience” is part of the authentic experience
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Temperatures can reach around –20°C
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Best suited for nature, culture, and adventure travelers
Recommended for
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Travelers seeking unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences
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Those interested in animals and nomadic culture
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Photography and documentary travelers
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Visitors looking for deep cultural immersion
Notes
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Schedules may change due to weather conditions
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Long-distance travel and physical stamina are required
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Proper winter clothing is essential
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Cash is recommended, as cards may not be accepted
Taekwondo Asian Championships
May 19–24, 2026 | Ulaanbaatar
Overview
A major international sporting event featuring top athletes from across Asia. High-speed matches and elite competition are the main highlights.
Traveler tips
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Indoor venue, unaffected by weather
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Easy to enjoy even with limited time
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Ideal to combine with city sightseeing
Asian Chess Championship
May 2026 | Ulaanbaatar (Tentative)
Overview
An international intellectual sports competition featuring top Asian chess players. Mongolia is known as a strong chess nation.
Traveler tips
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Calm and quiet viewing environment
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Insight into Mongolia’s intellectual sports culture
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Recommended for culture and education-oriented travelers
Steppe Wind International Motorcycle Festival
June 6–7
Overview
An international motorcycle festival held on the vast Mongolian steppe, combining riding demonstrations, rider交流, and outdoor culture.
Traveler tips
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Experience speed and nature together
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Excellent for photography and video
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Ideal for outdoor and motorsport fans
Shaman Festival (Spirits of Heaven)
June 12–15
Overview
A cultural festival introducing Mongolian shamanism, including rituals, prayers, and spiritual music.
Traveler tips
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Highly spiritual and quiet atmosphere
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Suitable for those interested in spirituality and belief systems
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Photography may be restricted
Crane Festival
June 13–14
Overview
An eco-focused festival aimed at protecting migratory cranes, centered on nature observation and environmental awareness.
Traveler tips
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Enjoy birdwatching
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Ideal for eco-tourism and nature lovers
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Calm and peaceful event
Judo Grand Slam
June 19–21
Overview
A top-level international judo competition featuring world-class athletes. Mongolia is recognized as a judo powerhouse.
Traveler tips
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Familiar sport for many international visitors
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High satisfaction even with short viewing time
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Easy to combine with city tourism
Horsehead Fiddle & Nomadic Culture Day
June 21
Overview
A commemorative cultural event celebrating nomadic life with horses, featuring music, rituals, and traditional lifestyle displays.
Traveler tips
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Easy introduction to Mongolian culture
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Suitable for half-day itineraries
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Beginner-friendly cultural experience
DanShig Naadam & Tsam Mask Dance
June 27–28
Overview
A religious-cultural event combining Buddhist Tsam mask dances and traditional DanShig Naadam ceremonies.
Traveler tips
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Highly photogenic masked dances
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Deeper understanding enhances enjoyment
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Usually held in accessible urban areas
Naadam Festival (National Sports Festival) | July
What kind of event is it?
Naadam is Mongolia’s largest and most important national festival, symbolizing history, pride, and nomadic culture.
The main events are wrestling, horse racing, and archery—collectively known as the “Three Manly Sports.”
What can travelers do?
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Watch Mongolian wrestling at the national stadium
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Observe long-distance horse races on the steppe
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Photograph people in traditional clothing
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Experience archery competitions and cultural explanations
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Enjoy local food stalls and markets
Traveler tips
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Horse races differ greatly from those in other countries
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Child jockeys are part of tradition; cultural understanding is important
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Seating is informal, picnic-style
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Excellent photography opportunities
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Even in July, mornings and evenings can be cool
Notes
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Transportation and hotels are crowded during Naadam
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Some race venues are far from the city
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Strong sunlight—bring sun protection
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Dates vary by region
Ice Festival (Blue Pearl) | March
Lake Khövsgöl
What kind of event is it?
The Ice Festival is a winter cultural event held on the frozen surface of Lake Khövsgöl, known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.”
It combines nature, winter traditions, and nomadic life in a magical setting.
What can travelers do?
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Walk and photograph the frozen lake
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Experience horse sleds and ice activities
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Stargaze under extremely clear night skies
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Learn about the Tsaatan reindeer herders
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Enjoy winter music and performances
Traveler tips
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Temperatures can drop to –30°C
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Proper winter gear is essential
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Rental cold-weather gear is recommended
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Best for travelers prioritizing nature over comfort
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Ideal for landscape and night-sky photography
Recommended for
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Travelers seeking extreme winter experiences
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Photography-focused visitors
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Those who prefer quiet, uncrowded destinations
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Visitors wanting an iconic Mongolian winter experience
Notes
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Programs may change due to ice and weather conditions
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Long travel distances and stamina required
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Dry climate—skin protection needed
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Not recommended for those sensitive to cold
