Naadam is a national festival celebrated every year from 11 to 13 July across Mongolia that focuses on three traditional games: horseracing, wrestling and archery. Mongolian Naadam is inseparably connected to the nomadic civilization of the Mongols, who have long practiced pastoralism on Central Asia’s vast steppe. Oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song, Khöömei overtone singing, Bie biyelgee dance and Morin khuur fiddle also feature prominently during Naadam. Mongolians follow special rituals and practices during the festival, such as wearing unique costumes and using distinctive tools and sporting items. Festival participants revere the sportsmen, sportswomen, and children who compete, and winners are rewarded titles for their achievements. Ritual praise songs and poems are dedicated to the contestants in the events. Everyone is allowed and encouraged to participate in Naadam, thus nurturing community involvement and togetherness. The three types of sports are directly linked with the lifestyles and living conditions of the Mongols and their transmission is traditionally undertaken through home-schooling by family members, although formalized training regimens have recently developed for wrestling and archery. The rituals and customs of Naadam also accentuate respect for nature and the environment.
Itinerary
The Genghis Khan Statue Complex is home to the largest equestrian statue in the world, and covered in 250 tons of steel. The iconic figure pays homage to the nation’s most famous ruler and is surrounded by 36 impressive columns that represent each of the Khaans who once called Mongolia home.
Travelers who venture to this must-see destination can take an elevator to the top of the back of the horse, stroll along a pathway that leads to the horse’s head and marvel at some of the most impressive views outside the city limits. Some 200 gers—the traditional circular houses nomadic people live in— the statue complex.
Visitors can learn about local lifestyles, traditions and culture as they wander through the homes.
You will ride a horse for a while. Then, we will go back to the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Program officially begins. Naadam Festival opening ceremony. You will join to the official Naadam festival night programs.
Pick up from the hotel at 9am and transfer to Central Stadium. Attend opening ceremony at 11:00 am. After the start of first round of national wrestling competition go for lunch at a restaurant. Walk back to traditional archery competition field and ankle bone flicking competition areas. By late afternoon attend a concert at National Music and Dance Academic Ensemble of Mongolia followed by FESTIVAL GALA dinner including mouthwatering dishes and cultural performances. Even, the rock & pop music concert will be played in Sukhbaatar square /the central square of Mongolia/ after sunset.
Today’s dinner is Mongolian Barbique grilled with hot stones (Khorkhog) (L/D)
Transfer to the Hotel.
Today, you'll visit the horse-racing arena, where you'll watch a foal race and archery competition between "Shagai" shooters. Watch the Mongolian traditional cultural concert.
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to national horse racing field which is located 30km to the west from Ulaanbaatar city. Feel the unique atmosphere while witnessing the particularities of the Mongolian traditional way of horse racing. Have a lunch with locals in tents and after some free time drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to the hotel. (B,L,D)
City tour and last day of Naadam. After breakfast at the hotel you will take an excursion to the Zaisan Hill War Memorial, which offers panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar. You'll also watch the last day of Naadam, which includes wrestling, archery and traditional games. End of trip. (B,L,D)
