Travel south to the Gobi Desert to attend the renowned "Thousand Camel Festival," is already one of the most famous winter festivals in the world organized by a local non-governmental organization working to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel population, which has been steadily declining over the past twelve years.
Nomads from far and near wear their best traditional costume and ride their best camels to attend the festival. Highlights of the festival include camel races, performances by traditional Mongolian musicians and dancers and there will be a parade of 1000 camel riders for the Guinness World Record Book during the festival!
Overview
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar / South Gobi Day 2: Camel Festival, Opening ceremony, Camel polo Day 3: Camel Race, camel taming Day 4: Ulaanbaatar
Day: 1. South Gobi
Pick up from Hotel or guesthouse and drive/fly to Umnugobi province /South Gobi /, visit the local market and rest at the hotel.
Day: 2. Camel festival day-1
Visit to the camel festival which begins in Bulgan soum with a “parade” of camel riders. Competitions of the day include “best looking couple on camel-back”, most adorable male and female camels, as well as a camel polo which takes place in the central square. There are many good photo shooting possibilities around there. Overnight at the local hotel.
Day: 3. Camel festival day-2
The competition begins with the race of mature camels followed by the “torom”-two-year-old camel race. For your own enjoyment, you may make a bid for the camel you like. The first three camels in each group are awarded with gold, silver and bronze medals. In the afternoon, one of the most awaited competitions begins. This is called “Camel Relay”; a competition consists of catching, taming, training and finally loading a camel with an actual Ger. There are several groups with 5 members, each of whom execute different roles. The closing ceremony takes place late in the afternoon when the winners will be presented with their trophies. Overnight in the local family.
Day: 4. Ulaanbaatar city
Drive/fly back to Ulaanbaatar. Have a picnic on the way back to Ulaanbaatar. Arrive at Ulaanbaatar and drop off at your hotel.
