In 2018 we set out to create the first and only winter camel expedition in the world. Traversing the Gobi Desert over the coldest 10 days of winter on the backs of camels. Travelling almost 300km in the process. The magic continues to this day and remains one of our flagship expeditions that just keeps on creating the magic.
GOBI COLD CAMEL EXPEDITION
Expedition Details
Distance - 300km
Duration - Two weeks, riding days 10
Difficulty - Medium
Dates - Late January to Early February
Skill required - Competent riding ability, comfortable riding independently in a wide open space and trotting for 20 mins at a time on a horse. No previous camel experience required.
Support - Fully supported expedition, medic, cook and vehicles
Price - $6000USD
In January we cross 300km of the Gobi Desert by camel, during the coldest time of the year. The scenery and landscape is some of the most beautiful and wild you will ever experience. From snowy mountains, windswept plains all the way to some of the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. We also visit some of Mongolias famous stone art, as well as exploring caves and mountains.
The camels are incredible and totally adapted to the extremes making for a very unique journey. This is no pony trek and these camels set a good pace. To do this expedition you need to have a reasonable level of fitness as well as previous riding (on horses) experience.
We provide all those on the expedition with nomadic clothes to match the scenery. Traditional sheepskin robes, leather boots and fur hats that make exploring at this time of year on the back of a camel possible.
Why winter? Because the camels look truly beautiful this time of year with their winter coats and it’s a very different way of life to experience compared to the summer months. This is a true adventure. It also gives us a chance to see what the climate is doing out there and how it is affecting the lives of herders. So we do a bit of research and recording along the way which you can be a part of.
The expedition involves staying with nomadic families along the way in gers (yurts). This is a very special chance to experience nomadic life and hear their tales of survival, culture and history.
Some of the highlights will obviously be the scenery, but also traveling through areas rich in wildlife, antelope, saiga, camels, horses, foxes, wolves, big horn sheep, snow leopords etc. As well as historically significant areas, getting to see ancient rock art, areas rich in fossils and ruins dating back thousands of years. Parts of the route take us along the old Silk Road and Genghis Khans battle fields.
As part of the training we will visit a camel festival, watching the racing and beauty competitions. We will also have our own little camel race and festival at the end of the trip for those of you interested in doing so (not a requirement).
This will include food, accommodation, travel to and from the Gobi, the cost of camels and tack, interpreter as well as having a support vehicle with us for safety. It also covers the cost of the Mongolian deels (robes), boots and hat, made to measure which you can take home with you as the best travel souvenirs you'll ever get. It does not include flights to and from Mongolia but we do all your airport pick ups and drop offs.
Requirements: You need to be fit, have outdoors experience and the ability to rough it. It can get below -40c out there and it is long days out in the conditions. Horse riding experience is necessary. You must love adventure and be willing to camp in close proximity to others.
Places are limited to 10 people.
Please get in touch as soon as possible to book a spot. A 50% deposit must be paid to secure a place. Once you've secured your spot, we will send you monthly emails with all you need to prepare for this expedition, including travel requirements, packing lists and lots of training tips.
Want to know more or join us next year?
Apply here
Check out a video from a previous client here
