International Women's Day

📣 Traveler notes

Mongolia offers deep outdoor adventure in its vast, open spaces. Known for its nomadic culture and hospitality, it is one of the last places practicing a nomadic lifestyle, with cultural ties to Central Asia.

• The major celebration is the Naadam festival (typically July 11–13), featuring the 'three manly sports': wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
• Smaller Naadam events occur throughout July across various provinces.
• The festival tradition is linked to the historical practices established by Genghis Khan.
• Wrestling costumes ('zodog') are designed with open chests.
• Wrestlers typically wear short trunks ('shuudag') and traditional boots ('gutal').
• The yellow stripes on a wrestler's hat signify the number of Naadam championship wins.
• Interact with locals using local customs rather than strictly Western pleasantries. Always accept invitations to visit a ger (yurt). Use the right hand for receiving, giving, and drinking. Accepting food or drink is expected, and food waste should be avoided. When greeting a nomadic household, use 'sain bainuu' (hello). Show respect to elders, and avoid discussing politics (especially concerning China) or speaking negatively about Genghis Khan.