Illustrative imageGobi Desert
Gobi Winter Camel Expedition
An 11-day winter camel trek with four riding stages between camel-herding families near Khongoryn Els.
Tour imagery
Gobi winter camel trek and family camps
Illustrative winter trek and family-camp scenes are paired with licensed Gobi reference photos; exact camps and routes depend on where host families winter.
10 images
Image credits
- 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 ノボホショコロトソ · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
- Photo by Bernard Gagnon · CC0
The journey
An invitation to explore Gobi Desert.
An 11-day winter camel trek with four riding stages between camel-herding families near Khongoryn Els. Final dates, route access, availability, and practical travel details are confirmed with Mongalz before booking.
Journey highlights
- Winter travel focus
- Camel expedition theme
- Weather, route, and equipment guidance confirmed in advance
Destinations
- Gobi Desert
Route outline
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Hotel transfer, winter gear check, camel-riding briefing, and welcome dinner.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 2Fly to Dalanzadgad and drive to Khongoryn Els
Fly south and drive about 4–5 hours to the base camel-herder family.
Overnight: Base family ger
Day 3Camel-riding school
Learn to approach, mount, sit, and steer; weigh luggage for the pack camels and take a first ride of about 3–4 hours.
Overnight: Base family ger
Day 4Camel trek · stage 1
Ride about 20–22 km along the dunes toward the Khongor River with the support vehicle alongside.
Overnight: Second family ger
Day 5Camel trek · stage 2
Ride about 22–25 km across the plain and dune edge toward the Ayaldai valley.
Overnight: Third family ger
Day 6Camel trek · stage 3
Ride about 22–25 km across the gravel plain and into saxaul forest.
Overnight: Fourth family ger
Day 7Camel trek · stage 4
Ride about 20–22 km back toward the dunes and the base family’s winter camp.
Overnight: Base family ger
Day 8Pastures, dunes, and weather reserve
Use this day as a weather buffer or spend time with the host family and herd; an extra sunset ride may be available.
Overnight: Base family ger
Day 9Yolyn Am and Dalanzadgad
Drive toward Dalanzadgad, stop for a winter walk in Yolyn Am, and share a farewell Gobi dinner with a camel family near town.
Overnight: Camel-family ger near Dalanzadgad
Day 10Fly to Ulaanbaatar
Return by domestic flight and have a farewell dinner in the city.
Overnight: Ulaanbaatar hotel
Day 11Departure
Airport transfer.
The exact camel camps depend on where families are wintering and are confirmed a few weeks before departure. A support vehicle accompanies trek days; cold, daylight, weather, and flight changes can alter the sequence.
Preparation guidance
- Plan for temperatures below −20°C: thermal base layers, down parka, insulated trousers, waterproof winter boots, mittens, warm hat, and face covering.
- Domestic baggage is limited; use a soft duffel and keep a small daypack with you. Sleeping bags and mats are part of the expedition equipment list.
- Camel riding is at walking pace but involves long cold days. The guide and herders can adjust the route and the support vehicle can take a rider out of the cold.
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