The Naadam Games
What it's like
Wrestlers in embroidered vests flap their arms in the eagle dance, archers call out each hit in song and, far across the steppe, a dust cloud signals the racehorses. Naadam's eriin gurvan naadam, the three games of men, have been contested for centuries.
Wrestling (bökh) has no weight classes or time limits; a bout ends when any part of a wrestler's body other than feet or hands touches the ground. Winners earn titles such as falcon, elephant and lion, and the champion performs the eagle dance.
Horse races run across open country over distances of roughly 10 to 30 km, depending on the age of the horses. The jockeys are children, usually from around seven upwards; age limits and safety rules such as helmets have been tightened in recent years amid an ongoing public debate about child-jockey welfare.
Archery is contested by men and women alike, shooting at small leather targets with composite bows. Despite the name, women also take part in the horse racing as jockeys, while wrestling remains men only.
We choose between the national celebrations in Ulaanbaatar and smaller local naadams, where you can stand right by the finish line and share the day with families.
Adventures with this
More experiences
Staying with Nomad Families
Sleep in a family ger, help with the herds and share the rhythm of a working nomadic camp.
Horse Riding
Ride sturdy Mongolian horses across open steppe, river valleys and forested hills with local horsemen.
Camel Trekking
Travel the Gobi on the back of a two-humped Bactrian camel, guided by the herders who raise them.
Eagle Hunting Traditions
Meet the Kazakh burkitshi of Bayan-Ölgii, who raise and train golden eagles to hunt in winter.
Throat Singing and the Morin Khuur
Hear khöömei, the overtone singing of the steppe, and the morin khuur horsehead fiddle, both UNESCO-listed traditions.
Dinosaur Fossil Sites
Walk the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where the first recognised dinosaur eggs were found in the 1920s.
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