The Mongolia Journey
Thousand Camel Festival in the GOBI DESERT
February 4th – 17th, 2026
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Explore Mongolia’s Gobi Desert — a tribute to the Bactrian camel and the nomads it sustains. Join our fully catered 14-day journey, traversing the southern Gobi alongside local guides. Uncover Mongolia’s ancient nomadic culture amid vast, awe-inspiring panoramas.
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Welcome to our sixth Winter Gobi Desert expedition — an extraordinary celebration of tradition, culture, and landscape.
Total Cost: USD $6,880 per person
Reservation: AUD $400 deposit secures your place.
Embark on Adventure — Bookings Now Open for Mongolia!
"If you endeavour, the fate will favour you."
Mongolian Proverb
This journey is designed for travellers seeking both cultural immersion and wilderness adventure. February in Mongolia is crisp, clear, and deeply atmospheric — a time when nomadic families gather for the Thousand Camel Festival and the Bactrian camels are in their magnificent thick winter coats.
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Guests will be welcomed into a fully supported expedition, combining the colour and energy of a cultural festival with the stillness of winter steppe landscapes. Accommodation includes traditional gers, heated expedition tents during trekking, and hotels in Ulaanbaatar.
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We understand that the cold and riding comfort are key concerns for many guests, so I’ve designed this program with care and experience at every step. In Mongolia I always recommend arriving with your best cold-weather gear for the airport-to-hotel transfer, then shopping locally for high-quality yak-wool layers. Yak wool is renowned for its warmth, breathability, and comfort. Cashmere and Bactrian Camel fibres are also excellent options readily available in Ulaanbaatar's interesting markets.
The local term for a Mongolian traditional coat is a deel, and these widely vary in pricing depending on style, materials used, and garment practicality. Guests typically invest from AUD $300 and upwards for a good local coat or “deel”, with layered undergarments and invaluable local boots purchased for a smaller amount. On the trek we ride on Bactrian camels in a comfortable natural fibre seat between the humps. Many guests choose to bring padded bicycle pants for durable riding comfort—it's a very manageable experience for beginners—and prior to departure we schedule chats to tailor comfort tips and prepare the right planning for you.
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Karen Jane Ellis - Mongolia traveller since 2015
Winter Gobi Desert Journey
Winter Camel Trekking in the Gobi is a true adventure steeped in local traditions — the perfect choice if you’re seeking authentic, experiential travel. It’s a journey that blends cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a very special style of desert exploration.
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On a winter camel trek, you’ll gain unique insights into the life of Mongolia’s nomadic herders, who have roamed these vast desert landscapes for millennia. You’ll discover the remarkable Bactrian camel, with its two humps and extraordinary ability to thrive in this environment. Traveling at the gentle pace of our small caravan, you’ll have time to absorb the Gobi’s sweeping horizons, wander through canyons, and watch wildlife move across the open plains. Evenings bring the calm beauty of the desert winter, where crisp air and clear skies reveal a canopy of stars like nowhere else on earth.
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The Gobi’s winters are generally milder than much of Mongolia, often blessed with calm days and endless blue skies — but this is still the coldest desert on earth, making it all the more remarkable. With the right warm clothing and sturdy boots, you’ll be fully prepared to embrace this extraordinary winter adventure.
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Camels in Their Element
Bactrian camels are at their best in winter, covered in thick wool that insulates them from extreme temperatures. They browse on the sparse vegetation of shrubs and small plants scattered across the stony and sandy ground. Their feet are like large padded cushions, leaving behind the distinctive footprints you’ll soon come to recognise in the sand.
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The traditional camel saddle is made of woollen carpet material, often the camels hair itself, decorated with colourful ornaments. You'll find your riding seat between the two cozy winter humps of the Bactrian camels and it is surprisingly comfortable. Riding high above the ground—much higher than on a horse—you’ll appreciate the camel’s habit of kneeling for you to mount. The rein is held on one side only, but this method is easy to learn. Our local camel guides will teach you and lead your camel at first until you feel confident to ride on your own.
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Camels thrive in the wide-open spaces of their desert home, and when they move together across the plains, the pace is slow, steady, and deeply relaxing. Saddlebags are provided much like on horseback, along with a traditional, beautifully crafted hump bag—perfect for keeping your camera and other essentials within easy reach. No previous riding experience is required, just good general fitness and an ability to balance.
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Desert Camps & Shelter
During our winter desert treks, we plan each day so that the camel caravan reaches camp in the afternoon with plenty of time to settle in and relax. Our shelters include traditional gers as well as modern tented camps, offering warmth, comfort, and a welcoming space to enjoy meals and unwind in the evening. They also provide a cozy retreat should we wish to spend a full day in one location to soak in the tranquillity of the desert.
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Camps are typically set near reliable water sources, and our local support team ensures that everything is prepared ahead of the group’s arrival—water, fuel, and fresh provisions are ready and waiting. Guests sleep in small dome tents (single or double occupancy), with warm winter sleeping bags provided for a comfortable night’s rest under the Gobi’s incredible star-filled skies.​​​​
Day 1, 4th February | Ulaanbaatar | Mongolia's Capital City
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Arrival in Mongolia
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the brand-new Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. Modern and efficient, the airport offers all the conveniences you’d expect — money exchange, eateries, and shops — making your arrival smooth and stress-free.
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From there, enjoy a both a scenic and city drive into your hotel. Our hotel is an easy 2 minute walk to 'Sukhbaatar Square', the beating heart of Ulaanbaatar, where Mongolia’s history and daily life meet. At its center stands the bronze statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar, the “hero of the revolution,” who in 1921 declared Mongolia’s final independence from Chinese rule. Surrounding the square are some of the country’s most important landmarks, including the Government Palace, banks, theatres, and the main post office. Proudly facing the square are statues of Genghis Khan, his descendants, and the generals of the Mongol Empire.
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Welcome Dinner
After transfer to the Springs Hotel, guests will be welcomed over dinner with fellow travellers and crew. During the evening, the concept of the Mongolian winter deel will be introduced, and arrangements made for each guest to be deel equipped before the Gobi departure.
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Notes: Getting to Mongolia
For international travellers, one of the smoothest ways to reach Mongolia is via Hong Kong. From there, MIAT Mongolian Airlines offers reliable direct flights into Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. This route has consistently proven to be one of the most straightforward options, minimising transit hassles and aligning well with onward travel arrangements. We recommend this pathway to ensure you arrive rested and ready to begin your Gobi adventure.
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The Deel – Mongolia’s Traditional Dress
No journey into Mongolia is complete without encountering the deel (pronounced del) — the traditional garment of Mongolian nomads.
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Practical Design: A deel is a long, robe-like outfit, fastened with a sash at the waist. Its simple T-shaped pattern makes it incredibly versatile. It can serve as a coat in winter, a blanket for sleeping, or even extra padding when riding. Double-layered construction and high collars protect against Mongolia’s harsh winds and sudden temperature changes.
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Cultural Significance: Each deel reflects the wearer’s identity. Variations in colour, ornamentation, and fabric differ across Mongolia’s many ethnic groups — Khalkh, Zakhchin, Durvud, Uriankhai, Buryad, and others. Historically, deels for ceremonies or festivals like Naadam or Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) were made of fine silks in vibrant colours, while everyday deels were simpler and more utilitarian.
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History & Heritage: Archaeological finds trace the deel back over two thousand years to the era of the Huns, with elaborately decorated garments discovered in ancient burial mounds at Noyon-Uul. Even under the Yuan Empire, clothing laws dictated who could wear which colours and fabrics. The deel’s endurance across centuries speaks to its practicality and cultural weight.
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Modern Connections: The deel continues to inspire global design. Its influence even reached Hollywood: elements of Queen Amidala’s costumes in Star Wars were based on Mongolian traditional dress. Today, tourists often enjoy dressing in deels for photos, while contemporary designers reinterpret its shapes and colours for fashion shows.
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A Living Tradition
For Mongolians, the deel is far more than clothing — it’s a symbol of resilience, adaptation, and identity. The sash is not just decorative; it protects riders’ kidneys from the strain of long hours on horseback and doubles as a tool for carrying knives, cups, or firestones. The upper folds of the deel serve as large pockets, perfect for keeping small valuables safe.
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When you see nomads wearing deels in the Gobi, you’ll understand why medieval travellers once wrote in awe of this garment that “fits all seasons and climates.” For visitors, even trying on a deel offers a tangible link to the deep history and living culture of Mongolia.
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Meals Included: Dinner
Accommodation: Springs Hotel
Note: Please make certain to book your flight allowing for the groups evening dinner. Please advise if you need to arrive a day earlier and we can assist with accommodation. The complimentary pick up is scheduled for 4th of February 2026. Taxi services are available for early arrivals and late departures.
Day 2, 5th February | Ulaanbaatar ​
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Exploring Ulaanbaatar
Morning: Begin the day with a visit to Narantuul Market, Ulaanbaatar’s largest and most vibrant marketplace. This is the best place to pick up essential winter gear such as warm boots, deels, and other practical items needed for the Gobi trek. The market is a fascinating experience in itself, offering a glimpse into everyday Mongolian life with stalls selling everything from traditional clothing to horse tack.
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Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling hearty local dishes before continuing the day’s exploration.
Afternoon: An optional guided walk to the Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia’s newest and most impressive cultural institution. Here you’ll gain valuable insights into the history of the Mongol Empire, nomadic culture, and the legacy of Genghis Khan.
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Evening: Return to the Springs Hotel for dinner, where you can relax, share first impressions of Mongolia with fellow travellers, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
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Ulaanbaatar’s most authentic attractions — the Narantuul Black Market.
This sprawling market is where countryside nomads come to stock up on everything from leather boots and equestrian tack to ger-building supplies. For visitors, it’s a feast for the senses — vibrant stalls selling deels (traditional Mongolian robes), affordable cashmere, fur-lined boots, fox hats, Soviet-era curios, and more. It’s also one of the best places in the city for people-watching and authentic souvenir shopping.
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Nearby, the Dunjingarav Market offers an indoor alternative with undercover stalls, neat categorisation of products, and a food court serving both Mongolian and international cuisine.
After settling in at the Springs Hotel, we’ll gather for an orientation and planning meeting, followed by dinner with your fellow travellers and crew.
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Chinggis Khaan National Museum
The Chinggis Khaan National Museum was established in 2019 by the decision of Prime Minister U. Khurelsukh. Today, it houses more than 10,000 original exhibits that span Mongolia’s long and remarkable history.
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The collection ranges from artifacts of Modun Shanyu, founder of the Hun Empire (the first nomadic state), to the possessions and cultural treasures of Mongolian kings and nobles up to the early 20th century. Visitors will find displays of weapons, clothing, tools, ornaments, and items of daily life that reveal the traditions and ingenuity of nomadic societies.
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The museum combines historical authenticity with modern technology to create an engaging experience. Exhibits incorporate virtual reality, interactive displays, video installations, paintings, sculpture, embroidery, blacksmithing, and models, bringing Mongolia’s past vividly to life.
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This landmark institution is not only a repository of heritage but also a showcase of Mongolia’s pride in its nomadic culture and the enduring legacy of Chinggis Khaan.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Springs Hotel​​​​
Day 3, February 6th | Gobi Desert | Thousand Camel Festival
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Travel to Dalanzadgad – Gateway to the Thousand Camel Festival
Today we journey south from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, the capital of Umnugovi province and gateway to the Gobi Desert in preparation to attend The Thousand Camel Festival. The drive takes approximately seven hours, offering uninterrupted panoramas of Mongolia’s vast landscapes. Along the way, we pause for lunch and often witness striking glimpses of nomadic life — from herds of Bactrian camels and Mongolian horses to local herders accompanying their livestock. Raptors such as vultures are also a common sight.
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Dalanzadgad itself is a picturesque rural city, shaped by the contrasting seasons and distant mountain ranges.
The Thousand Camel Festival, also referred to as the “Ten Thousand Camel" Festival will be showcased for the 27th Year in Dalanzadgad soum, Umnugobi aimag, on February 7th -8th, 2026. A vibrant and growing cultural event that celebrates the role of Bactrian camels in nomadic heritage. Once held in more remote areas, the festival’s move to Dalanzadgad has allowed it to flourish, drawing ever-larger crowds of visitors and participants each year. Today it is recognised as one of Mongolia’s most remarkable cultural gatherings, showcasing the magnificent Bactrian camels in their full winter coats, traditional music, local crafts, and community pride.
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Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a local dinner at the Khan Uul Hotel or another suitable local venue and rest at a festival ger camp set up nearby the festival grounds . Traditional gers fitted with stoves will provide warm and authentic sleeping arrangements. At the festival site itself, insulated dome tents with stoves serve as a kitchen, warm-up space, and communal dining area, ensuring comfort throughout the event.
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Far more than a single race, the festival spans two days, featuring various competitions and traditional games. It has evolved from its initial tourism roots into one of the biggest annual celebrations for nomads. Originally established with the goal of protecting and increasing the population of the Bactrian camel, the festival has achieved remarkable success. The Bactrian camel has seen its population soar from 192,000 to 460,000. This remarkable growth underscores the festival's positive impact on both the value and conservation of these unique animals.
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The Thousand Camel Festival is a captivating cultural celebration that began in 1997 as a winter festival, offering a unique glimpse into the life of Mongolian camel herders. The festival made its mark in the Guinness World Records with the largest-ever recorded camel race, featuring 1,115 camels and jockeys, and 1,108 completing the 15km journey. However, over the years, it has grown beyond its racing origins, transforming into a grand event eagerly anticipated by nomadic herders.
The day's competitions add a touch of flair, featuring categories such as "best-looking couple on camelback" and the endearing "most adorable male and female camels." The central square comes alive with the excitement of a camel polo match, providing a unique and thrilling experience amidst the Gobi's captivating landscapes.
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Festival breakdown:
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Camel Polo:
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Watch camel polo games with different heats to determine the champion team.
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Camel Parade:
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Witness the customary camel parade, featuring over 100 camels and jockeys in unique traditional attire.
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Camel Endurance:
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Enjoy camel endurance in three categories: fully-grown camel race, 3-year-old camel race, and 2-year-old camel race.
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Local Food and Drink:
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Try local delicacies such as Airag/Ayrag (fermented camel's milk) and Aaruul (dried milk curd), similar to a biscuit.
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Ankle Bone Shooting:
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View or participate in a traditional game of ankle bone shooting.
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Team Competition (Camel Rodeo):
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Experience a team competition where five members compete using agility and herding skills. The team catches an untamed camel, cuts its wool to make a rein, and breaks it in like a camel rodeo. The first team to load luggage onto the camel and leave the field wins.
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Local Handicrafts:
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Explore the opportunity to purchase local handicrafts made from camel wool.
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Highly esteemed herding couples can be seen vying for the title of best-dressed couple and camel in this contest. Meanwhile, other families seek for victories in various cultural performances. As you join this remarkable journey, you'll have the opportunity to observe Bactrian camels, fully laden, while the nomads skillfully demonstrate the intricate process of relocating their Gers/Yurts and personal belongings. These individuals are not only proud, friendly, and strong but also remarkably resilient, with their camels intricately intertwined with a profound sense of identity and culture.
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The Thousand Camel Festival, an event that feels more like a movie set, organised for two decades by local camel herding communities. Discover the festival's vibrant colours and uncommon festivities that draw nomads together in celebration, along with a handful of foreign tourists, making it a renowned winter celebration.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Gers with stoves overnight |An insulated dome tent with stove will serve as a kitchen and warm-up/meal facility on site at the Thousand Camel Festival for our group.
Days 4 and 5, February 7th - 8th | Gobi Desert | Thousand Camel Festival
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The Thousand Camel Festival is the heart of this journey, offering two full days to immerse yourself in Mongolia’s unique nomadic culture. Here, we’ll explore, observe, and enjoy the foods, crafts, costumes, and warm hospitality of the local herding communities. Guests will have the chance to watch vibrant celebrations and competitions, as well as take part in selected activities.
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Our group will have a private insulated dome tent erected and available throughout the entire 2 days. A stove will serve as a kitchen and warm-up/meal facility on site at the Thousand Camel Festival. This means there's no need to miss any events listed on the program and you'll have somewhere comfortable to pause and find our crew.
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The festival grounds are filled with stalls and vendors, so it’s wise to exchange some AUD or USD into Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) before leaving the capital. ATMs are not typically available on-site, and having local currency ensures you can fully enjoy the shopping and cultural offerings.
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Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle becomes especially captivating at this time of year, offering a rare glimpse into the resilience of families who thrive in these harsh winter landscapes. Despite the challenges, local people extend remarkable warmth to visitors, sharing their traditions with genuine generosity. Staying nearby, with our own heated tent on-site for meals and gatherings, provides both comfort and flexibility. At night, you’ll settle into traditional Gers with stoves — a truly immersive way to experience nomadic life firsthand.
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The festival itself is a dynamic mix of entertainment and education, honoring the vital role camels play in nomadic life. You’ll witness thrilling camel races, skill-based competitions among local herders, and an exhibition of children’s artwork and evening performances.
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By the end of these two days, you will not only have enjoyed a spectacular celebration, but also forged a deeper appreciation for the camel’s central role in Mongolian culture and the enduring traditions of nomadic life.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Traditional Gers with stoves overnight |An insulated dome tent with stove will serve as a kitchen and warm-up/meal facility on site at the Thousand Camel Festival for our group.
Day 6, February 9th | Gobi Desert | Camel Trek | Zuramtai Mountain | Otgonbaatar’s camp
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Travel with Gobi Desert Dwellers
From our camp near the Thousand Camel Festival, we journey south into the Zuramtai Mountain area, where our local Gobi Desert dwellers prepare the camels and equipment for our trek. Here, surrounded by sweeping steppe and mountain backdrops, we begin to experience life through the eyes of nomadic herders whose families have relied on camels for generations. Overnight accommodation is arranged at a local herder’s camp, with a heated shower ger set up to provide comfort after a day of travel.
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Life here is centered around the Bactrian camel — strong, resilient, and perfectly adapted to desert extremes. These camels have carried goods and people across Central Asia for thousands of years, enduring both the blazing 40°C summer heat and the sub-zero winters. Their broad, padded feet leave the unmistakable tracks you’ll quickly learn to recognise in the sand.
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Guests are introduced to the practical yet colorful traditions of herder life. It’s common to be welcomed with salted milk tea, a gesture of hospitality that dates back centuries. Mongolian deels (traditional dress), leather boots, and silver-buckled belts are not costumes for these families, but everyday attire tied to survival, heritage, and identity.
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Traveling with our nomadic hosts offers more than logistics — it provides perspective. Their deep connection to the land, skies, and animals is evident in their routines, stories, and rituals. Despite language barriers, humor and warmth transcend; our bilingual guides help bridge conversations, ensuring a richer exchange.
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The Gobi is known locally as the “Land of the Eternal Blue Sky,” blessed with over 250 sunny days a year. Traversing its vastness with true desert dwellers — free of fences, boundaries, and distractions — leaves an impression that endures long after the trek. It is not just a journey across space, but into a way of life that has remained largely uninterrupted for millennia.
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Zuramtai Mountain (Ground Squirrel Mountain)
Zuramtai, known locally as Ground Squirrel Mountain, is a striking feature in the South Gobi landscape. The mountain’s canyons provide a haven for desert birdlife, and with a little luck, you may catch sight of species adapted to these rugged conditions. As we climb out of the canyon, the view opens into sweeping desert plains that stretch endlessly toward the horizon, offering an unforgettable sense of scale and solitude. This area is also culturally significant—ancient petroglyphs can be found etched into boulders, silent reminders of the people who once moved through these same landscapes. Standing at Zuramtai, you’ll experience both the wild beauty of the Gobi and a connection to its deep human history.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Ger Camp | Shared tents with stove
Day 7 to 10, February 10th - 13th | Gobi Desert | Camel Trek | Khaniin Khets Mountains
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Camel Trekking Route: Zuramtai Mountain to the Khaniin Khets Mountains
From our camp at Zuramtai Mountain—known locally as “Ground Squirrel Mountain”—we begin our westward trek across sweeping desert plains. This area offers striking canyon views and the chance to spot desert birdlife. Ancient petroglyphs can also be found etched onto boulders, silent witnesses to the long human history of the region.
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Our journey then leads us toward the Khaniin Khets Mountains, one of the most mysterious and majestic ranges of the Gobi Desert. These dark, dramatic mountains are formed from five rows of overlapping rock canyons, with the beautiful Sain Sariin Valley (Good Moon Valley) nestled between them. Crystal-clear mountain streams flow through the valley, feeding the celebrated “Moon Spring” or “Moon Eye Spring.”
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The Khaniin Khets are also home to a unique breed of brown camel, well-adapted to the extremes of the Gobi. Prized for their strength, resilience, and fine wool, these camels echo the color of the mountains themselves. Wildlife thrives here too, from argali sheep and ibex to lynx and even the elusive snow leopard. Around the mountains grow medicinal plants and wild onions, adding to the richness of this landscape.
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Each evening, we arrive at a prepared desert camp. Insulated sleeping tents, a warm kitchen tent, and dining facilitiesare set up ahead of the caravan by our dedicated crew, ensuring comfort after days of trekking. This thoughtful blend of wilderness adventure and reliable support allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the grandeur of the Gobi while still enjoying the essentials of camp life.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Ger Camp | Shared Tent with stove ​
Day 11, February 14th | Dalanzadgad | Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
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Today we bid farewell to our camels and desert dwelling companions as we journey by vehicle to Dalanzadgad, the capital of South Gobi Province, but not without pausing at one of Mongolia’s most iconic natural and scientific landmarks: the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs.
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Dating back to 1923, the Flaming Cliffs rose to international fame when Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his team from the American Museum of Natural History unearthed the world’s first nest of dinosaur eggs. Since then, the vivid red sandstone has continued to yield remarkable fossils, including the legendary “Fighting Dinosaurs” — a Protoceratops and Velociraptor preserved mid-battle, discovered in 1971. Today, these discoveries are recognised as National Treasures of Mongolia, with specimens displayed in the Natural History Museum of Mongolia.
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The cliffs themselves are a geological wonder, part of the ancient Djadochta Formation, their layers dating back over 70 million years. By day, the terrain is striking, but it’s at sunset when the cliffs truly earn their name, glowing with a fiery brilliance that leaves a lasting impression. Surrounding the escarpment is a unique ecosystem of saxaul trees, hardy desert plants whose gnarled trunks and roots anchor the sandy soil and provide forage for camels.
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As we explore, our local guides will share insights of the site’s paleontological heritage and the importance of this region to Mongolia’s scientific and cultural identity. Beyond its fossils, Bayanzag is a landscape of striking natural beauty, offering vast horizons, rolling red cliffs, and a silence broken only by the wind.
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In the late afternoon, we continue to Dalanzadgad, where we’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Khan Uul Hotel or a comfortable guest house with traditional log cabins. This evening offers a chance to rest, refresh, and reflect on the extraordinary history and landscapes encountered during our journey.
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Meals Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel - Guest House
ABOVE: The moniker 'Flaming Cliffs,' coined by the American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews during the Central Asiatic Expeditions in the Gobi Desert in the 1920s, along with its Mongolian name, Bayanzag, has garnered global renown among both paleontologists and tourists. Situated within the bounds of Bulgan Soum in the Umnugovi Province, this site is a treasure trove of historical significance.
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BELOW: A sudden rush of sand may have rapidly entombed these adversaries, preserving them in this intense combat stance. Discovered in 1971 by a Polish-Mongolian team, this specimen was embedded in the white sandstone cliffs of the southern Gobi Desert. Recognised as a National Treasure of Mongolia, these fossils are presently housed in the Natural History Museum of Mongolia, which is currently undergoing reconstruction.
Day 12, February 15th | Return to Ulaanbaatar
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Today we make the return journey to Ulaanbaatar, traveling by road from the Gobi Desert back to the capital. The distance is around 600 km, and depending on traffic and road conditions, the trip generally takes 6–7 hours.
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This is more than just a transfer — it’s a chance to experience one of the world’s great road journeys. The open prairies and expansive deserts of Mongolia create a landscape unlike any other, and the sparsity of settlements makes the journey itself unforgettable. Travelers from across the globe describe a Mongolia road trip as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the return from the Gobi Desert is no exception.
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Along the way, we pause for lunch en route, taking in the views and perhaps spotting herds of livestock or nomadic families with their gers scattered across the horizon. The gradual shift from the vast, otherworldly desert into the busier outskirts of Ulaanbaatar is both literal and symbolic — a transition from the silence of the steppe back into the rhythm of city life.
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By evening, we arrive at the Springs Hotel, where dinner is served and a comfortable overnight stay awaits. After days of desert trekking and cultural immersion, this return marks a fitting close to our Gobi adventure, leaving time to reflect on all that has been experienced.
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Meals Included: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Springs Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Day 13, February 16th | Ulaanbaatar City | Free Day or accompanied
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Today is a free day in Ulaanbaatar — a chance to slow down and enjoy the capital at your own pace. Browse for souvenirs in the State Department Store, pick up high-quality cashmere at the GOBI Galleria, or simply wander through the city’s shops and cafes. Karen has recommendations!
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For those interested in culture, highlights include the Sukhbaatar Square, the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum, or the Gandantegchinlen Monastery with its towering Buddha statue.
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This unstructured day is designed so you can follow your own interests — whether that’s shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing — before we gather for a final dinner together.
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Meals Included: Breakfast – Dinner
Accommodation: Springs Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Day 14, February 17th | Ulaanbaatar | Departure Day
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We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together at the Springs Hotel before preparing for our transfers to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. It takes approximately one hour to reach the airport, and Karen will be on hand to assist with timing and departures to ensure a smooth farewell.
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As we say goodbye to our fellow travellers and new friends, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared across Mongolia — the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky. This is a country where nomadic traditions remain strong, with nearly 40% of the population still herding livestock and one-third living in portable gers that are moved seasonally.
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The warmth and pride of the Mongolian people, combined with the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert and beyond, make this experience truly unforgettable.
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Meals Included: Breakfast
Adventure in Mongolia - Essential Tips - Weather in Southern Gobi & Ulaanbaatar
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The Southern Gobi province, where we’ll attend the Thousand Camel Festival, is at its most atmospheric in February. Daytime temperatures often range from around +1°C to –5°C, while nights can dip lower, averaging –18°C. Though February is one of Mongolia’s colder months, it’s also when the desert is at its most magical—crisp, calm, and clear, with striking blue skies and spectacular star-filled nights.
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Once dressed appropriately, keeping warm is straightforward, especially in high-quality local yak or camel wool garments. Guests will also be provided with a traditional Mongolian deel, a practical and beautiful coat designed for Mongolia’s extreme conditions. Wearing the deel not only keeps you comfortable but also connects you to the nomadic heritage of the region.
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Preparing from Australia
For Australians, this journey begins in the height of summer, making it challenging to find truly suitable winter clothing before departure. Even if you arrive with your best Australian winter layers, rest assured—they will see you comfortably to Ulaanbaatar. Once there, Karen and local crew will guide a shopping visit to the Naran Tuul (Black Market), her favourite stop for warm essentials.
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The Black Market is far from a tourist trap; it’s the bustling centre where locals from city and countryside stock up for winter. Here you’ll find everything from felt-lined leather boots and cashmere under-layers to beautifully made deels. The natural fibres of yak, Bactrian camel, and Mongolian cashmere are impossible to replicate and offer warmth and comfort beyond anything brought from home. Investing in these garments is both practical for your time in Mongolia and a treasured reminder to take home.
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Staying Warm & Connected
Essential cold-weather clothing will be outlined in a comprehensive packing list provided closer to departure. Participants will also have the chance to join a Zoom or FaceTime call with Karen beforehand, ensuring every question about preparation is answered and any last-minute needs are covered.
By combining thoughtful preparation with the warmth of traditional Mongolian clothing, you’ll discover that February in Mongolia is not only manageable but deeply rewarding—an experience of winter adventure unlike anywhere else on earth.
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Weather in Ulaanbaatar
While most of our journey takes place in the Southern Gobi, it’s important to note that Ulaanbaatar is significantly colder. In February, average daytime highs reach around –9°C, with nighttime lows dropping to –25°C.
The good news is that Mongolians are incredibly adept at thriving in these conditions. All indoor spaces—whether accommodation, shops, museums, or historic sites—are very well heated, often to the point that locals dress inside as if it were spring or summer. The key is layering smartly and having a reliable outer coat.
Our group will be well-prepared:
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Guests will be introduced to the traditional Mongolian deel, made of wooden natural fibres offering excellent warmth.
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Locally made cashmere, yak wool, and camel hair garments are readily available and highly recommended for comfortable under layers.
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Plan to arrive from Australian with your toughest winter clothing, this will suffice until we shop for local gear. With the right combination of clothing—a deel, and local boots to keep you snug—you’ll find it surprisingly easy to stay warm while exploring Mongolia’s capital before heading south to the desert.
Note: Take sufficient Mongolian currency/money if you plan to shop at The Black Market as there are no ATMs.
Land Price Includes:
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Greeting at the Ulaanbaatar Airport.
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Transfers upon arrival and departure on the specified arrival and departure dates.
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Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary.
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Snacks in vehicles, and unlimited water.
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Experienced Mongolian drivers.
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All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms, gers, tents with stoves).
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Arrival Day shopping tour to Ulaanbaatar’s Black Market, also known as the Naran Tuul Market.
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Entry to the Chinggis Khan Museum, Mongolia's newest and largest museum.
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Meals as noted in the above itinerary.
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Entry x 2 days into the Thousand Camel Festival.
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Bactrian Camel Trek with locals; an un-replicable journey.
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Each person is assigned their own Bactrian Camel & saddle with support nomads for the duration of trek.
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Experienced full-time bilingual guide and ample support staff throughout your journey.
Gobi Desert:
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Clean sleeping bags, camping bed, extra blankets, and pillows are provided.
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All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy ( gers & tents with stoves).
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Sleep soundly inside warm traditional gers, on raised camper beds.
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Inside each ger or tent is a stove - you will not get cold at night as staff check temperatures.
Land Price does not include:
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Passport and visa fees
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Comprehensive medical and trip insurance.
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Excess baggage charges.
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Tips to guides, drivers, and support staff.
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Any optional extra food and alcohol not included in the group meals.
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Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls.
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Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
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International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines
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Airport taxes and excess baggage charges
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Food and beverages not included in the meals eg. taste testing from stalls at Thousand Camel Festival.
Additional Notes:
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Comprehensive medical and trip insurance is considered essential.
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Excess baggage charges at airport - please keep luggage to the necessary for our vehicles.
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Photography and video fees at attractions - excludes festivals and no charges are applied from Karen or staff for taking images.
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Tips to guide, drivers, camp and restaurant staff, nomad camel handlers (Estimated total $285-$300 per guest).
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Food and beverages not included in the planned meals.
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Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls.
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Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
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Before you go, have you remembered to:​
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Review the packing list?
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Obtain Mongolia Visa?
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Email Camel Treks Australia for the flight arrival and morning departure details in order to align with package airport transfer? Karen suggests the best priced flights are found when travelling to Hong Kong, then flying with MIAT into Ulaanbaatar.
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Print a copy of your medical waiver form to give to the crew in Mongolia?
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Print multiple copies of your passport for easy Hotel check-in?
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Alert your banks that you will be travelling overseas to Mongolia?
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Register with Smart Traveller?
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Obtain health / travel insurance? Email Camel Treks Australia with your policy?
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Visit your Doctor or specialised Travel Doctor before departure? ​​​​
