Expedition Details

Home to epic landscapes and a nomadic culture that pre-dates the age of Genghis Khan, Mongolia offers a stunning array of photographic opportunities. On a special expedition with National Geographic photographer Chris Rainier, hone your photography skills as you travel through the vast steppe to capture images of crystal-clear alpine lakes, traditional ger camps, and camel herding families. Shoot images of the pristine wilderness of Hövsgöl Nuur (Lake Hövsgöl). Photograph the towering sand dunes of the Gobi at sunrise and the red-hued Flaming Cliffs at sunset. Document the important role of horses in everyday life, and capture the expressions of monks in training, Mongolian throat singers, and spend a thrilling day documenting the colorful contests of a specially arranged private Naadam demonstration.

Trip Highlights

• Snap portraits of Mongolian throat singers, camel herders, and traditional nomad families, and learn about their age-old culture.
• Stay in a ger camp at beautiful Lake Hövsgöl, and go on photo walks in the surrounding mountains and meadows.
• Photograph the vibrant pageantry of a private Naadam demonstration, Mongolia’s most celebrated festival, and see wrestling, archery, and horse racing competitions.
• Ride a camel into the Gobi to photograph the dunes at sunset, and spend a night near the rippling sand dunes.

Itinerary - 14 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Depart on an overnight flight to Ulaanbaatar, and check into our centrally located hotel upon arrival.
Ulaanbaatar Hotel

Day 3 — Ulaanbaatar

Spend the morning at a specially-arranged photo shoot at the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist monastery—one of the few to survive the Stalinist purges during the 1930s. Listen to the horns calling lamas and monks to temple, and capture the monks’ daily rituals while visiting the adjoining Megjid Janraisig and Kalachakra Temples. This afternoon, visit the National Museum to get an overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. Examine exhibits on nomadic life, including Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, traditional costumes, and sacred relics. Then head to the magnificent Choijin Lama Temple for a tsam-mask dance ceremony, where photographic opportunities abound. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight.
Ulaanbaatar Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Ulaanbaatar/Lake Hövsgöl

This morning, join a senior U.S. Embassy official for an introduction to Mongolia’s current political and economic climate. Then transfer to the airport and fly north to Mörön, the capital of the mountainous Hövsgöl Province. Continue overland to Lake Hövsgöl, Mongolia’s second largest lake, nestled among larch forests and sweeping valleys. Known as the “dark blue pearl” for its beauty and purity, this pristine alpine lake is fed by over 90 streams and rivers, and its waters drain into the Egiyn Gol, eventually reaching Lake Baykal in neighboring Siberia. Settle into a traditional ger, or felt-lined yurt, at our camp set amid lush meadows. Later, head out on an afternoon photo shoot.
Ger Camp (B,L,D)

Days 5 & 6 — Lake Hövsgöl

Spend two days exploring the stunning lakeshore, surrounding mountains, and alpine meadows, and take advantage of incredible photo opportunities at every turn. In addition to horseback riding and hiking, you will also have the opportunity to visit with local nomad families and photograph their unique ways of life.
Ger Camp (B, L, D Daily)

Day 7 — Mörön/Gobi Desert

Return to Mörön this morning, stopping to photograph the Uushgiin “deer stones,” a group of ancient carved megaliths. Then soar over the steppe on a flight to the mystical Gobi, site of some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the 20th century. Settle into your deluxe ger at Three Camel Lodge, voted in 2008 one of the Top 50 Ecolodges by National Geographic Adventure magazine. Later, relax at the lodge or venture into the hills to capture the sun as it sets over this remote and ruggedly beautiful land.
Three Camel Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Khongoryn Els

Drive through the Gegeet Valley, the habitat of the elusive snow leopard, en route to Khongoryn Els, a 60-mile stretch of rippling sand dunes that soar up to 600 feet and trace the edge of the Altai range. Ride a camel into the dunes to capture the dazzling sandscape at sunset. Spend the night in a nearby ger camp.
Ger Camp (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Khongoryn Els

Rise early to photograph the dunes as the rising sun paints them orange and gold. Then visit the camp of a camel herding family and experience traditional Mongolian hospitality, and have a chance to photograph unique customs that predate the age of Genghis Khan. This evening, return to our lodge for dinner and a lively music performance.
Three Camel Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Yol Valley/Havsgait Valley

Wake early to capture the sun rising over the vast Gobi landscape. Then drive to Yol Valley National Park, tucked between the foothills of the Altai Mountains. An ancient river carved this verdant valley, and its remnant streams create ice formations that provide a striking contrast to the surrounding desert. Hike through the valley, camera in hand, and look for indigenous lammergeiers, Altai snowcocks, ibex, yaks, and Egiyn Gol, or wild mountain sheep. Visit a local natural history museum to learn about the flora and fauna of this area, and return to our lodge for lunch. This afternoon, drive to Havtsgait Valley, site of ancient rock drawings left by early Gobi settlers. Join in a photo shoot, and capture these striking petroglyphs in their best light.
Three Camel Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Naadam Festival

Today, photograph Mongolia’s most famous festival and sporting event—Naadam. At a special private celebration arranged for our group, snap portraits of the traditionally-garbed participants who compete in the “three manly sports” (wrestling, archery, and horse racing). Witness the contests up-close, taking photographs in the middle of the action. Capture the colorful pomp and pageantry, and zoom in on the whirling excitement of the horse race.
Three Camel Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 12 — Tugregiin Shiree/Flaming Cliffs

Drive to Tugregiin Shiree, where paleontologists discovered the famous “Fighting Dinosaurs” fossil in the 1970s. Continue to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. Here, brilliant red sandstone harbors a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils and eggs. Hike down into the gorge to photograph the breathtaking span of the desert landscape, and capture the shifting palette of sunset. Then enjoy an incredible al fresco dinner beside the cliffs
Three Camel Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Gobi Desert/Ulaanbaatar

Take advantage of a morning at leisure to explore the grounds of our lodge and discover new perspectives as you frame the dramatic scenery. This afternoon, gather for a final photo slideshow presentation, and then fly to Ulaanbaatar. In the evening, take in a performance of traditional Mongolian dance and khoomii, or throat singing, followed by a farewell dinner.
Ulaanbaatar Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Ulaanbaatar/U.S.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
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