Journey to the Last Great Gobi Winter Camel Festival
Trip Information
18-26 January, 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.
If you want to skip the expedition but enjoy the festival, people, and Bactrian camel USD 5000 PAX
Single accommodation during the trip: 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
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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 -
We depart Ulaanbaatar early in the morning and begin our overland journey to the Gobi Desert. Traveling by 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers, we cross Mongolia's vast steppe landscapes, gradually transitioning into the dramatic terrain of the South Gobi. The drive to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital, takes approximately seven hours, with a major stop along the way for refreshments and a comfort break. Light snacks will be provided during the journey. After lunch in Dalanzadgad, we continue for approximately two more hours to reach the starting point of our camel expedition. Upon arrival, we settle into our first heated tent camp and prepare for the days ahead in the desert.
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 -
After our time in the Gobi, we begin the journey back to Ulaanbaatar, traveling once again across Mongolia's vast winter landscapes. Upon arrival in the capital, the remainder of the day is free to rest, explore the city, or enjoy a final evening reflecting on the expedition and the remarkable experiences shared along the way.
Please note, if winter flight schedules are available and operating, a domestic flight to the Gobi may be offered as an alternative. Flight schedules are typically announced later in the year and are subject to demand and seasonal operations.
Overnight: Best Western Hotel. Meals Included: B,L,D -
After our time in the Gobi, we begin the journey back to Ulaanbaatar, traveling once again across Mongolia's vast winter landscapes. Upon arrival in the capital, the remainder of the day is free to rest, explore the city, or enjoy a final evening reflecting on the expedition and the remarkable experiences shared along the way.
Please note, if winter flight schedules are available and operating, a domestic flight to the Gobi may be offered as an alternative. Flight schedules are typically announced later in the year and are subject to demand and seasonal operations.
Secure your place on our limited journeys with USD 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
Tseveendorj is a Mongolian expedition leader, documentary filmmaker, and photographer with more than a decade of experience in the tourism industry. Having guided travelers across Mongolia's mountains, deserts, forests, and remote nomadic communities, he specializes in adventure travel, cultural immersion, and photography-focused expeditions.
Before establishing his own tours, Tseveendorj worked in project management within Mongolia's mining industry and later transitioned into film production, where he has worked on documentaries, commercial productions, and independent films; and still continues to this day. His passion for storytelling and exploration continues to shape the way he designs and leads journeys throughout Mongolia.
As an expedition leader, Tseveendorj is particularly drawn to remote destinations, traditional ways of life, and challenging adventures that allow travelers to experience Mongolia beyond the typical tourist routes. His goal is to create meaningful experiences that combine adventure, cultural understanding, and genuine connections with local people.
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
All accommodations during the expedition are included. Tent accommodation is on a shared basis (3 guests per tent), while hotel accommodation is shared by 2 guests per room. A single supplement is available for those who prefer private accommodation.
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 Desert and should not be considered a conventional tour experience. Late January and early February can bring highly unpredictable conditions, including strong winds, extreme cold, and rapidly changing winter weather. With proper preparation, suitable winter clothing, and appropriate equipment, the expedition is entirely achievable, and similar winter camel journeys have successfully been completed in the past. In return, the journey offers a rare opportunity to experience the Gobi in one of its most dramatic and beautiful seasons. Traditional Mongolian deels may also be arranged upon request, providing both additional warmth and a deeper cultural connection to the expedition.