Mongolia and the Thousand Camel Festival

Camel racing, polo, and ice archery in the Gobi winter

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The Gobi in Winter, Camel Traditions, and the Flaming Cliffs

from/to Ulaanbaatar

8 days (7 nights)

4 to 14 people

Small-group tour of Mongolia | 8 days / 7 nights | Ulaanbaatar & the Gobi Desert | Shangri-La Hotel and Three Camel Lodge | English-speaking guide

Once a year, the camel-herding families of the Mongolian Gobi gather for three days Camel racing, camel polo, and ice archery. The Thousand Camel Festival is at once a folk festival, a competition, and a cultural preservation project for Bactrian camels. This tour takes you from the opening parade to the final races, with a private, heated ger on the festival grounds serving as a retreat.

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The trip combines three distinct experiences: Ulaanbaatar, with the Gandan Monastery and the Genghis Khan Museum; a solitary Cessna flight into the Gobi Desert; and four nights at the Three Camel Lodge. During the day, you’ll meet nomadic families, ride Bactrian camels to the sand dunes of Moltsog Els, and watch the sunset at the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur egg in 1923.

You’ll stay at the Shangri-La Hotel in Ulaanbaatar and spend four nights at the Three Camel Lodge, the only luxury ecolodge in the Mongolian Gobi, featuring 40 traditional felt gers and lighting powered almost entirely by solar energy. On-site, you’ll be accompanied by English-speaking nature guides with local expertise; the small group of 4 to 14 travelers ensures a personalized experience.

We recommend this trip if you’d like to combine the winter Thousand Camel Festival in Mongolia with the tranquility of the frozen desert. For an extension of your trip during the Mongolian winter, Ulaanbaatar is an especially good choice: visit the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the Bogd Khan Palace, and the Genghis Khan Museum. On the way there or back, you can include a stopover program offered by the airline via Istanbul or Seoul.

Stephanie Gräf

Owner & Founder

Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.

We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.

Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.

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Good to know

Arrival and Departure: Upon request, we can book international flights to Ulaanbaatar for you. The Cessna charter flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad is listed separately; the return flight is included in the tour price.

Tour type: Small-group tour with 4 to 14 participants. You will be accompanied by English-speaking guides on site. Dates are tied to the Thousand Camel Festival in early February.

Winter climate: The Gobi in February is cold and dry, with temperatures as low as −20 °C. Warm, layered clothing, insulated shoes, and a windproof outer layer are essential. We will send you a detailed packing list before your trip begins.

Entry requirements: German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Mongolia. A valid passport is required. Travelers of other nationalities should check with their respective embassy. Current information is available from the Federal Foreign Office.

HIGHLIGHTS

Camel parade and traditional costumes – Hundreds of Bactrian camels, accompanied by their herders and draped in decorative blankets, make their way across the festival grounds, followed by music, dancing, and a contest for the most beautiful traditional costumes.
Camel races across the frozen ground – Bactrian camels race across the frozen steppe at speeds of up to 25 km/h — a tradition upheld by Gobi herders for centuries.
Camel polo and ice archery —equestrian games played on two-humped camels and archery on frozen ground—competitions that take place only once a year and only here.
Private heated ger on the festival grounds – During the three-day festival, you’ll have access to your own traditional felt ger with a stove, serving as a cozy retreat for warm breaks between competitions.
Gandan Monastery – Featuring a 26-meter-tall gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig and a Tibetan blessing from the head lama during a private ceremony.
Genghis Khan Museum – A five-story museum with over 10,000 exhibits spanning 2,000 years of Mongolian history — a must-see before heading out into the desert.
Flaming Cliffs at sunset – The orange-red cliffs where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur egg nest in 1923 glow with a deep, fiery hue in the winter sunset.
Nomadic Family and Camel Ride – Visit a family of camel herders and ride two-humped Bactrian camels to the sand dunes of Moltsog Els.
Three Camel Lodge – Four nights at the only luxury ecolodge in the Gobi Desert — 40 traditional felt gers, a gourmet restaurant, an on-site greenhouse, and a starry sky free of light pollution.

route

Map of Mongolia with stops in Ulaanbaatar, Dalanzadgad, Three Camel Lodge, Moltsog Els, and Flaming Cliffs

itinerary

Days 1 and 2 | Arrival and the Capital, Ulaanbaatar

Upon your arrival at Chinggis Khaan Airport, your Mongolian tour guide will meet you and escort you to the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar. The evening is set aside for you to acclimate after your long journey.

The second day is dedicated to the capital. At Gandan Monastery, the religious center of Mongolia, the 26-meter-tall gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig towers over the main temple; a private blessing ceremony kicks off your journey. The tour then continues to the five-story Genghis Khan Museum. More than 10,000 exhibits span the history from the early nomadic horsemen to the present day. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Nighttime skyline of Ulaanbaatar featuring the Blue Sky Tower

A single-engine Cessna flying against a cloudy sky

Day 3 | Cessna charter flight to the Gobi

In the morning, a private Cessna charter flight will take you from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. From above, the contours of the vast steppe come into view: light-colored desert steppe, scattered herds of horses, and the pale turquoise of frozen riverbeds in winter.

From the small desert airstrip, you’ll drive to Three Camel Lodge at Mount Bulagtai, on the edge of Gobi-Gurvan-Saikhan National Park. The lodge was founded in 2002; its 40 traditional felt gers are built in the Buddhist soum style and are almost entirely solar-powered. Spend the afternoon enjoying lodge activities or at the spa; after dinner, the Gobi sky is shrouded in a darkness found only far from artificial light sources. In winter, the Milky Way casts its own glow upon the frozen ground.

Day 4 | Nomadic family, Moltsog Els, and Flaming Cliffs

In the morning, you’ll visit a family of camel herders in the steppe. While outside the snowy wind sweeps across the dunes, inside a central stove warms the ger; over salty milk tea and dried yogurt balls, the family will tell you about their daily winter life with their Bactrian camels.

You will then ride on two-humped Bactrian camels for about one and a half to two hours to the sand dunes of Moltsog Els. The camels’ swaying gait and the steady crunch of their hooves in the sand set the rhythm of this leg of the journey. Back at the lodge, lunch is followed by an archery lesson and a lecture on the Gobi; in the afternoon, a documentary about Roy Chapman Andrews, the real-life Indiana Jones of paleontology. At sunset, you’ll stand at the Flaming Cliffs, where Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world’s first dinosaur egg nest in 1923. The red sandstone cliffs glow in the evening light in deep ochre and carmine hues.

Hike across the red Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert

Festive camel parade at the Thousand Camel Festival in Mongolia

Days 5 and 6 | Thousand Camel Festival

The Thousand Camel Festival kicks off with a photo exhibition on the lives of Bactrian camel herders and a market featuring camel milk products from local producers. In the evening, camel polo on two-humped camels and ice archery on frozen ground follow: the archers shoot from a standing position at targets across a mirror-smooth ice surface that allows every arrow to glide visibly.

The second day of the festival begins with music and dance performances in traditional attire. This is followed by a festive camel parade through the streets of Dalanzadgad: hundreds of decorated Bactrian camels adorned with richly embroidered blankets, bells, and colorful tassels, led by riders in colorful traditional costumes. This is followed by the lighthearted contests “Best-Looking Couple on Camelback” and “Most Adorable Male and Female Camels, ” then the main camel polo match, and in the late afternoon, the first camel races across the frozen steppe. You can watch the festivities at your leisure from stalls selling handicrafts, snacks, and camel milk products; your private, stove-heated ger on the edge of the festival grounds remains open all day as a place of retreat.

Day 7 | Camel races and return flight

The event kicks off with a Bactrian camel race across the frozen steppe. Bactrian camels can reach speeds of up to 25 kilometers per hour at a gallop; in the bright winter sun, the swirling snow casts a veil over the field. This is followed by a camel rodeo, in which the riders demonstrate their skill on the swaying backs of the camels.

In the late afternoon, a scheduled flight with MIAT Mongolian Airlines will take you from Dalanzadgad back to Ulaanbaatar. Overnight stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, followed by a farewell dinner.

Riders in a camel race against the backdrop of a snow-covered Gobi landscape

Blue Sky Tower on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar

Day 8 | Flight home

In the morning, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your international flight home.

Meals included as per the itinerary. Water and beverages with meals included.

accommodations

Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar

Blue Sky Tower on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar

Day 1 and Day 7. The 5-star Shangri-La in Ulaanbaatar serves as the hotel for both the arrival and departure of the trip. It is centrally located in the heart of the city, overlooks Sukhbaatar Square, and is the venue for the farewell dinner.

Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert

Sleeping area in a guest room at Three Camel Lodge with a double bed

Days 3 through 7. The only luxury eco-lodge in the Mongolian Gobi opened in 2002. It features 40 traditional felt gers built in the Buddhist soum style, with all furniture crafted by local artisans, lighting powered almost entirely by solar energy, and over 50 percent of its supplies sourced from the Gobi region.

Gourmet restaurant featuring produce from its own greenhouse. Founding member of the Beyond Green Partnership; the first Mongolian lodge to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles (since 2015).

Private heated yurts (during the festival)

Lounge area inside a spacious ger at Three Camel Lodge, featuring sofas and a wooden table

During the two days of the festival, your group will have access to a private, heated ger as a place to retreat to during the day. It will be used for meals, warm-up breaks, and transitions between program activities—a significant comfort in the depths of winter in the Gobi.

activities

Thousand Camel Festival (included)

Camel herds galloping through the snow at the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi Desert

A three-day festival featuring camel races, camel polo, ice archery, parades, and festive competitions. The event also includes Mongolian music and dance, craft markets, camel milk products, and a camel rodeo on the final day. Exclusive access to a private, heated ger on the festival grounds throughout the entire event.

Ride on Bactrian camels across the Moltsog Dunes (included)

Bactrian camel in the Gobi Desert

The ride takes place on two-humped Bactrian camels in their winter coats to the sand dunes of Moltsog Els on the outskirts of Three Camel Lodge. The animals are hardy in cold weather and move calmly; the ride lasts one and a half to two hours—and is suitable even for travelers with no prior experience.

Flaming Cliffs at sunset (included)

Hike along the rocky ridges of the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert

The Flaming Cliffs, famous for the dinosaur fossils discovered there in the 1920s, glow a deep red at sunset. A hike along the ridge offers views of the unusual erosional landforms and the vastness of the Gobi.

Visit to a nomadic family that keeps camels (included)

Mongolian gers (yurts) on the vast steppe

Tea in a yurt, conversations with a camel-herding family, a glimpse into daily life with Bactrian camels in the winter Gobi. The English-speaking tour guide provides translations; this often leads to the most personal moments of the trip.

Gandan Monastery and Genghis Khan Museum, Ulaanbaatar (included)

Nighttime panorama of the Ulaanbaatar skyline with illuminated skyscrapers

Gandan Monastery is the spiritual center of Mongolia and houses a 26-meter-tall gilded Buddha statue. The Genghis Khan Museum traces Mongolian history from the steppe empire to the modern state and is a must-see before setting off for the Gobi.

Cessna domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad (included, one-way)

A single-engine Cessna flying against a cloudy sky

Unlike most trips to Mongolia, the one-way Cessna flight from Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi is already included in the land package—you’ll save travel time and begin your stay in the desert on the same day. The return flight to Ulaanbaatar is operated by MIAT Mongolian Airlines.

Dates & Prices

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Submit questions via email Arrange a callback Call now: +49 201 85890960

January 23, 2027 – January 30, 2027

Starting at €8,206 per person

8 days/7 nights

Mongolia and the Thousand Camel Festival

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

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Summary

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Information

Included services:

All ground transportation in Mongolia as per the itinerary
Charter flight (Cessna) Ulaanbaatar → Dalanzadgad
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
3 nights at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar (Deluxe Room)
4 nights at Three Camel Lodge (Deluxe Ger)
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per the itinerary
Water and soft drinks during the trip and with meals
All excursions, admission fees, and activities as listed in the itinerary
Private heated tent on the festival grounds on both days of the festival
An English-speaking expedition guide throughout the entire trip
Detailed travel documents before departure

Not included in the tour price:

International flights to/from Ulaanbaatar
Return flight from Dalanzadgad to Ulaanbaatar (MIAT Airlines)
Tips for guides and drivers
Passport and visa fees
Travel and health insurance
Airport taxes
Excess baggage
Photo and video fees
Food and beverages outside of group meals
Personal expenses (alcoholic beverages, laundry service, telephone)

Important:

We recommend arriving one to two days before the trip begins to allow for any flight or baggage delays.
Travel health insurance with unlimited coverage is mandatory, and proof of coverage must be provided.
Winter trip to the Gobi: Daytime temperatures range from -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures from -20 to -30 degrees Celsius. Travelers with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, impaired thermoregulation, or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor in advance to determine their fitness for travel.
On site, you will be accompanied by English-speaking nature guides with local expertise. A German-speaking tour guide is not provided.
The trip includes camel rides across sand dunes, hikes over rough terrain, and a chartered Cessna flight. A basic level of fitness is required; this trip is only suitable to a limited extent for travelers with mobility issues.
Small-group tour with 4 to 14 participants. If you are traveling alone and the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will notify you by email no later than 30 days before the start of the trip. Based on our experience, this situation occurs extremely rarely.
The dates are tied to the Thousand Camel Festival in early February and cannot be rescheduled individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ulaanbaatar?

Common flight routes go through Istanbul, Seoul, or Beijing. Depending on the route, the flight time is 8 to 14 hours. International flights are not included in the tour price. We would be happy to assist you with booking your flight.

Do I need a visa for Mongolia?

A valid passport is required for entry. German citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Different regulations may apply to travelers of other nationalities. For the latest information, please visit the U.S. Department of State.

What is the Thousand Camel Festival?

The Thousand Camel Festival is an annual celebration in the southern Gobi dedicated to the Bactrian camel. Herders and their camels compete in races, polo, and rodeo. The event also features traditional music, dance, a parade in colorful costumes, and a market selling camel milk products. The festival is not a staged tourist event, but a celebration of the local community that honors the camel’s importance to nomadic life in the Gobi.

When is the festival taking place?

The festival takes place annually in early February in Dalanzadgad and lasts three days. Our trip covers all three days of the festival.

How cold does it get in Mongolia in February?

February is the coldest month. In Ulaanbaatar, daytime temperatures range from -10 to -20 °C. In the Gobi, daytime temperatures can reach -5 to -15 °C, while at night they drop to -25 °C or lower. You will need warm layered clothing, thermal underwear, a windproof outer layer, lined gloves, a hat, and winter-proof boots. The gers at Three Camel Lodge are heated, as is the private ger at the festival grounds.

What is the Three Camel Lodge?

The lodge is located on the edge of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and has received numerous international awards, including one from National Geographic.

What amenities are available in the lodges?

You’ll sleep in traditional gers (round tents) with wooden frames and felt walls, equipped with beds, warm blankets, and a stove in the center. Bathrooms and showers are located in separate buildings. The lodge has a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. In February, the gers are well heated.

What is the itinerary for the Cessna flight to the Gobi Desert?

The outbound flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad is a charter flight in a Cessna, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours. From above, you’ll see the steppe give way to desert. After landing, you’ll drive for an hour to the Three Camel Lodge. The return flight is a scheduled flight with MIAT Airlines (approx. 1 hour).

What level of fitness do I need for this trip?

A normal level of fitness is sufficient. The main activity is a one-and-a-half- to two-hour camel ride to the Moltsog Els Dunes. No riding experience is necessary; you’ll receive an introduction from the camel herding family. The festival itself does not involve any physically demanding activities. The important thing is to be prepared to brave the cold.

Can I take part in the camel parade?

Yes, on the second day of the festival, you’ll have the opportunity to ride a camel yourself in the parade through Dalanzadgad. This requires an advance reservation, which we’ll arrange for you when you book. The parade is a highlight of the festival: riders in traditional deel attire ride through the streets on decorated camels.