The Best Way to Experience the Heart of a Country
Travelling isn’t just about visiting new places — it’s about getting to the heart of a destination. And one of the best ways to do that? Join in on a local festival. These events offer a rare chance to see a country at its most vibrant, with traditions, music and celebrations that have been passed down for generations.
Whether it’s the masked dances of Bhutan, the thrill of Mongolia’s Naadam Festival or the ancient skill of eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains, attending a festival turns a trip into something truly special.
Here’s why....
Why Travel for Cultural Festivals?
Experience Traditions Firsthand:
Festivals give you an up-close look at centuries-old customs, from sacred rituals to lively street parades. This isn’t something you’ll find in museums — it’s culture brought to life.
Meet Local People in a Real Way:
Attending a festival connects you with the local community in a way that regular sightseeing can’t. You’ll share in their celebrations, enjoy traditional foods, and maybe even be invited to join in.
An Unforgettable Feast for the Senses:
From the rhythmic beats of drums to the sight of dancers in dazzling costumes, festivals are full of energy. Add in the smell of delicious street food, and you’ve got an experience that sticks with you long after you return home.
A Rare and Special Moment in Time:
Unlike landmarks that are always there, festivals only happen once a year. That makes them unique opportunities—you won’t get the same experience if you visit another time.
A More Meaningful Way to Travel:
Rather than just passing through, festivals let you immerse yourself in a country’s culture. It’s travel with a deeper purpose.
Three Life-Changing Festivals Steeped in Tradition
Some festivals are more than just celebrations — they are deeply rooted in history and offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. If you’re looking for a festival experience that will stay with you long after your journey ends, these are three we highly recommend....
1. Bhutan's Thimphu Tshechu & Gangtey Tshechu Festivals
Bhutan’s Tshechu festivals are among the most significant religious events in the country. Dating back to the 17th century, they were introduced by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan, to celebrate Guru Rinpoche — the saint who brought Buddhism to the Himalayas. These festivals are held in different districts across Bhutan and are designed to purify sins, bless attendees and bring communities together.
These events are deeply important to the Bhutanese people, and attending one gives you a rare insight into their culture.
Thimphu Tshechu – Held in the capital at Tashichho Dzong, this is one of Bhutan’s biggest and most colourful festivals. Monks and dancers perform masked cham dances that tell stories from Bhutanese history and Buddhist teachings.
Gangtey Tshechu – A smaller, more intimate festival set in the stunning Phobjikha Valley, known for its serene beauty and black-necked cranes.
Why go? You’ll witness Bhutan’s living Buddhist traditions, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
When?📅 2 – 10 October 2025
2. Mongolia's Naadam Festival at Lake Khovsgol
The Naadam Festival has roots dating back over 800 years, originating from the military training exercises of Mongolian warriors. It became an official celebration during the reign of Genghis Khan, as a way to test the strength, skill and endurance of his soldiers. Today, Naadam remains a national celebration of Mongolian identity and heritage.
Known as the “Three Manly Games,” the festival features horse racing, wrestling, and archery — all skills that have been vital for Mongolian warriors and herders for centuries.
✔ Experience Naadam at Lake Khovsgol – Away from the busy crowds of Ulaanbaatar, this Naadam celebration happens in a more peaceful, remote setting, surrounded by stunning lakes and mountains.
✔ See traditional Mongolian sports up close – Cheer on the racers as they ride incredible distances, watch fierce wrestling matches, and admire expert archery skills.
Why go? It’s action-packed, deeply cultural, and completely unique — a true highlight of Mongolian heritage.
When? 📅 7 – 20 July 2025
3. Mongolia's Sagsai Eagle Festival
The Sagsai Eagle Festival celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most remarkable hunting traditions: falconry with golden eagles. Practised by Kazakh nomads for over 2,000 years, this festival showcases the skill and deep bond between hunters and their eagles.
This incredible festival in the Altai Mountains is a celebration of eagle hunting, a skill that has been passed down through Kazakh nomadic families for generations.
✔ Watch skilled eagle hunters in action – Competitors put their golden eagles to the test, seeing how quickly and accurately they respond to their master’s call.
✔ More than just eagles – The festival also includes horseback races, traditional archery, and plenty of Kazakh music and dancing.
✔ A rare and intimate experience – Unlike the larger festivals in Ulaanbaatar, the Sagsai Eagle Festival is small and personal, giving you the chance to meet the hunters and learn about their way of life.
Why go? It’s raw, real, and truly unforgettable—a journey into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
When? 📅 11 – 20 September 2025
Cultural festivals aren’t just something you watch – they’re something you feel. Whether you’re standing among the crowds at a Bhutanese monastery, cheering at Mongolia’s Naadam Festival or watching a Kazakh eagle hunter call his bird from the sky, these experiences become the moments you remember forever.
