In person
Thousand Camel Festival
A vibrant two-day winter festival in Bulgan town celebrating Mongolian Bactrian camels, nomadic heritage, and Gobi desert culture through races, polo, parades, and local competitions.
This event has ended — thanks to everyone who joined.
This event has ended — thanks to everyone who joined.
About the event
The Thousand Camel Festival is a wonderful winter festival and cultural introduction to the life of Mongolian camel herders. Held annually on 6 and 7 March in Bulgan town, Umnugobi/Southgobi province, it has been organized since 1997 to protect and increase the two-humped Bactrian camel population, help nomads exchange experiences, increase the benefit of camels, improve locals’ participation in natural protection and recovery, develop winter tourism, support local livelihoods, and introduce Gobi desert camel-herder culture locally and internationally.
What began as a tourist event has become one of the biggest celebrations the Gobi desert nomads prepare for each year. Camel numbers have grown significantly, from 192,000 to 460,000 nationwide. The 2016 festival drew over 6,000 camels and 10,000 people, and a 1,200 two-humped camel race on the Gobi desert steppes was registered in the Guinness Record book.
Festival Location
The festival takes place in Bulgan town in Umnugobi/Southgobi province, 680 km from Ulaanbaatar. Domestic flights do not operate in March during the low season, so the best overland route is 580 km on paved roads and 100 km on rough roads. Visitors may return the same way or travel back through Kharkhorin and Orkhon Valley. Bulgan town is centrally located for camel herders and close to famous Gobi attractions such as Khongor sand dunes, Flaming Cliffs, Khavtsgait Rock Drawing, Noltsog Sand dunes, Mukhar Shivert Valley, and Eagle Valley in Gobi Gurban Saikhan Mountain, which can be added with 2–3 extra days.
Where to Stay
Seasonal tourist ger camps are closed in winter. Most travelers stay at hotels in the provincial centre, 100 km from Bulgan, before and after the festival. In Bulgan town, guests stay in extra gers or houses with local families, offering an intimate look at Gobi desert daily life and culture.
Agenda
Camel Polo
Teams consist of 5 members who play with 8-diameter balls and 130 to 140 cm mallets.
Camel Parade
The 100-camel parade is marvelous. Tourists are welcome to participate by riding one of the camels.
Attractive Couple with Beautiful Camels
Judging is 50% camels and 50% couple. Traditionally dressed couples ride beautifully decorated, same-color camels, often with their children, helping pass cultural heritage to the next generation.
Ice Anklebone Shooting
Mongolian traditional game played during the festival.
Camel Races
Races in 3 age categories: full-grown camel, 3-year-old camel, and 2-year-old camel.
Concert of Local Schoolchildren
Performance by children from local schools.
Local Club Party
An evening of dancing with locals in the town’s cultural hall—not a disco club.
Team Competition
Teams of 5 catch an untamed camel, cut its wool to make a halter, train it for 20–30 minutes, load luggage within the given time, and depart as a caravan.
Wool Product Exhibition
Exhibition of local camel and sheep wool products supporting community income.
Camel Milk Dairy Tasting
Opportunity to try dairy products made from camel milk.
Festival Closing & Prizes
Closing ceremony and prizes for winners, with prize amounts reflecting the increased value of camels.