Mongolian Gobi has the most extreme environment and challenging weather conditions with +40C in summer while the winter temperature can reach as low as -40C. Two humped -Bactrian camels are native to the Gobi Desert. Camels are perfectly adapted this changeable climate and, they have an advantage to live in this temperature with wide flat feet could easily walk on desert sand as well as in soft snow. Camels also have survived in desert with their thick lips allow them to eat plants that most other herds can’t, and two rows of long lashes protect their eyes from blowing sand, and sand up nose also can shut their nostrils during sand storms. Therefore, large fat filled humps can provide vital nutrients when food and water is scarce. Camels are only mammal which can survive for longer without water, it’s because of the fat filled humps release water. In addition, their humps allow camels to dissipate heat easily in hot climate, either storing fat as a layer of insulation to protect them against the low temperatures.
These remarkable creatures have a clever way of keeping toasty when the coat season is starting. The way to adapt -40C is to rely on a super thick coat and, the warm coat gets shed in the spring time. Camels are sheered in the end of spring and their woolly coat is mostly exported to China as much as factories make fine wool suits and coats. Then in summer, they do well with virtual bald body and, this very odd looking animal can drink 40 litters of water in hot weather.
Camels play essential role in the transportation. They can carry 250kg on their back and travel for extremely long distances without require rest and water.
Thousand Camel Festival
“Thousand Camel Festival”-winter celebration inspires the Mongolian traditional festive spirit through cultural winter experience for last 20 years due to increase the population of two humped -Bactrian camel and inherit camel breeding to the next generation. The camel race, camel polo tournaments and beauty contests are highlights of this annual event. You will explore the cultural heritage of nomads and enjoy to photograph the traditional colorful costumes when you attend this event.
