Naadam Holiday – Jul. 11, 2026

Expected Naadam Holiday Deals

As a significant cultural and national holiday, Naadam Holiday primarily focuses on traditional celebrations and community gatherings rather than commercial deals. However, travel agencies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel often offer specialized tours to Mongolia during this period, providing unique cultural immersion experiences. Local artisans and craft markets flourish, selling traditional Mongolian goods such as deel (traditional clothing), intricate leatherwork, and horse-riding gear. Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and throughout Mongolia will feature traditional dishes like khuushuur and airag. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and travel packages as July approaches.

History of Naadam Holiday

The celebration began in the 12th century as a means for Mongolians to show off their military prowess. Naadam tournaments have been staged on religious holidays since the 17th century. They have been held every year on Revolution Day, the commemoration of the People’s Revolution, since 1921. The major Naadam festival is held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, and begins with a cultural display with ethnic dancing before the games begin. Participants of all ages, young and old, are urged to take part in the games.

Wrestling is frequently the first sport to be introduced. The main wrestling event is a knockout tournament with 512 or 1,024 competitors. The wrestler must enter the arena bare-chested since the tradition has it that a woman once infiltrated the games and beat the men. Therefore, all wrestlers must prove their masculinity before the wrestling begins. Archery is the second sport. Mongolian archers have been renowned for their ability and precision with a bow since the reign of Genghis Khan. There are three types of archery in the games each with its own bows, arrows, and distances.

Horseback riding is the third sport. The Mongol’s dominance over the steppe was based on their ability to ride horses. They invented stirrups, which allowed Mongol riders to ride without reins, freeing up their hands to fight. The Naadam festival was placed on United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in 2010, indicating the festival’s historical significance. Its roots may be traced back to military parades and athletic customs that used to accompany various celebrations, such as weddings or religious meetings. Later on, it was used to prepare men for combat.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Naadam Holiday