Dating from the era of Chinggis Khaan, the Naadam Festival is a showcase for the biggest traditional sporting events and a summer celebration enjoyed throughout Mongolia each July. The most spectacular events for locals and tourists alike take place at the National Stadium in Ulaanbaatar and the Khui Doloon Khudag – a broad valley located a short drive from the capital, where nomads compete in wrestling, archery and horse racing.

The national Naadam will be held next week; however, local festivals take place at different times – for example, a two-day mini-naadam has begun today  in South Gobi Province (Umnugobi). Most provincial festivals, however, are scheduled to be held on 10-11 July. Bulgan will be the last province which is to hold the festival on 27-29 July.