Anyone who has seen yak polo may regard it as one of the funniest sports in the world. Huge and clumsy horned and furry mammals look so amusing while hopping and waddling in the valley, and riders trying to direct them in the right way sometimes seem to be nearly helpless, as the animals play well on their own. If a player falls from a yak's back, it will not mean time-out, yaks can be uncontrollable, but the game continues.
Yak polo dates back to the year 2000, when someone inventive suggested a yak as an interesting alternative for a horse, aiming at drawing more tourists to the country. Who could predict yak polo would gradually become so popular among Mongolians?
The game can always be seen at the Yak Festival held in late July in Bat Ulzii in Orkhon Valley, but also occasionally in the Mongolian grasslands during summer.
Practical info
When is the best time to see yak polo in Mongolia?
Visit Mongolia between June and August, specifically during summer, for the best time to see yak polo. You can catch the Yak Festival in Bat Ulzii, Orkhon Valley, held in late July. Mongolia's grasslands are in full bloom during this season where the game is mostly played out in the open fields. Show more
Apart from festivals, where else can we see yak polo in Mongolia?
During summer in Mongolian grasslands, you can sometimes catch the game of yak polo being played outside of the festival season. While the game isn't as organized, you can still find it being played by locals who will be happy to guide you. You may also opt for tour operators that offer customized packages with yak polo as an activity. Show more
What led to the popularity of yak polo in Mongolia?
Yak polo was introduced in 2000, as opposed to horse polo, aiming to attract more tourists. With time, Mongolians saw yak polo as a way to celebrate their cultural heritage and horsemanship, making it a widely accepted sport. Today, yak polo has gained many enthusiasts, attracting both the locals and tourists alike. Show more
What are the different yak polo rules?
Yak polo's rules are similar to horse polo, with some slight alterations. Two teams, each with four players, compete on yaks, not horses. The aim is to score goals by hitting the ball with a long-handled mallet. The game comprises four chukkers, each of 10-15 minutes durations. Helmets, gloves, and knee pads are the essential equipment. A fall does not result in a violation, and the game continues with or without the fallen player. Show more
What sets apart yak polo from polo played with horses?
Played on yaks, yak polo derives its distinctiveness from horse polo. Yaks are sluggish, enormous creatures, much slower than horses, making the game less fast-paced. Yak polo is less organized and is typically played in open fields. Compared to horses, yaks can be trickier to control, which adds to the game's fun, with players often struggling to direct their yaks the way they want to. Show more
