Journey to the Last Great Gobi Winter Camel Festival
Trip Information
1-9 February, 2027
Have you ever galloped across a windswept desert in -40°C? Why would you? To experience the last great Gobi Winter Camel Festival, of course!
Like ancient Silk Road travelers, we’ll ride the mighty Bactrian camel, the double-humped, thick-furred ships of the desert that made crossing the vast Gobi possible. In the brutal beauty of Mongolia’s winter, we’ll immerse ourselves in this extraordinary festival—racing camels, learning from nomadic herders, and witnessing traditions that have endured for centuries.
This is more than a journey; it’s a rare chance to experience a vanishing way of life. As climate change threatens these magnificent creatures and their herders, we’ll celebrate their resilience, precious wool, and the unbreakable bond between humans and camels. Surviving symbiotically in this harsh desert, this expedition will strategize on tangible adaptation solutions to denuded grasslands.
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure 9 days of deep cultural immersion, breathtaking landscapes, and the ride of a lifetime. This is really for a person who wants a real adventure.
Trip Duration: 9 days
Group Size: 8–12 guests (intimate, small group)
Trip Cost: USD 5500 PAX. Single accommodation during the trip: USD 500.
If you want to skip the expedition but enjoy the festival, people and Bactrian camel USD 5500+ USD 500 (+USD 500 ATW80F tax deductible donation supporting fossil fuel-free textiles for a healthier planet)
Trip Highlights:
Traverse the winter landscapes of the Mongolian Gobi on a rare multi-day Bactrian camel expedition through mountains, dunes, and remote desert terrain.
Experience the dramatic beauty of the Khongoryn Els sand dunes, among the largest and most spectacular dunes in Mongolia.
Stay in traditional heated tent camps beneath the vast night skies of the winter Gobi Desert.
Participate in Mongolia’s renowned Camel Festival featuring camel races, polo matches, music, dance, and nomadic cultural traditions.
Meet local camel-herding families and gain insight into the resilience and lifestyle of Mongolia’s nomadic communities.
Explore iconic Gobi landmarks including the Flaming Cliffs and ancient petroglyph sites.
Witness the striking contrast of snow-covered dunes, mountain ranges, and expansive desert landscapes during Mongolia’s winter season.
Journey through one of the world’s last great nomadic regions while experiencing authentic cultural immersion and expedition-style adventure.
Itinerary
-
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, where you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner and expedition briefing, providing an opportunity to meet fellow travelers and prepare for the journey ahead. Depending on arrival times, there may also be opportunities to visit a local museum or explore nearby shops and markets.
Overnight: Best Western Hotel. Meals Included: D -
Transfer by local flight into the heart of the Gobi Desert. If flight schedules allow for an early arrival, we will explore sites near the provincial capital before continuing deeper into the desert landscape. By evening, the group reaches the starting point of the camel expedition and settles into the first heated tent camp.
Overnight: Heated Tent Camp. Resort. Meals Included: B,L,D -
The camel expedition begins as we travel alongside rugged mountain ranges and gradually make our way toward the sand dunes. Moving at the pace of the camels allows time to fully absorb the silence and vastness of the winter Gobi landscape. Picnic lunch served during the ride.
Overnight: Heated Tent Camp. Meals Included: B,L,D -
Continue the expedition through dramatic Gobi terrain framed by striking mountain landscapes. As the journey progresses, the terrain gradually shifts toward sweeping sand dunes, offering a changing perspective of the desert’s extraordinary ecological diversity and beauty.
Overnight: Heated Tent Camp. Meals Included: B,L,D -
Today marks the final day of the camel expedition as we ride alongside and across the magnificent Khongoryn Els sand dunes. Reaching the central region of the dunes, where the landscape becomes most expansive and dramatic, offers one of the visual highlights of the journey. Weather permitting, we conclude the day with sunset over the dunes.
Overnight: Heated Tent Camp. Meals Included: B,L,D -
After packing camp, we begin the journey back toward Dalanzadgad for the Camel Festival. Along the route, we visit notable Gobi sites including ancient petroglyphs and the Flaming Cliffs, renowned for their striking red sandstone formations. Depending on timing and local activities, the group may also experience some of the festival eve celebrations taking place in town.
Overnight: Khan-Uul Hotel, Dalanzadgad. Meals Included: B,L,D -
Spend the day immersed in the opening celebrations of Mongolia’s renowned Camel Festival. Events include camel races, camel polo, traditional music and dance performances, and demonstrations by local herders showcasing the enduring traditions of camel culture in the Gobi. Guests will also have opportunities to interact with nomadic families, photograph the festival, and experience the surrounding winter landscapes.
Overnight: Khan-Uul Hotel, Dalanzadgad. Meals Included: B,L,D -
Transfer by local flight back to Ulaanbaatar. The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore the city, or enjoy a final evening reflecting on the expedition and the landscapes of the Gobi.
Overnight: Best Western Hotel. Meals Included: B,L,D -
Transfer to the airport for international departure, carrying with you memories of Mongolia’s winter desert landscapes, camel culture, and nomadic traditions.
Secure your place on our limited journeys with $500 tax deductible donation supporting
the mission of ATW80Fabrics.
You can also pay by check or money wire. Email us at aroundtheworldin80fabrics@gmail.com for details.
Trip Leader, Tseveendorj Ganerdene
Blending analytical insight with deep local knowledge, Tseveendorj Gan brings a thoughtful and engaging approach to leading journeys across Mongolia. With years of experience guiding travelers across Mongolia’s vast landscapes, Tseveendorj Gan brings deep knowledge of the country’s nomadic culture, natural environments, and contemporary life. He has led journeys through remote steppes, desert regions, mountain ecosystems, and cultural festivals, creating meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. Alongside his work as a tour leader, Tseveendorj also works as an Executive Producer with Black Noise Production, bringing a creative and storytelling perspective to his work. His background combines strong organizational skills with a natural ability to communicate Mongolia’s history, traditions, wildlife, and rapidly evolving cultural identity. Warm, insightful, and deeply connected to his homeland, Tseveendorj offers travelers an intimate window into Mongolia’s landscapes, people, and enduring nomadic spirit.
What’s Included
Airport pickup and drop-off in Ulaanbaatar
All local transportation and logistics throughout the journey
Domestic flights within Mongolia
Camel riding support and expedition arrangements
Participation in the annual Camel Festival
All accommodations during the expedition
Heated tent camps in the Gobi Desert
All meals throughout the journey
Local guides, support staff, and drivers
Festival access and cultural activities
Expedition coordination and on-ground management
What’s Not Included
Any additional hotel/camp nights that may be necessary due to domestic airline schedule changes or other factors
Pre-trip expenses, overweight charges on domestic flights
Medical immunizations, emergency evacuations
Visa fees, travel insurance
Any other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc)
Tips for staff and tour leaders.
Expedition Conditions & Important Notes
This journey is designed as a true winter expedition through the Mongolian Gobi and may involve strong winds, extreme cold, and unpredictable winter conditions. With proper preparation, suitable winter clothing, and the right equipment, the expedition is entirely achievable and offers a rare opportunity to experience the Gobi in its most dramatic and beautiful season.
Traditional Mongolian deels may also be arranged for participants upon request, providing both additional warmth and a deeper cultural connection to the journey.