Festivals
Mongolia’s four great festivals
Sorted by the soonest upcoming. Dates update automatically as each festival passes. Winter and western festivals need long lead times, so plan early.
In 29 daysUp next
Golden Eagle Festival
Next: 3 to 4 Oct 2026
Olgii, Bayan-Olgii province (far western Mongolia).
Book 4 to 6 months ahead. Flights to Olgii and local ger camps are limited and fill up.
Kazakh eagle hunters gather with their golden eagles for a two-day competition of speed, control, and traditional dress. Smaller than Naadam and very photogenic. Note there are also several smaller autumn eagle festivals in the same region in September.
| Upcoming | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 to 4 Oct 2026 |
| 2027 | 2 to 3 Oct 2027 |
| 2028 | 7 to 8 Oct 2028 |
Source: ViewMongolia, Golden Eagle Festival 2026 and 2027. Checked 2026-07-18.
In 156 days#2 up next
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Next: 7 to 9 Feb 2027
Nationwide, in homes. Best experienced as a guest of a family.
Winter travel needs serious cold-weather gear. Arrange a homestay well in advance through a local operator.
Mongolia’s biggest family holiday. Families prepare buuz (steamed dumplings) by the hundred and visit relatives across three days. This is a private family occasion rather than a public event, so you take part only if a family hosts you.
| Upcoming | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 7 to 9 Feb 2027 |
| 2028 | 24 to 26 Feb 2028 |
Source: National Today and Blue Silk Travel, Tsagaan Sar dates. Checked 2026-07-18.
In 179 days#3 up next
Khövsgöl Ice Festival
Next: 2 to 4 Mar 2027 (approx, confirm closer to the date) · this year’s edition has finished
Khatgal, at the southern tip of Lake Khövsgöl.
Book 2 to 3 months ahead. Flights to Mörön are limited in winter. Exact dates are announced by the province closer to the event.
Held on the frozen lake: ice sculpture contests, sleigh races on the ice, shaman ceremonies, and tug of war. Expect deep cold, around minus 20C or lower. Bring the warmest gear you own.
| Upcoming | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 2 to 4 Mar 2027 (approx) |
| 2028 | 2 to 4 Mar 2028 (approx) |
Source: DreamMongolia and mongoliantour.guide, Ice Festival 2026. Checked 2026-07-18.
In 310 days#4 up next
Naadam
Next: 11 to 13 Jul 2027 · this year’s edition has finished
Nationwide. The national Naadam is in Ulaanbaatar; provincial Naadams run across the country.
For the Ulaanbaatar Naadam, book flights and rooms 3 to 4 months ahead. Provincial Naadams are much easier to reach on short notice.
The three games of men: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The national Naadam in Ulaanbaatar is a stadium event; provincial Naadams (Arkhangai, Ovorkhangai and others) are smaller and less crowded. Child jockeys race long distances across open steppe.
| Upcoming | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2027 | 11 to 13 Jul 2027 |
| 2028 | 11 to 13 Jul 2028 |
| 2029 | 11 to 13 Jul 2029 |
Source: Blue Silk Travel, Naadam 2026. Checked 2026-07-18.
Planning around a festival?
Check the lead times above, then reach out to operators in the directory directly. Western and winter festivals sell out their limited flights and camps months ahead.
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