Tsagaan Sar
Tsagaan Sar, meaning White Moon or White Month, is Mongolia’s most important and beloved traditional holiday. Marking the end of winter and the start of spring, it is celebrated during the Lunar New Year, symbolizing renewal, purification, and new beginnings. Despite the global spread of Christmas, Tsagaan Sar remains the true heart of Mongolia’s festive calendar — a time when families come together to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one with warmth, gratitude, and hope. Rooted in centuries-old nomadic customs, Tsagaan Sar is more than a holiday — it’s a deeply spiritual and social event. It begins with Bituun, the day before the new moon, when families thoroughly clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and prepare to greet the new year with clarity and positive energy. On the main day, people dress in their finest, often wearing newly made winter "deels" — beautifully embroidered traditional garments passed down through generations. The heart of the celebration lies in family visits and feasting. Elders are honored with respectful greetings, known as "zolgokh", where younger family members clasp their elders’ arms and offer kind wishes. In return, the young are given symbolic gifts, often money or sweets, as a blessing for a prosperous year ahead. This mutual exchange strengthens bonds and pays tribute to the wisdom and legacy of older generations. Guests are welcomed with a grand spread of traditional dishes: "buuz" (steamed dumplings), dairy delicacies, "ul boov" (layered ceremonial cakes), and "airag" (fermented mare’s milk), all arranged with symbolic meaning. Families travel from far and wide to reconnect — some spending days on the road — as Tsagaan Sar is not only about the turning of the year but also a time to refresh relationships and reinforce unity. The holiday typically lasts several days, during which relatives, friends, and neighbors visit one another in a joyful rotation of hospitality. Despite the often harsh winter temperatures, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and filled with laughter, storytelling, and traditional games. For travelers, experiencing Tsagaan Sar offers a rare cultural window into Mongolia’s soul. It is an immersive opportunity to witness authentic nomadic traditions, taste unique foods, and join in age-old rituals that are still deeply alive in modern Mongolia. Celebrate renewal the Mongolian way — through kinship, tradition, and unforgettable hospitality. Join us during Tsagaan Sar for a truly enriching travel experience unlike any other.