Thousand Camel Festival Mongolia | Small Group Winter Tour

At a Glance

Dates: January 27 – February 4th 2027

Group Size: 2-6

Duration: 9 Days

Locations: Ulaanbaatar & Gobi Desert including Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els sand dunes and Tsagaan Suvraga (White Stupa)

Price: Between US$ 2,575 pp – US$ 2,095 pp depending on final group size

Key Experiences

Experience the Thousand Camel Festival that celebrates the bactrian camel
Enjoy quiet time in vast winter landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth
Road-trip through the Gobi’s vast, changing landscapes
Travel slowly, letting the journey shape each day
Explore dunes, canyons, monasteries, petroglyphs, rock formations and open plains
Spend time with the Nergui herding family in the wide open desert steppe

Who This Tour Is For

This tour suits travellers interested in experiencing the Gobi as it is lived, including its small towns and rural communities. You must be comfortable with family-operated ger accommodation, basic facilities, and road journeys through winter landscapes. It is for people who are happy with flexibility, changing conditions, and a slower, more natural style of travel.

It is not the right fit if you only want to meet nomads, need luxury accommodation or Western-style facilities, prefer very short driving days, expect formal guiding throughout, or want a tightly controlled schedule.

‘My Mongolian experience far exceeded whatever I’d imagined previously… and I would love to return even in the winter ( I know it was challenging at times re weather but I revelled in it). I fell in love wth the camels and my homestay families and would love to have further experiences with them.'

EL guest Julie Faint, Thousand Camel Festival

Thousand Camel Festival Tour Details

Thousand Camel Festival Tour In Mongolia

The vast Gobi dominates southern Mongolia, but it is not one single desert. It is a broad and varied region made up of granite outcrops, open desert steppe, gravel plains, eroded cliffs, mountain gorges, sand dunes, saxaul forests, small provincial towns, and rural herding communities.

This small-group Thousand Camel Festival tour in Mongolia travels through the Middle and South Gobi during one of the country’s most distinctive winter events. Local camel herders gather for camel races, camel polo, competitions, music, food, and celebrations of the Bactrian camel, an animal closely connected to Gobi life, identity, and livelihood.

Beyond the festival, the route takes in some of the Gobi’s striking winter landscapes, including Yolyn Am gorge, the dunes of Khongoryn Els, the red cliffs and saxaul forests of Bayanzag, the Khavtsgait petroglyphs, and the sacred cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga.

But this is not simply a journey between famous Gobi landmarks. Travelling in a small group allows us to keep the experience more personal and flexible. Along the way, we spend time in small towns, meet local herding families, and experience the long roads, changing weather, and practical realities that shape life here. The journey ends with the Nergui family near Erdenedalai, bringing the focus back to the people whose everyday lives are closely connected to these landscapes.

This is an introduction to the everyday modern Gobi: the families who live here, the towns that connect the region, the camels that remain part of local culture and livelihood, and the realities of life in one of Mongolia’s most demanding environments.

For the full day-by-day flow, and the reason behind the route, please email us. We share the detailed itinerary by email so we can explain the pacing, driving days, accommodation, and options in context. We also keep a few moments back as a quiet surprise.

Jan 27: Final arrival day and time in Ulaanbaatar, gaining a sense of the capital beyond the main sights.

Jan 28: Travel south and find space among the granite rock formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu.

Jan 29: Explore the sacred cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, also known as the White Stupa.

Jan 30: Experience the contrasts of small-town life in Dalanzadgad, the provincial capital of the South Gobi, as the Thousand Camel Festival celebrations begin.

Jan 31: A flexible day divided between the festival and Yolyn Am, also known as Eagle Gorge, looking for lammergeiers overhead and Mongolian pika among the rocks.

Feb 1: Climb the singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els and take in the views of the dunes from between the ears of a Bactrian camel.

Feb 2: Walk among the fossil landscapes of Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, and take in the wide Gobi views from the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs.

Feb 3: Stay with the Nergui family in the wide-open desert-steppe horizons of Erdenedalai.

Feb 4: Enjoy a final road trip back to Ulaanbaatar.

For those with more time, this Thousand Camel Festival journey can be extended with a five-day Central Heartland extension. This adds homestays, the landscapes of Khogno Khan and the Orkhon River Valley, the cultural heritage of Kharkhorin, and a slower introduction to rural life beyond the Gobi. Please get in touch for details.

Final group size of 2-4 guests: US$ 3~~,975 pp~~ US$ 2,575pp

- Final group size of 5 guests: ~~US$ 2,690 pp~~ US$ 2,290 pp

- Final group size of 6 guests: ~~US$ 2,470 pp~~ US$ 2,095 pp

Map Of Route

During this journey, you’ll experience a variety of accommodation styles, each offering insight into daily life in Mongolia and shaped by the season and setting:

Winterised Mongolian Gers

Throughout the trip, you’ll stay in winterised gers at small family owned camps. These traditional felt dwellings have been insulated and prepared for winter, with heating provided by a central stove. Each ger accommodates 3–4 people, but you’ll always have your own bed and personal space.

A sleeping bag is required at the family accommodation: We provide a free rental service but our bags are not temperate rated.

Homestay at Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve Mongolia

Showers

Running water is rare in rural Mongolia, so showers are limited. On this itinerary we use town shower houses—simple cubicles with plenty of hot water, which many travellers describe as a highlight! You will need to bring a towel.

Toilets

Think: a loo with a view!

Mongolia has very few public toilets, so on drives it’s a case of finding a private spot in nature (your trip assistant will give what we call “the toilet talk”).

At host family homes, expect Asian-style squat or long-drop toilets.If squatting isn’t second nature, you may want to practice before travelling—several of our guests recommend it.

These toilets aren’t designed to shock you; they’re simply part of everyday rural life. We provide toilet paper (though not the aloe vera variety!).

Mongolian Style Hotel

You’ll also spend two nights in a simple Mongolian-standard hotel, typically in a warm, twin-share room. Rooms are en-suite, though please note that hot water cannot always be guaranteed.

Ulaanbaatar

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar on January 27th and February 4h is not included although we provide recommendations and can help with booking.

Meals

Each EL team travels with a simple kitchen, and most meals are prepared by your trip assistant. We don’t ask rural families—with limited access to shops—to provide meals, especially given the number of travellers with dietary needs. However, during each trip you’ll also share some meals with host families, stop at guanz (roadside cafés), and eat in local restaurants.

Our trip assistants are not trained chefs, but they know how to keep you well-fed. Meals are based around local, seasonal produce with a focus on food miles. You won’t find elaborate international dishes, but you can rely on hearty, filling food that sustains you. If five portions of fruit a day are a must, you may find this challenging in remote Mongolia.

We can cater for vegetarians, some dietary restrictions, and food allergies—but only with advance notice. Please share your requirements when booking so we can advise what’s possible and set realistic expectations.

Drinks

We provide filtered drinking water, tea, and coffee throughout. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included but can be purchased en route. Choice is limited in the countryside, so if you enjoy a good bottle of wine or whisky, we recommend stocking up in Ulaanbaatar before departure.

Since rural areas lack running water and recycling is minimal, we avoid bottled water. Each team carries large containers and filters water from town stations. Please bring a reusable bottle (a filter bottle is even better). A detailed packing list is provided on booking.

Transport

Our driving team is made up of men we know personally and have worked with for years. Their English is limited, but their road skills are unmatched—whether navigating tough terrain or practicing mongolchlokh (improvising the Mongolian way) when a tyre bursts or a vehicle breaks down. And yes, breakdowns do happen—this is Mongolia, after all. By travelling with us, you’re supporting the long-term employment of experienced, traditional men who use their income to provide for extended families.

Each driver owns their own vehicle, which may include Furgon 4×4 vans, Toyota Land Cruisers and Lexus models, Hyundai Starex, or Mitsubishi Delicas. Because they’re driver-owned, interiors and seating layouts vary, and each vehicle is fitted with either lap or seat belts.

We assist with maintenance fees, and all vehicles undergo:

- Annual assessments by the Mongolian Government for tourism standards

- Standard MOT checks

- Licensing for tourism use.

Learn more about our drivers and their tour vehicles here.

Travel Times

Road travel is a central part of journeying through Mongolia, one of the world’s largest countries. Daily travel times are provided as a guide rather than a promise, and we deliberately allow generous estimates to help set realistic expectations.

Average speeds typically range from 30–65 km/h, depending on road and weather conditions. Where routes include dirt roads, this can mean anything from smooth gravel to corrugated tracks, rocky sections, tree roots, or mud, varying with location and season.

Included in the price

All meals outside of the city of Ulaanbaatar unless otherwise stated: These are mainly prepared and cooked by your local team so they are fresh and it means we offer more flexibility for any dietary requirements. We also provide filtered drinking water (not bottled), tea, and instant coffee.

You’ll be supported by one of our experienced intergenerational teams - made up of a male Mongolian driver and one of our English-speaking female trip assistants—helping create an immersive and well-supported experience. Jess and Tuya are also available throughout your journey via WhatsApp.

Our complimentary 'Intro To Ulaanbaatar' experience including a local lunch and welcome drink

Transportation to and from the airport or train station on arrival and departure days

Entrance fees to monasteries, temples, and museums are included when you are with the local team. Please note this excludes camera tickets.

Festival tickets are provided if listed in the itinerary.

Camel or horseback rides (please note, riding helmets are not provided)

Thoughtful Extras – We add a few gentle surprises—small touches that express our thanks for choosing to travel with us.

Not included in the price

International airfare to and from Mongolia

Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar: Our trip pricing excludes the price of accommodation in UB though. Why? Everyone is different is the standard of accommodation they prefer at the start and end of a trip. As there is now such a variety of hotels in UB it is easier to exclude this cost. I provide a list of ideas covering varying standards and budgets and I can also help with booking. There’s everything from a homestay through to Airbnb, US$10 guesthouses and the Shangri-La!

Domestic flight where/if applicable including any fees for excess luggage

Passport and visa fees: Let us know your nationality at the time of booking and we’ll confirm whether you need to apply for a Mongolian visa. It is a relatively easy process depending on your nationality and we can help with some of the formalities.

Travel insurance (mandatory)

Gratuities: Each member of the local team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving gratuities to supplement their income. In addition, we make sure that everyone who works with us or helps us is fairly rewarded for their work and the service they provide. At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a gratuity to the local team then thank you – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. We give detailed information on booking.

Personal Expenses: We provide detailed guidance on booking

Alcohol: Alcohol is available to buy in shops and supermarkets throughout your trip, and your team will make regular stops.

Travelling With Our Team

FAQs

We have a detailed FAQ page covering everything from packing lists to payments.Below are answers to the most common questions our guests tend to have at this stage, including a few specific to the Thousand Camel Festival itself.

Booking Conditions & Payment

Deposit

Deposit of US$ 600 pp with flexible payment options for the remaining balance

Booking Conditions

Our booking terms and conditions cover payments, cancellations, and other key details. You can read them here.

If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.
If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.
30 days before departure – 50% of holiday cost
29 – 15 days before departure – 90% of holiday cost
Less than 15 days before departure – 100% of holiday cost

Notes

There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in future.
Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

Who This Experience Is For

This Is Right For You If…

You’re curious, adaptable, and interested in Mongolia as it is — including the occasional bumps along the way
You’re comfortable travelling with real people and adapting to change, understanding that plans may shift (with thoughtful alternatives in place)
You enjoy unstructured time — space to read, wander, or share a mug of tea, letting the day unfold naturally
You value travel that supports more equitable tourism, using travel as a force for positive social impact

This May Not Be Right For You If…

You prefer luxury accommodation or frequent hot showers
You’re uncomfortable with basic rural facilities, including occasional shared accommodation
You expect fixed schedules and tightly planned days
You’re looking for staged cultural performances or highly curated moments for social media
You approach travel with a checklist mindset rather than an interest in everyday life

Accessibility Considerations

Our small-group journeys are shaped around traditional celebrations, rural environments, and specific travel routes. As a result, experiences may or may not be suitable depending on individual accessibility needs. We encourage travellers to review our Accessibility Information page for further detail and to get in touch with us directly with any questions — we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible and help you decide whether a particular trip is the right fit.

Experiencing Mongolia In Winter

Winter is a defining season in Mongolia. Yes, it’s cold — sometimes very cold — but it’s also what gives the landscape its clarity, stillness, and scale. Temperatures can sound daunting on paper, yet Mongolia’s cold is dry and often feels less severe than expected. With the right preparation and good thermal layers, –25°C here can feel comparable to –5°C in damper parts of Europe.

Winter travel doesn’t require specialist expedition gear, but it does ask for thoughtful preparation. A simple layering system — base layers, insulation, and a windproof outer shell — goes a long way. Warm, practical essentials such as sturdy boots, thick socks, gloves, and good head and neck protection are key.

Travel also moves differently in winter. Distances take time, weather can change quickly, and daylight hours are shorter. This slower rhythm is part of the season and part of the experience.

We provide all guests with a detailed packing list on booking to help you arrive properly prepared without overpacking. Winter travel also calls for something less tangible: a willingness to adapt, to slow down, and to move in step with the season — embracing a quieter, more deliberate way of travelling.

Can this journey be adapted as a tailor-made trip?

If our travel philosophy resonates with you but you’d prefer a private trip or some flexibility around the itinerary, we can tailor elements of this trip to suit your needs. This might include upgrading some accommodation, adjusting travel dates, or extending or shortening the journey. Get in touch to talk through the options and see what’s possible.

In addition, for those with more time, this Thousand Camel Festival journey can be extended with a five-day Central Heartland extension. This adds homestays, the landscapes of Khogno Khan and the Orkhon River Valley, the cultural heritage of Kharkhorin, and a slower introduction to rural life beyond the Gobi. Please get in touch for details.

What is the Thousand Camel Festival in Mongolia?

The Thousand Camel Festival – also known as the Ten Thousand Camel Festival – is a winter gathering in Mongolia’s Gobi region that celebrates the Bactrian camel and the camel-herding culture of southern Mongolia. Festival events usually include camel races, camel polo, camel parades, local competitions, traditional clothing, music, food, camel dairy products, and displays connected to camel wool and herding life.

When is the Thousand Camel Festival?”

The Thousand Camel Festival usually takes place in late winter, with dates confirmed each year by the organisers. It was traditionally held in March, but recent dates have shifted into February and late January.

Where is the festival held?

The Thousand Camel Festival is held in Ömnögovi Province in southern Mongolia. Recent programmes have been based around Dalanzadgad and the South Gobi, although the festival is strongly associated with Bulgan soum and the wider camel-herding communities of the Gobi.

Learn More About Travelling In The Gobi In Winter From Our Journal

Discover Mongolia's Middle Gobi

While guidebooks and tour operators typically highlight only one or two sites within Mongolia's Middle...

Thousand Camel Festival, winter camel trek

Mongolia's Thousand Camel Festival

Mongolia's Thousand Camel Festival is a yearly event - falling on the same date each year. Taking place...

Mongolia's Flaming Cliffs - also known as Bayanzag - in the southern Gobi Desert

Mongolia's Flaming Cliffs - Bayanzag

Mongolia's Flaming Cliffs are located deep in the southern Gobi Desert (Omnogobi Province) and form part...

A Mongolian yak herder battling the winter weather conditions during winter in Mongolia

Experience Winter In Mongolia

Experience Mongolia at its most elemental. Vast horizons, bright blue skies, and close connections with...

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   debsi0108 
 
 
 Verified Absolutely best trip ever That was one of my best trips ever. I went on a 19 days tour to the northern part of Mongolia and everything was so well organized. We were only 2 in the group and had an awesome guide plus a driver only for us. The tour gave me very deep and authentic insights to the country and I loved every part of it. Jess the owner of the company is super lovely and very helpful. I can recommend this company 100% to everyone!!!
  
 
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   LavenderFive 
 
 
 Verified Amazing October trip We traveled to Mongolia in October with a group of friends and had an incredible experience with Jess and her team at Eternal Landscapes. Jess's suggested itinerary was perfect for us, and we felt we really got off the beaten path. Staying with local families in ghers, biking and riding horses and camels, being outside and exploring the local countryside and culture: all days were incredible. Our drivers and guides were friendly, helpful and wonderful, as were our host families. We felt so welcome throughout our time. We were lucky to meet Jess one night at a homestay and she is absolutely delightful with a vision for offering authentic experiences in Mongolia. I highly, highly recommend connecting with Jess if you'd like a unique and exciting itinerary for your time in Mongolia.
  
 
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   Dr Jeanette Aditi Holden 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +5
I have travelled my entire life, and when I was younger, always on a shoestring. I have always avoided ‘tours’, unless I was volunteering or directly connected with a local organization. I was so deeply grateful to find Eternal Landscapes Mongolia, and so proud to be a part of what they are doing… which is everything right with regards to healthy and ethical ‘tourism’. It is a relief to know how much care and awareness they put into their work. I highly recommend this experience, that allows you to be a part of Mongolian families lives, in a way that is reciprocal & authentic, and based on all the beautiful relationships Eternal Landscapes has created over the years, and work to maintain ! Thank you so much!!
  
 
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   Zoe C 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience I DEEPLY recommend Eternal Landscape to all people willing to explore Mongolia. They accompanied me and other four friends in a 6 days tour in the Gobi desert in August 2017. The thing I appreciated the most was to feel treated as a valuable PERSON, not as a mere source of money, as it happened very often in the tourist sector. I've always felt Eternal Landscape staff’s first objective was to let us get to know and appreciate beautiful Mongolia and have very good vibes about it. I could really feel their love and passion for this country since the very beginning. That impression was proved by little gestures during our stay in Mongolia, such as a free tour in Ulaanbaatar after the tour and some nice souvenirs we received from them. I was impressed by how the director of the agency, Jessica Brook, was responsive to all our requests and needs during the organisational phase before our departure. We had very specific requests about the itinerary and a quite complicated logistics, since part of our group came from China and the other from Ulaanbaatar. All the other agencies we contacted told us they were not able to deal with it, while Eternal Landscapes was and managed to organise a tailor made tour. Before our departure we were able to communicate with Jessica almost on a daily basis to organise the tour in details and ask all the questions we had in mind about operative details and Mongolia more in general. She even helped us booking our train tickets from China to Mongolia and from Mongolia to Russia (two of us went to the Baikal lake after Mongolia). During the tour everything went just perfect. Since everything had been arranged in details, we complied with the planning. Our guides were experienced, so we always felt safe. And this is very important in the desolate lands of Mongolia! They were also friendly, responsive to our requests and sensitive about our needs (including food requirements). To sum up I could not recommend Eternal Landscape enough. You can contact me, should you are not convinced and want to know more about our experience with Eternal Landscapes!!!
  
 
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   PortlyPenguin 
 
 
 Verified Expect the Unexpected and Leave your world behind Favorite part(s)... first and foremost meeting the people of Mongolia. They are happy to see you and say 'hello'... I got to hold an eagle!!! I got to eat horsemeat!! (HIGHLY recommend!!)... clean air.. wide open spaces.. 2 Eagle festivals were both uniquely different and such an experience!Recommendations- they will provide you with a "suggested" list of things to bring. READ IT! Highly highly recommend 2 things- earplugs and a good inflatable mattress for back support. Also leave your "that's not how we do it where i'm from" attitude at home.. immerse yourself and just take a deep breath and, like my group did when we hit a moment of "irritations and difficulties on the tour" and say to yourself, "i'm in f**king Mongolia!!!!"
  
 
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   Maiju V 
 
 
 Verified Experiencing the authentic Mongolia I joined the amazing Khovsgol trails tour by Eternal Landscapes, and it was definitely worth it. The trip was well organized, and the trip assistants, guides and drivers were professional, warm and knowledgeable. It was clear that they love their country and culture, and always walk the extra mile to ensure that the guests are happy. Their impressive cooking, driving and organizational skills as well as brilliant sense of humour elevate the whole experience to a new level. Many thanks! 😊 The trip itself was nicely paced – it was not too rushed, but during these two weeks we got to experience a lot. In some occasions, the original plans had to be changed, but the team always managed to rearrange the schedules and make everything work.  Mongolia might not be an easy destination, but it is a fascinating country to visit. There will be long drives, changes in plans and waiting around, but that’s how the country works – in return, we got to see the authentic herder lifestyle, untouched nature and amazing landscapes and experience the friendly and welcoming Mongolian culture. It was magical to stand on top of a hill in the morning sun, observe the serene view to a valley and hear a shaman drum from the distance. In the bigger picture, getting to know the Mongolian way of life gave me new perspectives to our western society and values. I warmly recommend to experience this unique country with a reliable, professional company with strong ethical principles. Eternal Landscapes is definitely a five star partner for the adventure in Mongolia and I can wholeheartedly recommend them.
  
 
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   Kelly G 
 
 
 Verified Superb Staff Travelled to Ulaanbattar and onto the Gobi and back. Jess helped the group of five plan a great ten day trip. Weather turned bad on the way to the Gobi and one of the vans got stuck in the snow. This was no problem for the drivers and the the Russian vans. The guides surprised me with a no bake bday cake on the last night. Excellent!
  
 
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   Cherilyn M 
 
 
 Verified Amazing window onto life in Mongolia. This is a review of my two trips with EL, in June 2015 and March 2017.Our first trip with Eternal Landscapes was the first time I had ever travelled outside North America or Europe. I considered a number of travel companies, but Jess’s promptness of response and warmth at the outset, answering all my questions and putting together a plan that made sense for our family (parents and two teenagers) was quickly the deciding factor in favor of going with Eternal Landscapes. Our actual trip was about two weeks long, featuring lots of walking, driving, camping, and a bit of horseback riding. We had a guide and driver, and our family travelled in a Russian furgon, which is kind of like a 4WD VW bus on steroids. Highlights included visiting with a local family in the Orkhon river valley, finding wild peonies, riding camels in the Gobi desert, and the amazing feeling of being able to walk cross country without a path and camping in beautiful spots. Jess even set up a private concert for us featuring local folk musicians. I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience that even now I have a hard time putting it into words. At the same time, the price tag was moderate compared to other choices. The style of travel was very basic, but this certainly wasn’t an issue, and allowed us to get a taste of life more similar to what people who live there experience.Two years later, I went back alone, and joined a small group travelling to Western Mongolia. This trip was led by Jess directly, and was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. For one thing it was in the winter (spring really, encompassing the Nauryz festival in Ulgii), and we stayed almost exclusively in people’s homes. We stayed in the homes of several eagle hunters, met their families, shared meals, played games. This involved lots of sleeping on the floor, sometimes in a room containing all of us plus the entire family, but the privilege of having this kind of a window onto people’s daily lives is still astonishing to me. Also on this trip, I was able to spend a bit more time in Ulaan Baatar, visiting a family in a ger district and a felt-making workshop, and these were also highlights of the trip. Both trips were well organized and we were comfortable and well fed. The activities tended to be low key and unscheduled -- walking, driving, visiting, having tea, waiting around for a parade to start, but this felt natural, and by the same token it was easy to find time to explore on our own a little, which generally took the form of walking up the nearest hillside. The guides, aka “trip advisors” were kind, helpful, and responsible, and although occasionally language issues emerged, they would be on the phone to Jess sorting things out satisfactorily. There is very little good that can be said about driving in Mongolia, but the drivers were experienced and responsible and we felt safe. They were also excellent ad hoc mechanics, constantly taking care of the beast (and fixing a flat on the way to the Gobi, where not a single car came by during the two hours we were stopped on the road).Anyway I can’t say enough good things about Jess and Eternal Landscapes, if you are looking for a window onto real life in Mongolia. This is not a luxury outfit, and you’ll go longer than you ever thought possible without indoor plumbing, but you gain far more than you give up travelling with EL.
  
 
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   Dunja R 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Mongolia Amazing snapshot of Mongolia ! Amarra and Nyemka were best team and went above and beyond for all of us.Can’t fault this trip.Amarra , our tour leader was great and made everything so easy and enjoyable!The itinerary was spot on, we enjoyed every stop, and all activities were amazing too. This trip provides the most authentic Experience possible! I would highly recommend if you Are someone who loves am adventure. I especially loved the geir home stay and my tour group .
  
 
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   David Salmanowitz 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A top notch extremely well run operation, had the trip of a lifetime on so many levels. Highly recommended!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   craj11_11 
 
 
 Verified Small personalised perfect tours for travellers I found Jess on Tripadvisor Forum and I am so grateful to travellers who post there, as the recommendations were found to be spot on. I was looking for a small private tour rather than joining a large group organised by large international tourist companies, and especially I did not want to share a ger or tent with 5 strangers. Having found Jess I set about inviting friends to join me. I had a ger to myself and the other three couples had a ger each. Jess was organised and sufficiently prompt in responding to queries for me to have complete faith in her suggestions. And the tour was very good value. The trip assistants, who were also our wonderful cooks learned on our first trip to the supermarket (also fascinating) that everyone wanted healthy food, and so rather than the predicted daily boiled mutton we had lots of salads, vegetable and noodle soup (with some mutton), pesto pasta as well as traditional Mongolian foods. Whilst in the early days we offered to help chopping vegetables, the assistants were so amazingly efficient that we found we were more likely to get in their way. And we also had restaurant meals when we were in a town or city. Every day of the tour provided new surprises; one of the benefits of a private tour is that the keen photographers on our tour could ask the driver to stop the vehicles to capture the special moments. Our two drivers were great and also very handy, able to fix any car issue as well as stopping to help other stranded tour groups!Eternal Landscapes also has a social responsibility approach to travel which was admirable. The big highlight was of course Naadam, which provided extraordinary photographic opportunities.Other hightlights: - We had a wonderful unmissable and unforgettable night with a goat herder nomad family – a priceless experience that was completely Mongolian. (The seven of us shared one of the family’s gers on this occasion).- We covered a large variety of landscapes and Jess incorporated walks into the tour on many days so that we could be IN the landscape. - And we were able to interact with Mongolian people who came to visit us at our lunch stops, teach us archery and about archery competition, play musical instruments/ throat sing, in the arena at Naadam as well as to our times shopping for our meals.I have no hesitation in recommending Eternal Landscapes. We had a truly wonderful trip.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   alex d 
 
 
 Verified Phenomenal Trip of a Lifetime I was lucky enough to spend a week with the Eternal landscapes team, more specifically with Khisgee my trip assistant and Sandag our driver as I cycled through parts of the Gobi desert and Western Mongolia. I can honestly say, I've never met a team who are so passionate and caring about what they do, but also who believe so strongly in the principles of real authentic tourism. Both Sandag and Khisgee were great entertainment as I worked on my Mongolian throughout the trip, but also chuckled at me several times hurtling on my bicycle through the desert. The eternal landscapes team have a great reputation amongst the Mongolian countryside and the people here, which is such an important aspect of choosing a tour group, as they'll drive you deep into remote areas of Mongolia and you'll be welcome with open arms to catch and sheer sheep, ride camels and horses and use slingshots with the kids. I couldn't recommend this team any more, and don't hesistate in using them.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   livinglifetothefull1 
 
 
 Verified Attention to Detail was Amazing I found Jess and Eternal Landscapes through a search on tripAdvisor. I wanted a tour that incorporated Nadaam as well as the Gobi desert for myself and my husband. Jess was very prompt to reply and gave us a personal touch in putting together a plan that suited us. I have never received such a high level of personal service when dealing with a travel company.Once in Mongolia everyone that we met from the company were fantastic.Our guide Amaraa couldn't do enough for us and her cooking skills were great - we even had pizza in the Gobi dessert! Bayarra our driver didn't speak much English but that didn't matter as we still played cards and felt very safe with him at all times.The ethics of the company were what really stood out for me - you know that the employees are treated well and I felt I was giving back to the country rather than some large tour group run overseas.Book with this company - you will not regret it!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Peter M 
 
 
 Verified Amazing Mongolia with the amazing Eternal Landscapes We travelled with Eternal Landscapes on their 23 day Untamed Mongolia trip. Wow, what a trip!Let's be honest. It's Mongolia, first and foremost, that is the star. Wonderful scenery, fascinating history, a living, breathing culture and big skies. Astounding. Go. You'll love it. And it's uncrowded. But who to go with? Well, in most instances, my wife and I prefer to organise our own itinerary. But Mongolia is big, largely devoid of road signs in its vast landscapes and we felt local knowledge would add greatly to our travel experience. An organised trip seemed to be the best option. We initially chose Eternal Landscapes for their sustainable credentials. We got so much more. Their group size is maximum of 6 (4 guests on our tour), so we never overwhelmed anywhere we stopped. Jess and Turuu, the owners of EL, have searched for the less visited, and rarely visited locations (as well as the big highlights). The mix of private Ger accommodation, camping and regional hotel stays was good. When we camped (my favourite) we were always by ourselves and always in a stunning location. And there were no tourist Ger camps for us, just family run and authentic. Our guides and drivers were knowledgable, enthusiastic and great fun. We visited places other tour groups didn't go, we walked to amazing vistas and historic monasteries. But it was never hurried and there was always time. We laughed, we celebrated and we had, perhaps, our best trip ever. We loved Mongolia and our time with Eternal Landscapes so much we're going back. This time in winter.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   IvanaParty 
 
 
 Verified Well organised and interactive small group tour to Western Mongolia I joined the Eternal Landscape small group tour Altai and Eagles in September 2018, and it was an amazing experience. The highlight of the tour was the Eagle festival where we had the opportunity to see Eagle hunters we had met and stayed with en route show off their skills, as well as to observe some other local sports (wrestling, archery, wife catching races....).The trip offered the unique experience of traveling through Mongolia in the famous Furgon - each furgon is different and personalised but all are extremely safe and far more reliable than the western 4x4s of which we encountered a number stuck in rivers and on rough dirt roads. The accommodation was mixed - sometimes we stayed in separate visitor gers, other times on the floor of the family ger with the family. However the experience was always wonderful - the families were busy but welcoming, and we had up close encounters with the eagles and hunters we later saw in action at the festival.The EL employees were also very good - diligent in working with the tourists to experience the best of Mongolia, and always respectful and pleasant to the host families.Food was mixed - generally meat heavy so if you’re a vegetarian bring some supplements - but meal times were social and enjoyable. The team even produced a birthday cake one day for one of the group! And there were always tea and biscuits with the host families.This isn’t a luxury holiday so if long drops and sleeping bags on the ground aren’t your thing, this holiday isn’t for you. However if you want to experience the real Mongolia in a unique and respectful way, it is highly recommended.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jeanne W 
 
 
 Verified Extremely helpful Jess at Eternal Landscapes was so helpful and patient with all of my questions over email - even though my dates didn't work out and I didn't actually get to go on an EL trip, I would highly recommend EL as a tour group. They were so considerate and supportive and took the time to listen to all my concerns!
  
 
 
  
 
 
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Thousand Camel Festival | Small Group Winter Trip | 9 Days | Jan 27th 2027

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