Illustrative imageGobi Desert
Gobi Camel Festival: The Thousand Camel Festival
A nine-day winter trip to the Thousand Camel Festival, with Yolyn Am, a camel-herder family visit, and Bayanzag.
Tour imagery
Winter Thousand Camel Festival and Gobi route
Illustrative images show the parade, camel races, community concert, winter canyon walk, and herder-family visit; local organizers set the actual program and dates.
10 images
Image credits
- AI-generated illustrative image
- AI-generated illustrative image
- AI-generated illustrative image
- AI-generated illustrative image
- AI-generated illustrative image
- Photo by Niek van Son · CC BY 2.0
- Photo by David Berkowitz · CC BY 2.0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
- Photo by Richard Mortel · CC BY 2.0
The journey
An invitation to explore Gobi Desert.
A nine-day winter trip to the Thousand Camel Festival, with Yolyn Am, a camel-herder family visit, and Bayanzag. Final dates, route access, availability, and practical travel details are confirmed with Mongalz before booking.
Journey highlights
- Camel festival focus
- Gobi Desert setting
- Event dates, access, and program confirmed before booking
Destinations
- Gobi Desert
Route outline
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Airport transfer, winter gear check, briefing, and welcome dinner.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 2Fly to Dalanzadgad
Fly south, meet the local team and settle into town.
Overnight: Dalanzadgad hotel
Day 3Yolyn Am and a camel-herder family
Walk the winter canyon, meet a camel-herding family, and try a camel ride if the hosts agree.
Overnight: Heated winter ger with a herder family
Day 4Thousand Camel Festival · day one
See the decorated camel parade, judging, and first camel races.
Overnight: Dalanzadgad hotel
Day 5Thousand Camel Festival · day two
Watch camel races and training contests and attend the evening cultural concert.
Overnight: Dalanzadgad hotel
Day 6Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs
Drive to Bayanzag and walk among the red sandstone landscape and saxaul trees.
Overnight: Dalanzadgad hotel
Day 7Weather and flight reserve
Keep a buffer for winter weather. If conditions allow, ask about an optional Khongoryn Els day trip.
Overnight: Dalanzadgad hotel
Day 8Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Return by domestic flight and have a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 9Departure
Airport transfer.
This is a community event first; dates and the program are set by local organizers each year. Mongalz confirms them before flights are issued, and winter weather can affect roads and flights.
Preparation guidance
- Prepare for dry winter cold: thermal layers, insulated waterproof boots, warm mittens, face covering, and spare gloves. Temperatures can fall below −20°C at night.
- Pack a soft duffel for domestic flights and a warm sleeping bag for cold nights.
- Stay clear of race tracks and ask before photographing herders, riders, or camels.
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