Mongolia's Enin Gurvan Naadam, Naadam for short, translates literally as 'Manly Games'. This annual event brings together the country's best athletes for three days of competition in the "manly sports" of archery, wrestling and horse racing.

Origins of the event are thought to date back long before the time of Genghis Khan but it was the famed Mongol leader who presided over the first organised Naadam celebrations in the 13th century.

These days, Naadam is very much a traditional festival and in particular outside the capital, the celebrations have changed very little since the days when the Mongols ruled half the world. Here it's easier to get closer to the action, meet people and even participate in some events if you're feeling really brave.

The opening ceremony gets underway around 9am on July 11 in Ulaanbaatar's Sükhbaatar Square with a brass band and mounted guard of honour parading the streets before moving into the Central Stadium. Here things really get going with a mixture of singing, dancing and mock battles marking the start of the festivities. An assortment of wrestlers and archers join the melee and after the president delivers his opening speech, a troupe of skydivers bearing the national flag swirl over the grandstands. This final, and somewhat incongruous act, signals the start to two days of sporting competitions followed by one day of partying.

Witness one of the world's oldest and most magnificent events at Naadam in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Held July 11-13, this annual sporting festival sees thousands turn up to cheer on competitors as they fight for glory in archery, wrestling and horse racing tournaments.

Easily the biggest event on the Mongolian calendar, Naadam literally brings the country to a standstill. As well as being a time of celebration, it's a time for folk to relax, catch up with old friends and have fun. The main festivities are held in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, and draw huge local crowds as well as an increasing number of foreigners. Outside of the capital Naadam events are held throughout the month of July and see few foreign visitors.

The national Naadam is held in Ulaanbaatar on July 11-13 but there are Naadam festivals and events held in the surrounding countryside throughout July. The only trouble is, there is no official schedule of events for the regional Naadam festivities so if you do feel like heading out of the capital, it's best to ask around to see what's going on when and where.

In Ulaanbaatar, Naadam kicks off with an opening ceremony followed by two days of sporting prowess and a third day of partying. Mongolia's biggest street fair takes over the Children's park and after dark, Sükhbaatar Square. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of performances from rock and rap to classical and Mongolian folk tunes all capped off with fireworks. Festivities carry on until about 1am when they move from the streets into the clubs and bars.