The Mongolian two-humped Bactrian 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.
Day 1 - Feb 7, Gobi / Thousand Camel Festival:
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Dalanzadgad (1.5 hours), capital of Omnogobi, Mongolia's southernmost province of semi-arid desert. Contrary to the sterile sameness that the word "desert" suggests, the Gobi holds many fascinations including sites of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of this century. Upon arrival, drive to the tourist ger camp (2 hours). After lunch, settle into your gers, the traditional felt tents of nomadic herders. In the late afternoon, drive to Bulgan (40 minutes) to attend the opening ceremony of the Thousand Camel Festival and a performance of local artists. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 2 - Feb 8, Camel Racing / Competition Day:
The competition begins with the race of mature camels at 8:00 am followed by the two-year-old camel race. The camels will be judged on their speed, running 15 kilometers and 10 kilometers, respectively. The best three camels in each age group will be awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. After lunch, you may participate in a workshop discussing the decline of the Bactrian camel population, or visit the local school to see the children's "Camel - My Friend" drawing contest and the personal photo exhibition of the experienced local guide Do Byamba, who leads camel treks in the Gobi. Then attend a camel polo competition. Dinner and overnight at the tourist camp.
Day 3 - Feb 9, Flaming Cliffs:
After breakfast, travel to the legendary "Flaming Cliffs" (1 hour), named for its glowing orange rock. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. To the trained eye, the red sandstone cliffs of the Flaming Cliffs are rich with dinosaur fossils and paleontological expeditions continue to make significant discoveries at this site. Enjoy dinner by an open fire at the Lodge followed by a performance of traditional Mongolian music and hoomi (throat) singing.
Day 4 - Feb 10, Gobi / Ulaanbaatar:
After breakfast, return to Dalanzadgad for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar.
2006 Tour Dates|: 7-10 February 2006.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Price Includes:
- Return flight confirmation;
- Accommodation as mentioned at hotels (H) and Ger camps (Gc);
- Daily breakfast at hotel & Ger restaurant;
- Lunches and dinners during the whole trip;
- All domestic transportation and round-trip transfer airport-hotel-airport;
- Guiding & interpreting service;
- Tickets for Cultural activities and museums;
- Entrance fees for National parks;
- City tour and shopping by minibus.
Not included: Visa cost, International Airfare+Tax, All insurance, Gratuities.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Mongolia
Paleontology
Camping
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