Mongolia Lunar New Year Travel: A Short Guide to Tsagaan Sar

Tsagaan Sar, meaning "White Month," is Mongolia's most significant holiday — the Lunar New Year celebration that marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For travellers, it offers a rare window into authentic Mongolian culture that very few tourists ever witness.

The festival typically falls in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. Families gather, dress in their finest traditional deel clothing, and perform the zolgokh greeting — a formal gesture of respect between elders and younger family members. Tables are laden with traditional foods: buuz (steamed dumplings), aaruul (dried curd), and the ceremonial "white foods" of dairy products.

Visiting during Tsagaan Sar requires some planning. Most businesses close, transport becomes limited, and accommodation books up quickly. However, if you can arrange a stay with a local family — as we offer at Explore Gobi — the experience is incomparable. You'll be welcomed into homes, share in the rituals, and taste food prepared with generations of tradition.

The Gobi region celebrates Tsagaan Sar with particular warmth. Our family in Dalanzadgad has been hosting guests during this festival for several years, and we'd love to welcome you to experience it firsthand.