SCHEDULE DETAILS Event Schedules
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7:00 - 10:00 Stallion horse racing
Stallion horse racing
In Mongolia, stallion horse racing is a prominent feature of the Naadam Festival, celebrating the nation's rich equestrian heritage.
These races, known as "Azarga," are exclusively for stallions and are among the most prestigious events during the festival.
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8:00 - 9:00
Ikh Nas 5+ year old horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag
During Mongolia's Naadam Festival, the "Ikh Nas" race features horses aged 5 and older, including castrated males known as "Ikh Nas." These races take place at Khui Doloon Khudag, approximately 40 km west of Ulaanbaatar.
Race Details:
Age Categories: Mongolian horse races are categorized by the horses' ages, with "Ikh Nas" referring to castrated horses over 5 years old.
Race Distances:
The "Ikh Nas" race covers a distance of approximately 25 to 27 kilometers, testing the endurance and stamina of these seasoned horses.
Jockeys:
Traditionally, these races feature child jockeys aged between 7 to 13 years, showcasing Mongolia's deep-rooted horsemanship culture.
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12:00 - 13:00
Visit the ger of the horse trainers participating in the Naadam
Dress a Mongolian horse with your company's product and visit the homes of Mongolian horse trainers (uyaach) to meet with them, introduce your products, and hold business meetings.
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8:00 - 11:00 Five-year-old horse (Soyolon) race
Five-year-old horse (Soyolon) race
The Soyolon race is one of the most prestigious and exciting events of the Naadam Festival, featuring five-year-old horses competing in a long-distance endurance race.
This race is held at Khui Doloon Khudag, a vast open steppe designated for Naadam's horse racing events.
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9:00 - 18:00 “Airag Khokuur” Mare’s Milk Festival
“Airag Khokuur” Mare’s Milk Festival
The Airag Khokuur Festival is a unique Mongolian cultural event dedicated to airag (fermented mare’s milk), one of the most cherished traditional beverages in Mongolia.
This festival is a celebration of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, horse culture, and dairy traditions, bringing together locals and visitors to enjoy the rich flavors and customs surrounding airag.
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8:00 - 9:00 Two-year-old horse (Daaga) race
Two-year-old horse (Daaga) race
The Daaga race is the youngest category in the traditional Naadam Festival horse racing, featuring two-year-old horses competing in an endurance race at Khui Doloon Khudag. This race is a special event as it marks the first official competition for young horses, setting the foundation for their future racing careers.
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7:00 - 9:00 Stallion, Ikh Nas, and Soyolon mixed-breed horse racing
Stallion, Ikh Nas, and Soyolon mixed-breed horse racing
Mongolia's horse racing tradition is deeply rooted in the Naadam Festival, with different age categories of horses competing in long-distance endurance races. The mixed-breed horse racing category is a special event that brings together some of the fastest and strongest horses, including:
Stallions (Azarga) – Mature, fully grown male horses known for their strength and speed.
Ikh Nas (Full-Grown Horses, 6+ Years Old) – The most experienced and powerful racing horses.
Soyolon (Five-Year-Olds) – Young but well-trained horses that are reaching peak racing performance.
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9:00 - 11:00 Shudlen and Hyazaalan mixed-breed horse racing
Shudlen and Hyazaalan mixed-breed horse racing
The Shudlen & Hyazaalan mixed-breed horse race is a thrilling event in Mongolian horse racing, featuring some of the most promising young racehorses. This category brings together:
Shudlen (Three-Year-Old Horses) – Young and energetic horses that are still developing their endurance and racing skills.
Hyazaalan (Four-Year-Old Horses) – More experienced and physically mature horses, often seen as future champions of the prestigious Soyolon and Ikh Nas races.
This mixed-breed race is designed to showcase the raw speed of Shudlen and the growing stamina of Hyazaalan, creating a dynamic and competitive event.
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12:00 - 12:20 Horse Trainer’s Naadam opening performance
Horse Trainer’s Naadam opening performance
The Horse Trainer’s Opening Performance at Naadam is a spectacular display of Mongolia’s deep-rooted equestrian culture, honoring the trainers, jockeys, and horses who play a vital role in the festival’s legendary horse races