Season & Travel Style

This itinerary is designed for winter travelers (February) seeking an authentic cultural experience in comfort. Expect crisp desert air, sunshine, and daytime temperatures between −5°C and −15°C. The Camel Festival is one of Mongolia’s most joyful winter events, offering both cultural immersion and excellent photography opportunities.

Accommodation

Ulaanbaatar Hotels (4★) – Centrally located properties with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, heating, and breakfast. Examples: Holiday Inn Ulaanbaatar, Kempinski Premier, or similar. Green Gobi Hotel (Dalanzadgad) – A modern mid-range hotel offering clean, heated rooms with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving both Mongolian and Western dishes. Located in the town center, it provides comfort and easy access to festival sites and Gobi attractions.

Meals

Meals are included as stated. Expect warm Mongolian meals with soups, dumplings, rice dishes, and local specialties. Vegetarian options available with advance notice. Bottled water (1.5L per person per day) provided throughout the trip.

Transportation

Travel Buddies uses comfortable 4WD vans and minivans (Mitsubishi Delica, Hyundai Starex) for all overland travel. Domestic flights are operated by MIAT or Hunnu Air between Ulaanbaatar and Dalanzadgad (subject to weather).

Guides

Your English-speaking Travel Buddies guide accompanies you throughout the trip, ensuring smooth logistics, interpretation, and meaningful local experiences.

Typical Daily Schedule

07:30–08:30 Breakfast at hotel 09:00–12:30 Morning visits or activities 12:30–13:30 Lunch stop 14:00–17:00 Sightseeing or festival events 18:00–19:00 Return to hotel 19:30–20:00 Dinner and free time

Connectivity

Wi-Fi available at all hotels; limited or no mobile signal at festival grounds.

When to Travel

The Camel Festival takes place every February 6–8, celebrating the 'ships of the desert.' Ideal months for festival-related travel: February and early March, with dry air, blue skies, and moderate winter temperatures.

What to Expect

This winter journey offers an unforgettable blend of culture, celebration, and desert beauty. Experience the Camel Festival up close as herders gather in vibrant winter deels to showcase their prized Bactrian camels through parades, races, and lively camel polo. Between festival events, you’ll explore some of the Gobi’s most iconic sites — including the Flaming Cliffs, Muhar Shivert Canyon, and the Dalanzadgad Museum — all set against a backdrop of red cliffs, snowy dunes, and soft winter light perfect for photography. Throughout the tour, enjoy warm hospitality and comfortable winter travel. Your stay at the Green Gobi Hotel provides hearty meals, hot showers, and a cozy place to unwind after each day’s adventures. With smooth logistics, knowledgeable local guidance, and meaningful encounters with nomadic families, this journey offers a rich and accessible way to experience Mongolia’s winter traditions and the spirit of the Gobi Desert.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a 30% deposit is required, payable via online payment (Visa or Mastercard) or bank transfer. Please note that card payments incur a 3% processing fee, which is borne by the client. Bank transfers do not have any additional charges. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your tour departure. There are no hidden fees beyond the card processing cost. Please review our Terms & Conditions for full details. Kindly note that bookings close one month before the tour departure date. 💛 Come as Guests, Leave as Buddies.