Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, transfer to Hotel, sightseeing in city: Museum of Mongolian National History, Sukhbaatar Square etc. L

Early morning flight to South Gobi. The local team will meet you and transfer to the camp. Camel Festival Days! This event will be organised by “Tumen Temee” (“Ten Thousand Camels”) - association in order to protect two humped Bactrian camels and reproduce camel herders, to increase their productivity, to increase herder’s income by tourism. In theose days we will “breathe” by camels. You will enjoy authentic festival program including, camels racing, children's concert, camel wool product exhibition, camel polo, parade on camels and nice couple competition. Also you will enjoy relay competition with camel. An entertaining competition which shows camel training methods and customs of “Heroes of great Gobi” people, overcomes severe climate and harsh condition of Gobi by their effort and endurance. Teams each having 5 members participate in it and show many methods and techniques of catching camel with lasso, tying and bringing down, putting wooden peg into camel’s nose and loading camel. Short excurtion to the famous sites of the Gobi. Optional camel riding is available. Stay overnights at the camp.

Return flight to Ulaanbaatar, transfer to the hotel. Visit the Gandan Monastery and the Zaisan Memorial. B+L+D

Transfer to the airport after breakfast.

The Mongolian two-humped Bacterian camel is nicknamed the "Gobi Ship" by local people, and inhabits the Gobi Desert area in the southern part of Mongolia. As an inseparable part of the life of nomadic Mongolians, it has become a tradition in Mongolia to organize a Camel Festival annually.

The Thousand Camel Festival is celebrated right after the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebration each year from late January to late February.

Thousand Camel Festival program in brief
3-4 March 2009 Camel Racing / Competition Days l

The festival begins at around 2:00pm in Bulgan soum (40 minutes driving) with a “parade” of camel riders. The parade is open for visitors to participate and if you wish, you will have an opportunity to join them on a camelback.(to participate in the camel parade, reservation should be made about seven working days in advance) Competitions of the day include “best looking couple on camelback”, most adorable male and female camels as well as a camel polo which takes place in the central square. There’s also an exhibition of paintings by local children who participate in the drawing contest called “Camel– My Friend”. In the late afternoon, enjoy a performance by “Altai Snowcock”, a local youth organization for preservation and conservation of the surrounding area. The entrance fees proceed to the funding of the club’s activities.

Day 2. Camel Racing / Competition Day

The competition begins with the race of mature camels followed by the two-year-old camel race. For your own enjoyment, you may make a bid for the camel you like.

The camels will be judged on their speed during the 15K and 12K races. The first three camels in the 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 consisted 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. Return to the Three Camel Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Why Mongolia camel festival is unique? Because, Mongolia is a country of Bactrian camels and the camels graze in the Gobi Desert. So Mongolia camel riding trek is famous and people love camel trekking tour in Mongolian gobi desert. The Camel Festival is one big camel tour in Mongolia. Camel is a wonderful animal.

More info about Camel and camel treks: The camel is the main source of survival of nomadic people in a hostile desert environment over centuries. Mongolia Camel Riding tour is one of the most fun adventures that one can experience. It's widely taken in Mongolia, Africa and Australia. And among these countries, Mongolia is the only country that offers the exciting Bactrian camel riding trek. But unlike a horse's reins which are attached to a bit hold in the mouth, a camel's reins are attached to a peg inserted in the nose. Bits aren't used with a camel because they are a cud-chewing animal. Mongolia's is the place of camel riding adventures and a great place for camel riding trips, camel trekking tours and camel herding holidays. All our treks let you experience the real meaning of "beyond time and space". No need for your watch, the sun will wake you up. No concrete boundaries limit your sight just incredibly magnificent mountains of always changing colors and shapes. The nomadic Mongolians used to travel on camel back and now they still use camels for their near and far travels and moves. You will enjoy exploring the Gobi Desert of Mongolia by camel riding, namely 2 humped Bactrian camels. We use beautifully decorated comfortable saddles for the camel ride and guests love enjoying the Gobi views while traveling by camel. Bactrian camels are gentle animals and walk gently when you are on a camel back. Camel back trekking is an exciting adventure for those adventurous. Selena Travel offers excellent long and short camel riding tours in the famous Gobi Desert or in the amazing Gun-Galuut nature reserve, we organize the best camel treks in Mongolia and will make your lifetime camel trekking experience.