Each July, thousands of travellers journey to Mongolia to witness one of Central Asia’s most fascinating cultural spectacles — the Naadam Festival. This centuries-old celebration of the “Three Manly Games” (wrestling, archery, and horse racing) is not only a national holiday but a deep expression of Mongolian identity.
If you’re planning a trip to Mongolia for Naadam, especially in rural regions, there are important health precautions to consider. Here’s how to stay healthy while soaking up this unforgettable experience.
Travel Health Tips for Mongolia
Recommended Vaccines
- Hepatitis A – Spread through food and water, common in rural settings
- Typhoid – Especially if staying in smaller towns or with local families
- Tetanus – Keep your boosters up to date, especially due to potential scrapes or bites
- Rabies – Recommended for longer trips, rural travel, or animal contact (e.g., horse riding)
- Hepatitis B – Consider for longer stays or those with potential for medical procedures
- Japanese Encephalitis – Rural regions during summer are risk areas (mosquito-borne)
💡 Tip: Book your vaccinations at least 4–6 weeks before departure for full protection.
While not a high-risk malaria zone, Japanese encephalitis is a seasonal concern in Mongolian rural areas during the summer. Protect yourself with:
- Insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin
- Long sleeves and trousers in the evenings
- Sleeping in screened or air-conditioned accommodations when possible
Food & Water Safety
Many Naadam events involve local street food, home-cooked meals, and fermented dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk).
To avoid food- or water-borne illnesses:
- Drink bottled or boiled water only
- Avoid ice in rural areas
- Choose freshly cooked foods and avoid raw meats or salads
- Wash or sanitise hands regularly
Additional Precautions
- Naadam isn’t just a spectator event – you might be invited to ride a horse, try archery, or trek into the steppe.
- Wear sun protection, including sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Prepare for long drives on bumpy, unpaved roads – motion sickness meds might help
- Pack a basic travel first aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, pain relief, rehydration salts
- Medical care in rural Mongolia can be very limited, and emergency services are slow to respond outside of Ulaanbaatar. We recommend travel insurance with medical evacuation cover
When to Get Vaccinated
Ideally, book your travel vaccines at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. But if you’re travelling soon — don’t worry. We can still help.
At Aqua Travel Clinic in West Hampstead, we offer:
- ✅ Same-day appointments
- ✅ No booking fee
- ✅ Expert travel health advice
- ✅ Convenient late opening hours (open till 7PM)
- ✅ Excellent stock availability
Visiting Mongolia?
The Naadam Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience. With the right travel vaccines and smart precautions, you can enjoy this spectacular event while staying healthy and safe.