The Ice Festival, Winter's Essential Event
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March 12, 2016
The Horseback Mongolia team went undercover as reporters to bring you images from the 17th edition of the Ice Festival, held on March 3rd and 4th. Taking place each year on the frozen waters of Lake Khuvsgul, the event typically runs for two days. Despite poor weather forecasts, the lake attracted more than 8,000 visitors and 70 artisans this year. A spectacular and comprehensive program for everyone's enjoyment.
During your visit, you'll spot numerous nomads heading to the lake on their motorcycles along the way, despite temperatures dropping to -20°C.
- Naturally, the festival highlights ice sculptures.
No age restrictions—entertainment for both young and old alike.
The traditional game of knucklebones also takes center stage—a Mongolian version of boules. The principle is to slide the knucklebone across the ice to hit three others at the end of the lane. If you succeed, you win the modest sum of 5000T, equivalent to roughly €2.50... Of course, we play for the pleasure of it.
Herders' parade on their sledges pulled by horses.
A 12-kilometer race is held on the lake, bringing together all the herders. A feast for the eyes!
A far more rugged competition, which involves breaking a bone in two by striking it with your fist. Whoever succeeds wins the prize. A challenging feat, but one that draws many bold competitors.
And of course, Mongolia also means camels...
...and reindeer
Here's a glimpse into this adventure on the lake, which I hope has convinced you to venture to Mongolian lands in any season.Charlène Nomadays
SEO writer and early innovator at Nomadays, now content manager and head of communications, Charlène has accompanied the adventure with passion and dedication since its inception. After spending seven years across Asia—from China to Thailand, via Mongolie and South Korea—she has made travel her way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a thoughtful, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.
