Naadam Opening Ceremony 2-Day Small Group Tour
This 2-day tour includes tickets to the Naadam Opening Ceremony in Ulaanbaatar on July 11, 2024 with a local guide. Experience local horse races in the Mongolian countryside, watch the country’s best wrestlers compete to be champion, and learn about Mongolian archery.
Highlights of this Naadam Opening Ceremony Small Group Tour include:
- Tickets to the National Naadam Opening Ceremony in Ulaanbaatar.
- An English-speaking translator and local guide who will expertly guide you through the Naadam festivities.
- The chance to go to the Mongolian countryside to watch the horse races alongside locals.
- Cheering on the country’s best wrestlers as they compete for the title of Naadam champion.
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Experiencing Naadam, Mongolia’s biggest and most important national festival, is one of the best things you can do on a trip to Mongolia.
As someone who has lived here for more than 6 years, it’s one of my favorite times of year to be in the country.
The colors, the excitement, the history, and the pride of the locals participating and watching – there really is no better time to be in Mongolia than during Naadam.
The dates for this Naadam Opening Ceremony Small Group Tour are:
- July 11 – 12, 2024
What's Included
- Tickets to the Opening Ceremony.
- An English-speaking local guide and interpreter who will guide you through the festival’s events. She will carefully explain the importance of the festival, the traditions around it, and make sure you don’t miss anything worth watching over the course of these two days.
- Private transportation to the Mongolian countryside to watch the local horse races. These will take place after the Opening Ceremony. You will return to the city in the evening.
- Entrance to the wrestling and archery competitions on day two of the National Festival in Ulaanbaatar.
- This small group tour will be limited to 9 people.
What's Not Included
- Flights, airport transfers, visa costs, are not included in this itinerary.
- Accommodation is not included in this itinerary. You will have a designated meeting time on July 11 and 12 in Suukhbaatar Square. You are responsible for getting to that meeting point on time on both days.
- Meals are not included. You will have the chance to taste Naadam khuushuur and other local delicacies from the local food vendors – be sure to bring cash!
- Tips and additional gratuities.
The price to book this Naadam Opening Ceremony Tour is $450 USD per person.
Book Now
Guaranteed tickets to the Naadam National Festival Opening Ceremony in Ulaanbaatar with an English-speaking guide. This 2-day trip takes place July 11 – 12, 2024.
To book your spot, please complete the Google form linked below. Once received, I will reach out with everything you’ll need to complete your booking.
What is the Naadam Opening Ceremony?
Every year on July 11, the National Naadam Opening Ceremony marks the beginning of this important national festival in Ulaanbaatar.
The Opening Ceremony is held at the National Stadium and getting a seat to this incredible event can be hard to come by. Esteemed locals, government officials – everyone who is anyone wants to attend this celebration in the capital!
The day starts with a parade in Sukhbaatar Square, where the country’s guardsmen fly the sacred white banners. The white banners signify a time of peace (black banners signify war), and this special procession marks the beginning of the celebrations.
During this 2-day small group experience, experience this unique cultural tradition like a local. Eat Naadam khuushuur, learn the history of Naadam and how it dates back to the days of Chinggis Khaan, and witness Mongolia’s top competitors compete alongside one another.
Things to Know About Attending Naadam
Naadam always takes place in July, from July 12 – 15. Most businesses in the city close during this time so that locals can enjoy this holiday with their friends and family.
Weather in Ulaanbaatar in July can be hard to predict. There have been some years when I’ve attended Naadam and it was scorching hot. Last year, it was so cold and gloomy I wore a puffer coat the entire day.
The average temperature in Ulaanbaatar in July is:
- Daytime 24°C (75°F) as the high
- Nighttime 11°C (52°F) as the low
It’s important to know that traffic will be heavier than usual during these days. There is nothing we can do about this, but it will affect the driving time when to the horse races on the afternoon of July 11, and returning to the city that evening.
I recommend you bring a daypack during these days. Water, sunscreen, a sun hat, and snacks are a good idea to bring with you for each of these days. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to check the weather and pack a light jacket.
The Itinerary for this Naadam Opening Ceremony Tour
The final itinerary for this tour will be announced closer to the tour dates.
However, you can plan for an early start on July 11. Meeting Sukhbaatar around 8 am, the day begins by watching the parade and ceremonies that take place in front of the government parliament building in Sukhbaatar Square.
From there, you will attend the Opening Ceremony at the National Stadium around 10 am.
After the Opening Ceremony you will head to the countryside via private transportation (Mitsubishi Delica or similar) to watch the afternoon horse races.
In the evening you will return to Ulaanbaatar.
Day two of this itinerary includes heading back to the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar to watch the wrestling and archery competitions.
Additional days and experiences can be added to this itinerary. Visit our Tour Page →
The price to book this Naadam Opening Ceremony Tour is $450 USD per person.
Book Now
Guaranteed tickets to the Naadam National Festival Opening Ceremony in Ulaanbaatar with an English-speaking guide. This 2-day trip takes place July 11 – 12, 2024.
To book your spot, please complete the Google form linked below. Once received, I will reach out with everything you’ll need to complete your booking.
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