The Winter Horse Festival is one of Mongolia’s most spectacular cultural events, celebrating the nation’s deep-rooted horse culture and nomadic traditions. Held during the off-peak season in November, the festival allows tourists to enjoy the Mongolian steppe with fewer crowds while supporting local communities and winter tourism.
Horses have always been central to Mongolian life, and this festival highlights the skills of herders, riders, and their magnificent animals. Horse herders from all over Mongolia gather with thousands of horses in the eastern Khentii province, creating an unforgettable spectacle of galloping horses, traditional costumes, and snowy steppe landscapes.
What Is the Winter Horse Festival?
The Winter Horse Festival is an annual Mongolian event celebrating horse culture and nomadic life through competitions and performances, showcasing herders’ skills, preserving traditions, promoting winter tourism, and supporting local communities.
When and Where Does the Festival Take Place?
When: Annually in November, during Mongolia’s off-peak winter season
Where: Khentii Province, eastern Mongolia, on the winter steppe
Accessibility: Most visitors travel from Chinggis city, with accommodation options in local hotels or ger stays near the festival site.
Festival Activities and Competitions
Over two days, the festival features horsemanship competitions, cultural displays, and interactive experiences:
Day 1 Highlights:
Official opening: Flag parade, riders in traditional attire, cultural performances
Children’s horseback parade, “Udamt Mongol”
Horse color identification contest
“Best Horseback Couple” competition
First round of Shurguu – 2025 competition
Untamed horse taming contest (wild bronco riding)
Cultural performance: Ballad of Setsen Khan
Public dance at village Cultural Center
Day 2 Highlights:
Mongol Taiga Dog breed selection competition
Strength of the Steppe – national wrestling tournament
Hunter of the Steppe – cultural heritage competition
Steppe Eagle – accuracy test competition
Mongol Taiga Dog short-distance race
Silken Hoof – short-distance betting horse race
Final round of Shurguu – 2025 and awards ceremony
Why Attend the Winter Horse Festival?
Spectacular Visuals: Thousands of horses galloping across the snowy steppe with riders in colorful national costumes.
Authentic Cultural Experience: Witness traditional horsemanship, traditional wrestling, hunting dog demonstrations, folk music, and dances.
Interactive Opportunities: Participate in horse parades, races, and engage with local herders.
Winter Travel Advantage: Enjoy the festival without the crowds typical of peak tourist seasons.
