13 Days Ice and Camel Festival 2020

Discovering Mongolia’s Unique Winter Charms: A 13-Day Journey with the Ice and Camel Festival

Travelers seeking a mix of culture, awe-inspiring landscapes, and authentic local traditions will find this 13-day Mongolia tour a captivating choice. From exploring ancient ruins to witnessing vibrant winter festivals, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse into Mongolia’s diverse scenery and customs.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to witness Mongolia’s Ice Festival at Lake Khuvsgul, a spectacle of ice carvings and traditional games. Second, the chance to visit the historic ruins of Kharhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire, with guides who bring its history to life. Third, the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Desert, including the famous Bayanzag cliffs and Khongor sand dunes, which transform from barren sands to snow-covered marvels in winter.

A potential consideration is the long driving distances—approximately 6 hours each day—which might be tiring for some. The itinerary involves a lot of road time, but this also means you get to see a vast array of scenery, from mountains to deserts and semi-arid steppes.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy adventure, are curious about Mongolian culture, and don’t mind some travel time. The group-oriented format and inclusion of local ger stays also make it ideal for those looking to connect with local nomadic lifestyles.

Key Points

• Authentic Experiences: Participate in traditional games during the Ice Festival and explore historic sites with knowledgeable guides.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Witness the contrast of snow-covered deserts, mountains, and lakes, offering incredible photo opportunities.
• Cultural Riches: Visit ancient ruins like Kharhorin and learn about Mongolia’s fascinating history.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes transfers, guided tours, park fees, and ger stays—making logistics smoother.
• Adventure & Wildlife: Horse and camel rides, dinosaur sites, and the chance to spot local flora and fauna.
• Value for Money: Despite the $2,574.55 price tag, the comprehensive itinerary and inclusions offer significant value.

An In-Depth Look at the 13-Day Mongolia Ice and Camel Festival Tour

Starting Point: Ulaanbaatar and the Journey into Mongolia’s Heartland

The adventure kicks off early in Ulaanbaatar, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the first days are devoted to exploration and travel across Mongolia’s striking landscapes. The journey to Uran Togoo, an extinct volcano crater in Bulgan Province, is approximately six hours by road, giving you your first taste of Mongolia’s diverse terrain. The guide, often a local expert, shares insights into the volcanic history and the region’s geology.

What’s special? Uran Togoo’s “artistic” crater is a quiet, lesser-visited site that offers panoramic views and photo ops before heading towards Lake Khuvsgul. Here, the lake’s pristine beauty is a highlight, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding forests creating a peaceful backdrop.

The Ice Festival at Khuvsgul Lake: A Cultural and Visual Feast

The core event of this tour is the Ice Festival, held on the western shore of Lake Khuvsgul. This festival, dating back to 2002, features ice carving competitions, ice sumo wrestling, and traditional games that are perfect for engaging with locals and understanding Mongolian winter customs.

Expect lively energy as local communities and visitors participate in or watch traditional games. We loved the way the festival becomes a melting pot of culture and fun, with locals often inviting visitors to join in. Participants and spectators alike enjoy the chance to see intricate ice sculptures and partake in snowball fights or ice skating.

The festival’s atmosphere is jovial and vibrant, with a backdrop of snowy mountains and the frozen lake. The organizers also ensure accessibility, so even if you’re not keen on competing, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and chances to connect with Mongolian traditions.

Exploring Ancient Sites and Local Heritage

Beyond the festival, the itinerary includes visits to sites like Uushigiin Valley, where Bronze Age burial sites and deer stone monuments testify to Mongolia’s ancient history. These monuments, erected over 3,000 years ago, offer a tangible connection to Mongolia’s long past and are often explained by guides like Davaa, who specializes in local archaeology.

Later, you’ll visit the historic town of Kharhorin, once the imperial capital of Genghis Khan’s empire. Walking through the ruins of the Erdene Zuu monastery and the old city walls gives a real sense of Mongolia’s legendary past. The guide here, like Altai, shares engaging stories that bring history alive, making the visit more than just a walk among ruins.

Traveling through the Gobi Desert in Winter

The Gobi is a key part of this tour, and seeing it blanketed in snow is an experience itself. The drive from Kharhorin to Dalanzadgad involves some of the most scenic routes, with stops at Bayanzag, popularly known as Flaming Cliffs. In winter, the striking red rocks are dusted with frost, creating surreal photos.

Bayanzag’s dinosaur fossils are a highlight. The guides point out where fossils have been found and explain how the desert’s geology reveals millions of years of history. The contrast of red cliffs against the white snow is spectacular, and you might find yourself taking dozens of photos.

Camel Races and Festival Highlights in Dalanzadgad

In Dalanzadgad, the festival continues with camel races, a Mongolian tradition dating back decades. We appreciated the relaxed vibe of the races—no betting is involved, but you can put bets for fun. Watching the camels, some just two years old, race across the dunes is charming and humorous.

The Khongor Sand Dunes, or Khongoriin Els, are another major stop. These dunes, the tallest in Mongolia, look entirely different in winter—frost coats their peaks, and the vast expanse feels even more dramatic against the winter sky. Climbing the dunes or simply marveling at their scale is a memorable activity.

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park: Mountain Beauty and Rocky Landscapes

The park’s three mountain ranges—White Stupa, Three Beautiful Mountains, and Baga Gazriin Chuluu—offer a variety of scenery. The White Stupa provides sweeping views over rocky terrain, while Baga Gazriin Chuluu’s granite formations look like abstract sculptures, often described as “shaped by wind and time.”

While most visitors focus on the geology and landscapes, guides also share stories about local nomads and their adaptation to living amidst these harsh terrains.

Final Days: Remote Deserts and Rocky Outcrops

Driving through semi-arid steppes and rocky deserts, you’ll reach Tsagaan Suvraga, or White Stupa, which in winter takes on a stark, beautiful appearance. The expansive vistas and silent snow-covered landscapes make for a sense of solitude and reflection.

The last days include visits to Baga Gazriin Chuluu and return to Ulaanbaatar, where you can share stories with fellow travelers and perhaps do some last-minute shopping or city sightseeing.

What Travelers Say and Practical Tips

From reviews, guides like Bat and Altai are praised for their knowledgeability and friendliness, making the long drives and remote locations feel more engaging. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was fantastic, sharing stories that made the history come alive, and the landscapes were breathtaking.”

Many appreciated the comfortable ger stays, which offer a genuine experience of nomadic living, though some noted that the cold in winter requires proper gear. Packing warm layers, thermal clothing, and sturdy boots is essential.

The price of roughly $2,575 per person is on the higher side, but it covers almost everything—transfers, park fees, meals, and local guides—so you get good value. The inclusions of traditional dinners, horse and camel rides, and the cultural activities add to the overall experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Mongolia tour is a treasure for adventure lovers who want to see the country’s iconic landscapes and partake in traditional festivals. It’s perfect for those who enjoy culture, historical sites, and the quiet beauty of winter scenery.

Travelers who value guided experiences and local insights will appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who go beyond surface-level facts. The variety of activities—from ice carving to camel racing—keeps the experience lively and engaging.

If you’re prepared for some long travel days and chilly weather, this tour offers a comprehensive, authentic look at Mongolia’s winter magic. It’s ideal for those seeking a mix of adventure, history, and cultural authenticity, delivered in a well-organized package.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the physical demands of long drives and outdoor activities, especially in winter.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 12 dinners, 13 lunches, and 12 breakfasts, giving you a chance to taste traditional Mongolian dishes.

What is the accommodation like?
All countryside stays are in ger camps or with nomadic families, offering authentic experiences. In Ulaanbaatar, you need to arrange your own hotel stay separately.

How strenuous are the travel days?
Each day involves approximately 6 hours of driving, so be prepared for some long but scenic journeys. Stops along the way break up the trip.

Are park entrance fees included?
Yes, all park and festival entrance fees are covered in the tour price.

Can I participate in traditional games?
Absolutely. The festival features ice sumo wrestling, ice carving, and other traditional activities, which you can watch or join.

This tour offers a rich snapshot of Mongolia’s winter landscape and cultural vibrancy, making it a memorable adventure for those eager to see a less-traveled side of Asia’s vast steppe.