Camel Trekking
What it's like
A Bactrian camel rises in two lurching stages, then settles into a slow, rocking stride. Along the edge of Khongoryn Els, with a herder walking ahead, the desert finally makes sense at camel pace: wide, quiet and full of small detail.
Mongolia's camels are Bactrian, with two humps, a thick winter coat and the ability to cope with both summer heat and bitter winter cold. Gobi families raise them for wool, milk, meat and transport.
Most visitors ride for an hour or two near the dunes, sitting comfortably between the humps. Our longer treks spend several days moving between camps on foot and by camel, with a support vehicle carrying tents and supplies.
Camels are led by herders throughout, so no experience is needed. Expect a gentle pace, wide-legged comfort and a strong argument for cushioned trousers.
Adventures with this
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Sleep in a family ger, help with the herds and share the rhythm of a working nomadic camp.
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Eagle Hunting Traditions
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The Naadam Games
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Throat Singing and the Morin Khuur
Hear khöömei, the overtone singing of the steppe, and the morin khuur horsehead fiddle, both UNESCO-listed traditions.
Dinosaur Fossil Sites
Walk the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where the first recognised dinosaur eggs were found in the 1920s.
Ready when you are
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