The Nomads World Cultural Festival is set to take place from August 22 to 24, 2025. The event will unfold at the foot of Taij Khairkhan Mountain in Nalaikh District, Ulaanbaatar city. This annual festival highlights Mongolia’s commitment to preserving its intangible cultural heritage.
Organizers designed the festival to support UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. It also follows Mongolia’s Law on Protection of Cultural Heritage and Government Resolution No. 41, dated January 25, 2024. These frameworks emphasize the importance of protecting cultural expressions that cannot be physically touched but hold great meaning.
This year, the festival will take place in a traditional ger camp setting. This format aligns with regional development plans and offers an immersive cultural experience. Visitors will explore the unique customs and traditions of Mongolia’s many ethnic groups.
Moreover, the festival will feature around 780 events and programs dedicated to intangible cultural heritage. These include competitions in ten traditional national sports, giving attendees a chance to engage actively. Participants can learn new skills, appreciate cultural performances, and deepen their understanding of Mongolian traditions.
In addition to the ger camps, the festival program includes several exciting components. The “Cultural Heritage Station” will provide educational opportunities. The international academic conference, “The World of Nomads: Past and Future,” will bring together scholars and cultural experts. Meanwhile, the “Tourist Food Street” will showcase traditional cuisine, and a trade fair will highlight small and medium-sized businesses.
Furthermore, the event will conduct ongoing assessments to evaluate the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage. Experts will collect and analyze information from tradition bearers to support long-term preservation.
A major highlight will be the 17th World Championship of Mounted Archery. Over 120 top archers from more than 30 countries will compete, including 15 of Mongolia’s best. International judges, UNESCO representatives, and the World Federation of Mounted Archery will participate to ensure a world-class competition.
Overall, the Nomads World Cultural Festival offers a vibrant celebration of Mongolia’s rich intangible cultural heritage. It invites visitors to experience the living traditions of nomadic peoples in a meaningful and interactive way.
