Winter Festivals In Mongolia

Last updated 2 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: October 31, 2024

Winter Festivals In Mongolia

When you start reading about Mongolia’s winter temperatures, you might think, ‘Maybe I’ll wait until summer to visit.’ But while winter in Mongolia has its challenges, it’s an ideal time to experience one of the many winter festivals in Mongolia. These events play an important part in the winter calendar for the local communities that host them, featuring high levels of local involvement and always drawing enthusiastic crowds of local spectators as well as international visitors.

Flexibility And Patience Are Key At Mongolia’s Winter Festivals

Most of these festivals are rooted in the community, so even though a schedule may be published, start times are often delayed, and events may be subject to change or cancellations due to weather. The wait is part of the experience, and the local’s excitement is contagious, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

As with any large gathering, waste can be an issue, but festival organisers are increasingly focusing on minimising environmental impact with efforts to reduce waste, reflecting progress.

Winter festivals in Mongolia offer a truly immersive experience. Embrace the rhythms of the events, connect with local communities, and witness the raw beauty of winter in Mongolia.

Tsagaan Sar – White Month – Mongolian Lunar New Year

One of Mongolia’s most significant holidays, Tsagaan Sar, or ‘White Month,’ takes place on the second new moon after the Winter Solstice.

Turuu and Onroo during Tsagaan Sar at the Gua Undur ovoo (sacred stone shrine) – the ovoo close to where their father was born and the inspiration for our Mongolian business name.

While it’s still dark, local community members gather at their local ovoo (sacred stone shrine) to send out the old with offerings including rice, milk, and juniper before then greeting the sunrise and the New Year.

It’s a family centred celebration lasting at least three days, filled with traditional customs, buuz (Mongolian dumplings), milk tea, fermented mare’s milk and vodka. Learn more in our blog post here.

Khovsgol Ice Festival 

Held annually at Khatgal on the shores of Khovsgol Nuur (lake),  this festival turns the frozen lake into a winter playground with horse sled races, ice-skating, and traditional games. Members of the Tsaatan, Mongolia’s reindeer herders, join showcasing the region’s cultural diversity.

The Khoridol Saridag Mountains and western shoreline provide a backdrop to the frozen lake surfaces of Khovsgol Nuur. Notice the traditional and WARM (!) coats modelled by Turuu and Bataa. These are handmade for Eternal Landscapes.

Exploring the frozen landscapes of Khovsgol Nuur on our 3-day horse sleigh expedition during our Khovsgol ice festival experience.

Throughout the event, the ice itself takes centre stage – noy only through stunning  ice sculptures but also in the natural beauty of the lake. The frozen surface of Khovsgol Nuur showcases deep cobalt cracks and dramatic ice waves formed by shifting winds, adding a surreal visual element to the event.  For more details, visit https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/khovsgol-ice-festival-mongolia/

The Thousand Camel Festival

Organised by a local NGO, the Thousand Camel Festival in the southern Gobi celebrates the vital role that  Bactrian camels play in the lives of the region’s herders. This annual event not only highlights the camel’s importance in this challenging landscape but also offers a chance for the herders to come together, fostering community connections during what can be an isolating time of year.

The festival features competitions such as camel races, camel polo, and even a camel beauty pageant, though the criteria for winning remains a mystery! Spectators are warmly welcomed to participate, including the chance to join the opening parade – riding a camel if they wish. As with many Mongolian festivals, the event includes a concert of traditional music and dance – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/mongolias-thousand-camel-festival/

 Nauryz Festival

Nauryz, meaning ‘new day,’ is an ancient spring festival celebrated throughout Central Asia, coinciding with the spring equinox. In Western Mongolia, where the Mongol Kazakh community predominantly resides in Bayan Ulgii Aimag, the celebration brings families together. Mongol Kazakh families visit each other’s homes and enjoy a meal to mark the start of a new season.

In Ulgii, the provincial capital, a colourful parade unites the community, with participants ranging from schoolchildren to eagle hunters and even local hospital staff. During Nauryz, an eagle festival often takes place, along with traditional horse games like  bushkashi (also known as kolpar) where riders engage in a fierce tug-of-war with a goat carcass.

For a deeper look at Nauryz and its celebrations – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/nauryz-festival-mongolia/

A family photograph of the Asker Kazakh family who we work in long-term local community partnership with. Join us for Naruyz and they’ll be your hosts.

Silver Reeds Festival

Initiated by WWF Mongolia, the Silver Reeds Festival is held in Khovd Province, taking place on frozen Khar Uvs Nuur .

Held every two years, this festival was initiated to celebrate the return of Dalmatian pelicans to Khar Us Nuur thanks to conservation efforts by WWF Mongolia. The festival helps to raise awareness of the conservation of rare water birds and the ongoing conservation work by WWF Mongolia within local communities. The festival also celebrates the diversity of the local ethnic culture (Khovd is the most ethnically diverse province in Mongolia) as well as celebrating local traditions, art, heritage, and music as well as promoting winter sports and tourism.

Талын Түмэн Адуу Winter Horse Festival

For those ready to brave the cold, Mongolia’s winter festivals provide an unmatched look into Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. Bundle up with thermals, wool socks, and a down jacket, and prepare for an unforgettable winter experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.  Explore our Mongolia winter tours or reach out for further details. Alternatively, if  Mongolia’s winter temperatures feel a bit daunting, you can also discover a range of festivals throughout the year that celebrate Mongolia’s traditions and culture in more temperate seasons.

Jess @ Eternal Landscapes