7-Day Winter Gobi Desert Tour and Thousand Camel Festival

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Drive to the South Gobi and Dalanzadgad
1 stop
Dalanzadgad (Pass by)
Pick up from your hotel at 09:00 AM and begin the drive south to Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of Umnegovi, located 580 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. En route, we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Mandalgovi. The total journey takes approximately 8 hours, including the lunch stop. Upon arrival in Dalanzadgad, check into your hotel, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the evening.
Day 2
Drive to Bayandalai: Argali Spotting & Ancient Petroglyphs
1 stop
(Pass by)
After breakfast, drive 60 kilometers west of Dalanzadgad to Bayandalai sum and check into our local lodge. Continue for another 30 kilometers to meet our local guide and his family. Enjoy an authentic home-cooked lunch with the family, then venture into the mountains to spot wild Argali sheep and view ancient petroglyphs depicting snow leopards. Drive back to the inn for the evening.
Day 3
Gobi Wildlife Drive
1 stop
(Pass by)
In Mongolian, Khairkhan means 'sacred mountain,' and this area is renowned as a natural habitat for wild snow leopards. Following a 40-minute drive, your guide will lead you to prime viewing spots. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the high elevation offers an incredible setting for tracking. On the return drive to our host family, keep an eye out for black-tailed gazelles. Enjoy a late lunch with the family before heading back to the inn.
Day 4
Wildlife Spotting: Ibex & Gazelles, Return to Dalanzadgad
1 stop
Dalanzadgad (Pass by)
After breakfast, we venture out on a morning game drive through the surrounding area to spot ibex, wild mountain goats, and Mongolian white-tailed gazelles. We return to our host family for lunch before embarking on the drive back to Dalanzadgad. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the city, followed by a comfortable evening at your hotel
Day 5
Thousand Camel Festival Opening and Events
1 stop
(Pass by)
The annual winter event features a mix of traditional competitions, and cultural showcases. - Official opening ceremony and parades of camel riders - Adult camel race and demonstration - Young camel activities - Camel polo tournament - Fermented Camel Milk Festival
Day 6
Thousand Camel Festival Finals and Closing Ceremony
1 stop
Dalanzadgad (Pass by)
- Championship polo matches - Award ceremony - Closing ceremony
Day 7
Journey Back to Ulaanbaatar
1 stop
Ulaanbaatar (Pass by)
After breakfast in Dalanzadgad, we begin our overland journey back north to Ulaanbaatar (580 km). En route, we will stop midway in Mandalgovi for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the changing steppe and desert landscapes as we make our way back to the capital. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon, we will drop you off directly at your hotel.

Additional info

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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