Naadam
Festival
Step into the ancient heart of Mongolia. A two-day hosted cultural experience at the Naadam Festival - the greatest celebration of the Three Games of Men: wrestling, horse racing and archery.
Beyond the Pitch is a cultural experience platform, not a travel agency or tour operator. Flights, accommodation and travel arrangements are not included. Participants arrange their own travel independently.
Dates
July 11–12, 2027
Location
Ulaanbaatar
Group size
Max 12 guests
Price
€400 p.p.
Meet Tsetsegee
from Ulaanbaatar
"I've been hosting Mongolian cultural experiences since 2000. My goal is simple: to provide elite cultural insight at a reasonable price. As an English Training Center founder, I ensure our communication is as clear as the Mongolian sky."
The Itinerary
Day 1 · Stadium & Rituals
The Grand Opening
Morning
Witness the Nine White Banners procession from Sukhbaatar Square to the Stadium. One of the most ceremonially powerful moments in Mongolian culture.
Midday
Reserved seating for the Grand Opening Ceremony. Experience the roar of the crowd as the wrestling competition begins. Tsetsegee provides context and cultural insight throughout.
Lunch
Authentic Khuushuur - the traditional Mongolian fried meat pastry eaten at the stadium on matchday. A true Naadam staple.
Day 2 · The Steppe
The Horse Races
Morning
Make your way to the valley where the legendary long-distance horse races take place. Meeting point details shared in advance by Tsetsegee.
Afternoon
Watch the finishes of races covering over 30km. A traditional steppe lunch is arranged at the meeting point.
Evening
Return to Ulaanbaatar for the final wrestling rounds and closing honours - the most electric atmosphere of the two days.
The Three Games of Men
Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)
No time limit, no weight classes. First to touch the ground loses.
Horse Racing
Raced across open steppe by child jockeys. Distances up to 30km.
Archery
Traditional bows, targets on the ground. Both men and women compete.
Interactive
Are you a True Nomad?
Test your knowledge of the Three Manly Games and discover if you have the spirit of the Mongolian steppe.
Start the Naadam TriviaThis booking covers the hosted experience only. Flights to and from Mongolia and accommodation in Ulaanbaatar are not included. Participants arrange their own travel independently.
The games. The steppe. The feeling.
Everything you need
Reserved Stadium Seats
Guaranteed seating for the Grand Opening Ceremony and wrestling rounds - tickets notoriously difficult to obtain independently.
Expert Local Guide
Tsetsegee provides cultural insight, historical context and fluent English communication throughout both days.
Traditional Meals
Authentic Khuushuur at the stadium and a traditional lunch at the steppe horse racing location.
Full Festival Experience
Nine White Banners procession, Opening Ceremony, wrestling, steppe horse racing and closing honours.
Pre-arrival Briefing
Detailed meeting point logistics, practical tips and cultural background shared by Tsetsegee before arrival.
Ethical Access
Community-first approach. Your experience supports local families and Mongolian culture directly.
What's Not Included
Good to know
What is the Naadam Festival?
Naadam is Mongolia's most important national festival, held each July to celebrate independence. The festival centres on the Three Games of Men - Mongolian wrestling (Bökh), horse racing and archery - sports practised on the steppe for thousands of years. It is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
How do we get the stadium tickets?
Stadium tickets are notoriously difficult to obtain and often sell out within minutes of release. We handle the entire procurement process on your behalf. Your reserved seat is guaranteed and included in the experience price.
What should I wear?
Mongolian weather in July is usually hot but can change quickly. We recommend comfortable breathable clothing, a sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen. For Day 2 on the steppe, sturdy walking shoes are essential.
Is a visa required for Mongolia?
Many nationalities including EU and US citizens can currently enter Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days. However, rules change - Tsetsegee will provide the latest advice for your specific country upon booking.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. While traditional Mongolian food is meat-heavy, we can arrange vegetarian or gluten-free options for the steppe lunch if notified in advance.
Is this experience physically demanding?
The experience involves some walking and periods of standing, especially at the steppe location on Day 2. It is accessible for most fitness levels. Meeting point logistics are shared in advance so you can plan accordingly.
Before you go
Book Naadam 2027
Places are limited to 12 guests. Email us directly to confirm your spot and receive Tsetsegee's full pre-arrival briefing.
Dates: July 11–12, 2027 · Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Max group: 12 guests
thebeyondthepitch@gmail.com
Flights and accommodation are not included. Participants arrange their own travel to Ulaanbaatar independently. We provide hotel recommendations upon booking.
Ready to Experience
the Naadam?
Step into a sporting tradition that has shaped Mongolian identity for thousands of years. Places are strictly limited - and they go fast.