Mongolia is known as a country with the last true nomad and a great history of Chinggis Khaan! It is one of the most sparsely populated country in the world. Mongolia is unique and relatively unexplored travel destination that offers a great combination of scenic landscape, nomadic life style and rich culture.

The first part of our adventure is the eagle hunters festival in West Mongolia. You will be witnessing the cultural heritage of Kazakhs, their ancient art of eagle falconry, as well as the breathtaking landscape of the Altai Mountain Range! The second part of our adventure is the Gobi Desert, where you will have the rare opportunity to photograph the local Mongolian as they are herding the Bactrian camels across the Khongor sands in South Mongolia.

Get yourself ready and be inspired by the beauty of Mongolia..

Join in on this 11 days 10 nights photography adventure workshop to Mongolia for the unique cultural experience and learn about cultural, portrait, and landscape photography with some of the best photographers on earth.

Day 1: Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival in Chinggis Khaan International Airport, Ulaanbaatar (UBN), we will transfer you to hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Because of the limited flight into Mongolia, you have may arrive one or two days earlier, and have time to explore the beautiful city of Ulaanbaatar.

In the Day 1, we will meet in the hotel lobby in early morning, and will embark on the trip to Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, Gandantegchinlen Monastery, and downtown Ulaanbaatar

In the evening, we will have the welcome dinner in the local restaurant. Over the dinner, we will give you an overview of our exciting journey ahead.

Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 2 – 4: Khongor Sand Dunes in Gobi Desert

After breakfast in the hotel, we will go to the airport and take the domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. The flight time is 1.5 hours. In the case that no flights are available, we will travel by cars from Ulaanbaatar towards Dalanzadgad at no additional cost. Depend on the arrival time, we will either staying in the hotel in Dalanzadgad or driving straight to the Khongor Sand Dunes.

Our main stage for the next two days – Khongor Sand Dunes, one of the largest and the most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, with the area over 900 square kilometers, and some dunes can reach the heights of 100 to 300 meters! The inhabitants here name the Khongor Sand Dunes as “Singing Dunes” due to the “roaring” or “blooming” noise when the sand grains move over one another in the windy condition.

Bactrian camels will be our companies in the photography sessions. Bactrian camels are double-hump camels native to the Gobi Desert. They are among the most adaptable creatures on Earth, as they can cope with drought, high altitudes, and extreme temperature between +40°C in the summer and -30°C in the winter. Domesticated Bactrian camels are a separate species from wild Bactrian camel, they have served as pack animals in inner Asia since ancient times, and as a form of transportation on the Silk Road. We will be having 5 camels and 2 local Mongolians in their traditional costume to be posed in the sand dunes for photography! You will be witnessing the amazing shadow of sand dunes casted by the low-angled sunlight and the camels walking across the sand dunes, just like the silk road era!

Overnight in hotel in Tourist Ger Camp in Day 2 and Day 3; and hotel in Dalanzadgad in Day 4. The amenities of the Tourist Ger Camp include comfortable beds, clean public shower and seat toilet, and limited hour of electricity.

Day 5: Mongolian Nomadic Show & Mini Nadaam Festival

After the breakfast, we will be catching the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon return to Ulaanbaatar, you will be brought to the Mongolian Nomadic Show offers an immersive experience into the traditional lifestyle of Mongolian nomads.

Mongolia, the ancestral home of ancient nomadic tribes, continues to preserve this way of life as families still raise the five main types of livestock and migrate across the vast steppes in search of the best pastures. The Mongol Nomadic Show begins with performances of the Mongolian long song and the horsehead fiddle, honoring time-honored traditions. Following this, a mini version of the Mongolian National Naadam Festival takes place at the camp, featuring archery, wrestling, and horse racing.

The Mongols are descendants of the greatest warriors the world has ever seen with good reasons, but first and foremost it is their training. As soon as they were old enough to sit on a horse and hold a bow they started hunting and also from a young age they were taught a fighting style called Bökh, but is generally referred to as Mongolian wrestling today. Mongols are expert horsemen as well, both men and horse had great endurance and could travel anywhere from 80-120 kilometers a day, which was an unheard of speed in those times. Their skills with the bow and arrow were so good they could shoot accurately from a horse even from behind. The Mongols are extremely proud of this heritage, so even if today they are amongst the friendliest people you can find, they are still great with horses, bow and arrow and considered amongst the toughest wrestlers in the world. We will have the opportunity to meet some of those warriors, both archers and wrestlers, where they will demonstrate their skills, and if you are up for it… maybe step into “the ring” with one of them!

In addition, a nomadic family will demonstrate their unique daily activities, including herding livestock, milking sheep and goats, shearing sheep, making felt, setting up a traditional ger (yurt), and preparing traditional foods such as tea, dairy products, and fermented airag. Additionally, there are opportunities to enjoy traditional Mongolian games, as well as throat singing, folk music and dance performances.

Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 6 – 8: Kazakh Eagle Hunters

After the breakfast, we will take the 2 hours domestic flight from Ulaanbaater to Olgii. Our drivers will pick us up and drive toward the Altantsugts Soum and Tsambagaraw Mountain, which is our base for the next few days. You will be welcomed by the Kazakh family and you will enjoy the traditional meals in one of the Kazakh Ger camps.

The tradition of eagle hunting is over a thousand years old and Genghis Khan is believed to have engaged in the sport. The Kazakhs inherited the sport from their Turkic and Mongol ancestors and were practicing it when they emerged as an ethnic group since 15th century. The hunting with golden eagles is primarily for fur, not for meat. The main preys are red and Corsac foxes, hares, wild cats and wolf. Usually, the female eagles are captured from their nests while they are a few months old. They are then trained by their owner, and a close relationship develops along the way. The eagle will stay with her owner for 4 to 10 years, when she is of breeding age. She is then released as far as possible in order to discourage her from returning, and the owner will continue to monitor her to ensure she is feeding and reintegrating. In 2011, UNESCO added Kazakh eagle hunting to the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as an example of living human heritage. As one eagle hunter told National Geographic, “When Kazakhs came into the world, they were eagle hunters.”

In the middle of the day when the light is harsh outside, we will be photographing the Kazakh people with their traditional costume inside their Ger camp, with the ambient lights coming through the door. The results will simply blow your mind! If you are brave enough, you will be given the rare opportunity to get up closely to the golden eagles and let them stand on your arm!

Over these days, you will be having the traditional cuisines together with the Kazakh family, you will be enjoying their foods after the long days of photographing. The Kazakhs will also present you their epic instrumental music, dancing and vocal singing!

Overnights in Kazakh’s Ger Camp. The amenities include beds, seat toilet, heater, and limited hour of electricity.

DETAILS:

Dates: August 16-26, 2027

Pallas's Cat— pre-trip extension 8-15 August 2027

Cost: $6995.00 Double occupancy

Single Supplement: $795.00-limited availability.

Participants: 12

Included:

·        Sharing twin accommodation in hotels

·        Ger camp /All accommodations

·        All ground transportation

·        Drivers

·        Fuel

·        Photography Guides and Tour leaders

·        National park fees

·        All Meals

·        Private Eagle hunting mini-festival, Eagle hunting activity

·        Beverages (bottled water)

·        Additionally we prepare electric cord line, power generators for remote places with no electricity

Not Included:

·        Medical and/or evacuation insurance

·        Alcoholic beverages

·        Visas -US Citizens do not require a visa if visiting for under 90 days.

·        Single supplement in hotels ($795.00) .

·        Extra baggage charge -Limit of baggage on Domestic flights is 15kg total (carry on and check-in), around US$2-5 charge per extra kg paid by credit card at the airport.

·        TIPS- $300.00

Camera Gear:

·        Two camera bodies, sturdy tripod

·        Lens selection between 14-400mm, polarizers and ND filters if desired.

What to Wear:

·        Waterproof and windproof jacket (consider the average temperatures +5 – 20 C)

·        Waterproof pants

·        Warm down-jacket and thermal pants

·        Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photo shoots.

Physical difficulty

The main photo tour in Mongolia is easy to moderate in terms of physical activity. Most of the locations, even in the mountains, will be easily accessible from where our drivers will park. The first and second locations in West Mongolia are about a 50-100 meter walk from the car, whereas the third location involves a 300-meter walk with a 20-30 meter ascent on a 20-30% slope to reach a small panoramic hill. At the Gobi Desert, you will need to be prepared to walk in sand dunes, which can be moderately physical in nature. We recommend that you bring hiking poles for this part of the tour if needed.  (30-40 minute walk to reach the beautiful inner dunes.)

Weather: (Averages During Our Trip)

Coldest: +1°C to -2°C

Normal: 6°C to +8°C

Warmest: +13°C to +16°C

The Gobi desert is the warmest area in Mongolia. But it’s autumn time and it gets cold in the night time. So please bring warm clothes.

*itinerary subject to change due to local conditions and/or weather.

Deposit Info:

A $2000.00 deposit is required to hold your spot for this tour. All final payments should be made via check made out to "Denise Ippolito LLC".  Wire transfers accepted from overseas participants and participant is responsible for all transaction fees on both sides.  All tour deposits are non -refundable, please check your schedule closely before making your deposit. Credit cards will only be accepted for deposit payment only. All other payments must be made by check or wire transfer.

Final payment due by December 15, 2026.

Trip insurance is highly recommended for all trips. A detailed PDF file will be sent to all participants once we get our entire group together. Please do not purchase airfare until I let you know that the trip is a go.

PALLAS’ CAT PRE-TRIP

DATES: August 8-15, 2027

Cost: $4399, shared room
Single Room Supplement: $199 additional

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Mongolia’s vast open wilderness in search of the elusive Pallas cat, also known as the manul. This fascinating small wild cat, famed for its cryptic coloration and exceptional camouflage, has long remained a mystery, with little data available on its population trends in Mongolia. Predominantly crepuscular, the Pallas cat is most active during dawn and dusk. Sir David Attenborough aptly described it as “the world’s grumpiest cat.” Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and photograph the enigmatic Pallas cat in its natural habitat.

About the Camp

The basecamp is located in Sukhbaatar Province, 570 km east of Ulaanbaatar, offers an immersive experience in birding and mammal watching, with a special emphasis on observing the elusive Pallas’s cat. The area also provides opportunities to spot corsac foxes, Mongolian gazelles, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities while exploring this remarkable region.

Accommodation and Food

Welcome to our eco-friendly ger camp, where you can experience a traditional nomadic lifestyle by staying in a cozy ger. Each ger accommodates three beds and includes bedding layers, blankets, sheets, pillows, and a handwashing sink. Modern conveniences are provided, with electric plugs in each ger powered by two on-site generators. Toilets and showers are located outside the gers, ensuring an authentic yet comfortable stay.

The kitchen and dining ger are separate from the living quarters, offering a dedicated space for meals. Manul Camp is conveniently situated 4 km from Halzan village, providing a stable 4G mobile and internet connection, including Wi-Fi. We use water from a deep well for food preparation, and bottled pure water is provided in the field. A knowledgeable, English-speaking biologist guide will accompany guests throughout their stay. 

Meals:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, fried eggs, cheese, sausage, bread, and homemade traditional cookies.

• Lunch: A mix of Russian and Mongolian cuisine, including eco-friendly meats (mutton, bacon, and chicken), rice, noodles, vegetables, and salads.

• Dinner: Soups, main dishes, and desserts.

• Beverages: Coca-Cola, coffee, bottled fruit juices.

If you have specific dietary preferences, please let us know in advance. We also cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, offering options like tofu, soy meat, and vegetables.

Experience the charm of Mongolia’s wilderness while enjoying a balance of tradition and comfort at our ger camps.

Itinerary

Day 1 (18th August):

• Pick up in Ulaanbaatar or Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN) and drive to Manul Camp (500 km on a paved road and 70 km on an unpaved road).

• Overnight stay in a traditional ger camp.

Days 2 – 6 (19th – 23rd August):

Morning Routine:

• Day 2: Begin with birdwatching at water points and ravines. Observe species such as oriental plovers, eagle owls, steppe eagles, and various small birds, or opt for a hiking excursion.

• Day 3: Search for steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanni) and corsac foxes, two sympatric carnivore species that inhabit the steppe zone. Both species are active during the day (diurnal) and at dusk and dawn (crepuscular).

Evening Routine:

• After lunch, embark on Pallas’s cat observation. Visit the spot identified the previous day and continue observing until sunset.

Day 7 (24th August):

• Drive to Ulaanbaatar (500 km on a paved road and 70 km on an unpaved road). Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Day 8 (25th August):

• Departure from Ulaanbaatar Airport (UBN).

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