This event will focus on popularizing the Mongolian Bactrian camel, transforming its potential into an economically significant resource, as well as developing the tourism sector through sports disciplines involving camels and preserving the culture of camel breeding.
The festival "Closer to the Camel and the Sun" includes numerous activities such as camel racing, which will take place among four age categories, archery competitions from camel saddles, camel polo, a contest for collecting stones, and camel training. The most beautiful "rider-camel" pairs and the best representatives of the breed will also be determined.
Additionally, visitors will be able to explore an exhibition of camel breeding products, featuring milk, dairy products, wool, and leather goods, as well as displays dedicated to the cultural heritage of Mongolian Bactrian breeding.
The conference held as part of the festival will focus on discussing key topics, including:
- The policies and methods for preserving and developing camel breeding culture;
- The impact of climate change and desertification processes, as well as state policy in this area;
- The development of tourism based on camel breeding traditions.
The event is organized by the Administration of the President, the administration of the Dundgovi aimag, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Affairs, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry, as well as the Association of Camel Breeding Culture and Camel Racing and the Association of Camel Polo and Tourism.
It is worth noting that the previous winter festival took place in Dundgovi in 2025 under the name "Camel of the Great Gobi – 2025".
According to the latest data, in 2024, the camel population in Mongolia amounted to 480,000, and by the end of 2025, this figure increased to 501,000.
