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Exploring Mongolia's Most Iconic Festivals: A Complete Guide
The two major and most iconic festivals of Mongolia to see in 2025
Odontuya Adiya
January 29, 2025
Festivals are a wonderful and fun way to connect with local people and gain a deeper understanding of their culture. Moreover, festivals bring unity to communities, foster shared pride, generate economic benefits, and help preserve cultural traditions that might otherwise fade away.
This time, we at Mongolia Quest are excited to highlight the two major and most iconic festivals of Mongolia, inviting you to witness these exotic celebrations with us in 2025!
🦅 Golden Eagle Festival
You might have heard the story of a Mongolian girl who trains eagles, rides horses, and hunts with her father and brothers—competing against men in her community for the trophy to become “the best eagle huntress”. The Kazakh community, the only Muslim ethnic group in Mongolia, resides in the remote western region of the country, home to the majestic Altai mountain ranges. This high-altitude region boasts rich flora and fauna and is much cooler than most other parts of Mongolia.
Like men around the world, Kazakh men have their hobbies: raising female golden eagles, training them to hunt, and forming lifelong bonds with them. To promote this unique tradition of hunting with golden eagles—an increasingly rare practice—the Golden Eagle Festival was established.
The festival doesn’t just celebrate eagle hunting; it also showcases Kazakh clothing, cuisine, and culture. Kazakh women dedicate countless hours to creating colorful, intricate embroidery to decorate their garments and homes. Kazakh cuisine, primarily meat-based, is equally distinct—keep in mind that meals are often eaten by hand!
Now the Golden Eagle Festival has grown to become the biggest cultural event in Mongolia, held every first weekend of October, as it coincides with the best hunting conditions due to the snow. For a more intimate experience, you can attend smaller, community-led festivals in other villages of Bayan-Ulgii province such as Altai soum and Sagsai soum during September.
Kazakh Eagle Hunters
🔆 Festival Highlights:
Eagle Hunting Competitions: Watch in awe as eagle hunters display their incredible bond with their birds during thrilling hunting simulations. Eagles swoop down at breathtaking speeds, landing gracefully on their hunters’ arms.
Traditional Mongolian Sports: Experience horse racing, wrestling, and Uriankhai archery, traditional sports that add excitement to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Costume Parade: Marvel at the eagle hunters' stunning, fur-lined coats, intricate headpieces, and finely crafted hunting gear in a dazzling parade.
Cultural Performances: Enjoy music, dances, and storytelling that highlight the rich heritage of the Altai region and the Kazakh community.
Meet the Eagle Hunters: Engage with the hunters and their majestic birds. Learn about eagle training, hear fascinating hunting stories, and snap photos with these incredible creatures.
Horseback Riding & Kazakh Meals: Explore the Altai Mountains on horseback and savor hearty Kazakh meals to complete your immersive experience.
💁 Helpful Tips:
Visiting Mongolia in spring? Attend the Spring Eagle Festival in March near Ulaanbaatar. It’s a great option for those with limited time or budget, though it can get crowded.
For a more intimate experience, visit the Golden Eagle Festival in Altai soum, Bayan-Ulgii province, in September or October.
Smaller, community-led festivals in other soums offer personal and less crowded interactions with locals.
Avoid bright clothing (especially red!) as birds of prey might mistake you for prey. Stick to neutral, earthy tones to blend in.
As part of Mongolia Quest’s legacy, we aim to reduce the country’s reliance on mining and agriculture by diversifying its economy. We are committed to helping local communities access alternative economic resources and encouraging their active participation in preserving cultural and natural heritage. Our founders, Mr. Badral Yondon and Mr. Gereltuv Dashdoorov, play crucial roles in promoting community-based tourism in Mongolia. Check our Golden Eagle Festival tours and travel with purpose! 👇️
Ready to Fly? Reserve Your Golden Eagle Festival Tour Today!
From Gobi to the Golden Eagle Festival  Sep 26 - Oct 8, 2025 | Mongolian | The Eagle Festival of Altai Soum Sep 6-19, 2025 |
🏇 Naadam Festival
Mongolia’s distinct four seasons make summer the most beloved time of the year—and the Naadam Festival is one of the main reasons why! Featuring archery, horse racing, and wrestling as its primary games, Naadam brings together competitors from across the nation to vie for glory. The winners receive prestigious titles and prizes, earning nationwide recognition. For athletes, Naadam is akin to the Olympics; they spend an entire year preparing for it.
❓Did You Know…
Mongolia has:
21 provinces (aimags), with an average of 70,000–80,000 residents.
330 soums, each home to around 3,000–5,000 residents.
1,728 baghs, the smallest administrative units, with 200–500 residents.
While the official Naadam Festival takes place from July 11–15, every aimag, soum, and bagh holds its own Naadam celebrations. All have dedicated stadiums for the events. Naadam celebrations include: (I) Opening Ceremony: A vibrant cultural performance kicks off the festival, (II) Wrestling: Matches are held in the stadium, and (III) Horse Racing & Archery: These events occur in designated areas nearby.
Mongolians dress in colorful, beautiful summer deels (traditional robe-like garments) for the occasion. Naadam cuisine is another highlight—try khuushuur, round-shaped, deep-fried dumplings filled with mutton or beef. Pair it with airag, fermented horse milk with mild alcohol content (2–3%).
Did you know the Naadam Festival is listed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity? It’s not just globally recognized—it’s the most eagerly awaited celebration for Mongolians!
Mongolian Wrestlers
💁 Pro Tips for Naadam Season:
Naadam season is busy—accommodations and tickets sell out fast!
Book several months in advance to avoid stress and enjoy the festivities to the fullest.
We at Mongolia Quest offer short trips during the official Naadam Celebration in the city, full trips that combine the Naadam Festival with visits to other pristine parts of Mongolia, and authentic countryside Naadam festivals tailored for horse lovers as “A Horse Song”.
Join the Summer Festivities—Reserve Your Naadam Adventure Today!
Mongolian Naadam Experience  July 11-12, 2025 | A Horse | Naadam Festival of Mongolia July 6-16, 2025 |
🔍️ Need Help planning your Journey?
Book a free 30-minute travel consultation with us on Zoom and let our experts guide you in crafting the perfect itinerary. Whether you have questions about the best time to visit, the unique experiences we offer, or need help with the planning process, we’re here to assist.
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👍️ Stay Tuned
Mongolia is home to many fascinating festivals held throughout the year. Follow us on social media to stay updated with our latest travel inspirations!
