When you think of Mongolia, the first image that probably comes to mind is the endless expanse of the steppe, with rugged mountains in the distance and the occasional sight of a nomadic herder tending to a group of horses. That’s exactly the kind of romantic image I had before I traveled there, and honestly, it’s pretty spot-on. But what I didn’t fully appreciate until I was in the thick of it, was just how rich and vibrant Mongolian culture truly is. And nothing exemplifies that better than the Naadam Festival.
Now, if you haven’t heard of Naadam before, you’re in for a treat. This festival is often described as the “three games of men,” which might sound a bit old-school, but don’t worry—these days, women participate too. The three games refer to wrestling, horse racing, and archery, and they are much more than mere sports. These games have been central to Mongolian culture for centuries, and each one is steeped in tradition, symbolism, and a whole lot of fun.
Wrestling: The Heart of the Festival
Let’s start with wrestling, which, in my opinion, is the heart and soul of Naadam. Mongolian wrestling, or “bökh,” isn’t like the wrestling you might see in the Olympics or on TV. There are no weight classes, and the matches aren’t timed. Instead, the goal is simple: make your opponent touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. The last wrestler standing is declared the winner.
When I first saw a bökh match, I was struck by how different it was from anything I’d seen before. The wrestlers, dressed in traditional outfits that leave their chests bare, move with a kind of slow, deliberate grace, almost like they’re performing a dance. And in a way, they are. Before each match, the wrestlers perform an eagle dance, which is a tribute to the spiritual and cultural significance of the sport. It’s fascinating to watch, and even if you don’t know all the rules, you can feel the weight of tradition behind every move.
But what really made bökh special for me was watching it alongside the locals. The atmosphere is electric—everyone is cheering for their favorite wrestlers, and there’s a real sense of community pride. I remember striking up a conversation with an older man next to me who was more than happy to explain the finer points of the sport. He told me that bökh has been a part of Naadam for over 2,000 years, dating back to the time of Genghis Khan, who supposedly encouraged his soldiers to wrestle as a way to keep fit and build camaraderie .
Horse Racing: A Test of Endurance
Next up is the horse racing, which is unlike any horse race you’ll see in the West. For one thing, the jockeys are usually children—yes, you read that right. In Mongolian culture, horsemanship is a vital skill, and kids as young as five or six are already experienced riders. During Naadam, these young jockeys race across the open steppe, covering distances of up to 30 kilometers. The races are as much a test of endurance for the horses as they are for the riders.
I’ll never forget the first Naadam horse race I saw. The race started miles away from where the crowd was gathered, so we couldn’t see the start, only the finish. The anticipation was intense as we all stood waiting, scanning the horizon for the first signs of dust. When the horses finally appeared, thundering towards us at full speed, the crowd erupted into cheers. It was exhilarating, and a little nerve-wracking, to see these young kids, perched on their horses with nothing but a thin saddle pad and the wind in their hair, racing at breakneck speeds.
But it’s not just about speed. Winning a Naadam horse race brings great honor, not just to the jockey, but to the horse and its trainer as well. In fact, it’s customary to sing a song of praise to the winning horse, and I remember hearing one of these songs—it was hauntingly beautiful, a mix of pride and reverence. The whole experience left me in awe of the deep connection Mongolians have with their horses, which have been central to their way of life for centuries .
Archery: Precision and Patience
Last but certainly not least is archery, which might be the oldest of the three games. Mongolian archery has its roots in hunting and warfare, and it requires a combination of strength, precision, and patience. Unlike Western-style archery, where you aim at a round target with a bullseye, Mongolian archers shoot at small leather cylinders that are arranged in a line on the ground. The archers stand quite a distance away and aim to knock over as many of these cylinders as possible.
I had the chance to try my hand at archery during my time in Mongolia, and let me tell you—it’s much harder than it looks. The bows are traditionally made from a combination of wood, horn, and sinew, and they require a significant amount of strength to draw. My first few attempts didn’t even come close to the target, but after some patient coaching from a local, I managed to hit one of the cylinders. It was a small victory, but it gave me a newfound respect for the skill involved in this ancient art.
During Naadam, the archery competition is as much about demonstrating skill as it is about preserving tradition. The archers wear traditional clothing, and the event is often accompanied by traditional music and chants. Watching the archers, both men and women, with their steady hands and focused expressions, was a reminder of how much patience and discipline these sports demand. It’s not just about winning—it’s about honoring the traditions that have been passed down through generations .
Naadam: More Than Just a Festival
While the “three games” are the main attractions, Naadam is much more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of Mongolian culture and identity, a time when people from all over the country come together to reconnect with their heritage. The festival usually takes place in July, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Mongolia during Naadam, you’ll see the streets come alive with music, dance, and a sense of communal pride.
I was fortunate to be invited to a local family’s yurt during Naadam, where I experienced the warm hospitality that Mongolians are famous for. We shared a meal of traditional dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khuushuur (fried meat pies), washed down with airag, a fermented mare’s milk that is surprisingly refreshing. As we ate, my hosts told me stories of past Naadams, of family traditions, and of their hopes for the future. It was a moment of connection that I’ll never forget, and it made me realize that Naadam is not just about the games—it’s about community, continuity, and celebrating the Mongolian way of life.
Wrapping Up: Why Naadam Matters
Naadam isn’t just a festival—it’s a living link to Mongolia’s past. It’s a celebration of the skills, traditions, and values that have shaped this incredible country for thousands of years. Whether you’re watching a wrestler perform an eagle dance, cheering on a young jockey as they race across the steppe, or marveling at the precision of an archer, you’re witnessing something truly special.
If you ever have the chance to visit Mongolia during Naadam, don’t hesitate—go. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful country and its people, and you’ll carry the memories with you for a lifetime. And who knows? You might even find yourself inspired to try your hand at one of the “three games” yourself.
Mongolia is a land of vast landscapes and even vaster traditions, and Naadam is the perfect window into that world. So here’s to the next Naadam—may the wrestlers be strong, the horses swift, and the arrows true!