Thousand Camel Festival

The Thousand Camel Festival is held in the southern Gobi in early March, started in the late 1990s by herders and local authorities to draw attention to the decline of the Bactrian camel population, which had fallen sharply after the 1990s. Over two days several hundred to a thousand camels are brought in from surrounding districts for racing over open desert, camel polo, a parade of decorated animals, and competitions in herding skills and in the making of camel-wool goods. Wrestling, singing and a costume parade run alongside. It is genuinely a working herders' event rather than a staged show, held in cold weather on frozen ground, and attendance is mostly local with a small number of foreign visitors. Dates shift year to year and are confirmed only a few weeks ahead.

What you actually see

• Camel racing - riders over open desert on Bactrian camels.
• Camel polo - the mounted game played on the frozen ground.
• Decorated parade - animals in harness and ornament through the ground.
• Herder competitions - skills, wool crafts and traditional contests.

When to go

Early March, on dates announced a few weeks ahead; confirm before booking travel. Conditions are cold, often well below freezing, with wind. There is no alternative season for this event.

Honest expectations

March in the Gobi is genuinely cold and there is no shelter at the ground; serious winter clothing is needed. Dates move and have been cancelled in poor years. Accommodation near Dalanzadgad is limited in winter and must be arranged well ahead. Events run to a loose schedule.

Nearby

Dalanzadgad is the base town; Yolyn Am and Khongoryn Els lie west.