MONGOLIA
Off The Beaten Track…
PHOTO TOUR – August 29 to September 13, 2020
Stunning landscapes, rare culture and…
WHAT’S THIS ADVENTURE ABOUT?
Our second tour to Mongolia is packed with exciting adventures. From overnight stays in Ger camps, to exploring the unique culture of Mongolia, plus we explore the famous Gobi Desert. We will target its people, how they live and the countryside they call home. The landscapes are stark and a perfect challenge to your creative photo interests.
This tour is not about climbing the biggest dunes, or walking great distances, but it is about maximising your Mongolian experience! We spend quality time with Mongolian families. Our expert local guide and your professional WPA guide will optimise regions where they know we will find families that live traditionally and welcome outsiders as new friends. The Ger camps are very comfortable, clean and a special facet to the adventure. The Gobi is a dream come true for landscape and creative photographers. AND it is linked to our Arctic Russia adventure!
WE INCLUDE…
A fantastic land package! All your accommodation, meals and services as per itinerary. You simply need to organise flights and to get yourself to the start of the tour and for the departure. Julia is happy to help you.
MONGOLIA – the adventure …
Mongolia is a destination offering endless travel experiences. Immerse yourself in the heartland of uniquely captivating images. We look forward to helping you enjoy this beautiful country.
1. Arctic Russia – Landscapes & Culture – August
2. Mongolia – Landscapes, Nature & Culture – August/Sept
Join us for the holiday of a lifetime…
ITINERARY – to adventure…
DAY 1 – Ulaanbaatar
August 29
We meet today at 4pm at reception. After tour information is offered, we undertake our first workshop to help you shoot lovely images of this unique country. We offer a welcome to Mongolia dinner tonight. Lots of options from western to more traditional food.
Overnight in 4-star hotel. (D)
DAY 2 – Ulaanbaatar – Mongol Nomads
Khar Bukh Balgas – Ugii Lake
August 30
Today we drive back in time, to a place that recreates the lives of Mongolian nomads at the beginning of the 20th century. This was when Mongolia gained its independence from the Qing Dynasty and established itself as a reemerging nation under a living god- king. We shall attend a demonstration of how the nomads lived their lives during this era, and we shall see a stunning performance of Mongolian horsemanship. After lunch we continue our journey west as we arrive at Khar Bukh Balgas. Built during the Kitan Period, at about 1000 AD, this was a part of a chain of fortresses that were used to govern and control the northern region and borders of the Khitan (Kidan) State. Upon arrival to the site, we will explore the ruins, and learn about the various kingdoms that dominated Mongolia during that era. In the afternoon we arrive at the shores of Ugii Lake, where many nomadic families spend the summer.
Overnight in a Ger camp. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 – Ugii Lake – Kultigen – Khar Balgas
Tsenkher Hot Springs
August 31
Our first visit of the day is at the Kultigen monument. The massive stone tomb was built in honor of a Turkic prince and warrior killed in a battle that took place not far away. The stone is engraved in both Chinese and Runic scripts. From here we proceed to Khar Balgas. Built at about 744 AD, Ordu Baliq has flourished as the capital of the Uyghur Empire until 840 AD, when it was destroyed by the Yenisei Kyrgys. Though not much is left to date, this city has spread over 25 sq. km, and ruled an area that spread over the majority of nowadays Mongolia, the Chinese Xingjian Province, and Manchuria, at total of 5,500,000 sq. km. In the afternoon, we reach the area Mongolians call ‘the paradise of the horse herders’ for its lush grasses and open valleys. We drive to the Tsenkher hot springs, where water flows out of the ground at about 80°C, and where we can enjoy a relaxing soak.
Overnight in Ger camp. (B,L,D)
DAYs 4&5 – Hiking Around Tsenkher
September 1&2
Today we will take a short drive to the trail head where we hike for a couple of hours – a truly enchanting walk up a stream where we hop from one stone to another. In this part of Arkhangai the wildflowers are plentiful, and it is likely you will see families cutting hay for winter fodder for their animals. A light walking day just by the camp (beautiful forest), and we can visit a local nomadic family. The next day your guides will optimise the best of this beautiful region. Horses can suddenly appear in striking landscapes. We will visit at least one new Ger family each day.
Overnight in a Ger camp. (B,L,D)