When travelers think about Mongolia travel, vast grasslands, horseback riding, and nomadic culture often come to mind. But Mongolia is also one of the world’s most fascinating destinations for historical tourism.

In February this year, together with my horse-loving friend Boloroo, we organized a unique 80 km long-distance horseback endurance challenge through deep winter snow. The event tested the strength, endurance, and spirit of Mongolian riders and the legendary resilience of Mongolian horses.

Within the range of Winter Horse Festival short-distance horse race is held annually among adults. Participants bet on the race, and anyone has the opportunity to join, making it a unique and inclusive event. The race attracts both experienced riders and newcomers, adding excitement and unpredictability to the competition each year. It’s a thrilling experience for horse enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, as they gather to showcase their skills and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition. 

One of Mongolia's three pinnacle silver crafts, the Batnorov craftsmanship, is promoted through the annual Winter Horse Festival competitions, including the Beautiful Horseman and Beautiful Horse Rider contests. These events highlight the intricate and unique silver craftsmanship of Batnorov while celebrating the skills and grace of the participants. Every year, the competitions draw attention to both the artistry of local craftsmanship and the exceptional horsemanship in the region, preserving and showcasing this rich cultural heritage.

The Tenger Andgai /Friendship Monument, located at the beginning of the Khukhuuriin Tal ), is the place where Temujin first made friends with Boorchi, and it is situated approximately 10 kilometers away from our camp. Visitors to this historical site can immerse themselves in the rich atmosphere of the 12th century, experiencing the ancient Mongolian way of life and the remarkable events that shaped the history of the Mongol Empire. This is the place where Temujin, who would later be known as Genghis Khan, formed one of his first significant alliances with Boorchi, a key figure in his rise to power. 

During the Winter Horse Festival, a competition to select purebred and fast Steppe Taiga Hunting dogs has been organized every year as part of the event program, with the aim of promoting the breed. Puppies that were once valued at 25,000 MNT are now being sold for as much as 750,000 MNT, attracting significant attention from the public. This dramatic increase in value reflects the growing recognition of the breed's unique qualities, such as their intelligence, agility, and loyalty.

The Winter Horse Festival, which holds an important place in the traditional culture and economy of the Mongolian people, is set to be held for the 10th year in a row and the 9th time overall in Batnorov, Khentii Province. This event is organized by the Munkh Khariltsaa NGO with the support of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, the Khentii Province Governor's Office, Batnorov District, and other private sector organizations.