We begin our journey south from Ulaanbaatar, leaving the capital behind as the landscape gradually opens into the vast, snow-dusted Mongolian steppe. The winter scenery offers a peaceful and expansive view of Mongolia, with the long road stretching across the open landscape. During the journey, we will stop in Mandalgobi for a warm local lunch before continuing south. After approximately 580 km of travel, we arrive in Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the South Gobi. The evening will be spent settling into our hotel and preparing for the exciting festival days ahead.

Distance: Approximately 580 km — paved road, approximately 8 hours 

Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel, Dalanzadgad

Today, we head to the festival site to experience the vibrant opening of the Thousand Camel Festival. The celebration brings together camel herders from the Gobi, showcasing their traditions, skills, and deep connection with the rare two-humped Bactrian camel. One of the highlights is the Camel Parade, where hundreds of herders ride their camels in formation. We will also witness the “Most Beautiful Couple” competition, where participants proudly present their finest traditional silk costumes and beautifully decorated camel tack. In the afternoon, the atmosphere becomes even more energetic with the Camel Polo tournament, offering a fascinating display of the camels’ agility, intelligence, and speed. After the day’s festival activities, we return to Dalanzadgad for the evening.

Distance: Approximately 30–50 km round trip to the festival site

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel, Dalanzadgad

The excitement of the festival continues today with the famous Camel Races. We will witness Bactrian camels racing across the vast Gobi landscape, showcasing their remarkable strength and endurance. The festival also features the Camel Relay competition, highlighting the skills and traditions associated with camel herding in the Gobi. Throughout the day, the festival atmosphere reflects the pride of the local herders and their enduring relationship with the Bactrian camel. We conclude the festival experience with the heartfelt closing ceremony before returning for our final evening and dinner in the Gobi.

Distance: Approximately 30–50 km round trip to the festival site

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: 4 Star Hotel, Dalanzadgad

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to the Gobi Desert and begin our journey back to Ulaanbaatar. The approximately 580 km drive takes us north through the winter landscape, retracing the route toward the capital. We will stop once again in Mandalgobi for lunch before continuing our journey. After the long drive, we arrive in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon or evening, bringing our winter Gobi and Thousand Camel Festival experience to an end. We then transfer to your selected hotel in Ulaanbaatar for a warm and comfortable rest.

Distance: Approximately 580 km — paved road, approximately 8 hours

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Accommodation: Selected 4 Star Hotel in Ulaanbaatar