The harshness of winter in Mongolia contrasts magically with the warmth of nomadic herders across the steppes. Winter is often approached with trepidation due to temperatures that can plunge to -50°C, yet this season, as unforgiving as it may be, is a magical and unique period to discover nomadic culture and fabulous landscapes.

Winter brings numerous festivals and celebrations that can punctuate your winter stay in Mongolia. Let's explore these remarkable festivities together!

Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year

• Date: February (the date varies each year according to the lunar calendar)
• Location: Celebrated throughout the country

Tsagaan Sar is Mongolia's lunar new year and symbolizes the first day of spring. The celebration dates are calculated according to the lunar calendar. Tsagaan Sar spans three days and is celebrated primarily with family. Gifts are exchanged, grand feasts are prepared, and everyone dresses in their finest attire.

With a bit of luck, you'll be able to participate in these joyful and warm festivities.

Ice Festival at Lake Khövsgöl

• Date: First weekend of March
• Location: Lake Khövsgöl

The ice festival takes place each year on the frozen Lake Khövsgöl during the first weekend of March. The festivities unfold over two days, bringing together the region's inhabitants on the lake's shores to participate in various events and activities.

It's an opportunity to experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, witness curling competitions, and admire stunning ice sculptures.

Eagle Festival

• Date: Late September and February
• Location: Sagsai in the Altai region and Terelj near Ulaanbaatar

There are two eagle festivals. The first is the most significant and oldest of the two. It takes place in the Altai region in late September. The second is a smaller festival held near Ulaanbaatar, bringing together local Kazakhs for demonstrations that showcase this ancestral practice to travelers and promote winter tourism.

At the grand festival in the Altai, nearly 60 Kazakh falconers and their majestic eagles gather to demonstrate their skill and remarkable bond with their birds of prey. A competition is organized where Kazakh falconers test their abilities by attempting to catch small game with their royal eagles.

To attend this unique festival, discover our itinerary: The Eagle Festival

Mongolia's Winter Horse Festival

• Date: Early November
• Location: Khentii Province

A grand symbol of Mongolia, the horse sits at the heart of nomadic culture and way of life. It's no wonder, then, that a festival is dedicated to it. Celebrations take place every year in early November in Khentii Province in eastern Mongolia. Participating in this festival offers a chance to experience the country's authentic equestrian culture. The program includes horse races, performances, arts, and concerts of traditional national music. Each participant takes pride in showcasing their knowledge and horsemanship skills—a heritage of traditions still deeply rooted in nomadic daily life.

Silver Reed Winter Festival

• Date: Late February, every two years
• Location: Khar Us Lake in Khovd Province

Initiated by the WWF, this festival takes place every two years in Khovd Province in western Mongolia. It aims to promote winter tourism and showcases diverse ethnic cultures, ancient traditions, and Mongolian winter games and sports.

Attending this celebration is a perfect way to discover the many Mongolian winter traditions. Camel races, archery, traditional dances, singing, and other activities are organized throughout the day.

Festival of a Thousand Camels in the Gobi

• Date: Early March
• Location: Bulgan Soum in South Gobi Province

The Festival of a Thousand Bactrian Camels is organized annually in the Gobi Desert since 1997. It was created by a local non-governmental organization that works to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel population, which has been in constant decline for the past twelve years.

Nomadic herders dress in their finest attire and travel thousands of kilometers on camelback to reach the festival. Cameleer parades, Camel Polo, grand camel races, and other activities animate the festival.