{"id":8063,"date":"2025-01-06T16:25:47","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T16:25:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rolfgemperle.ch\/?p=8063"},"modified":"2025-12-02T07:58:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T07:58:21","slug":"mongolia-photo-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rolfgemperle.ch\/en\/mongolia-photo-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"Mongolia photo tour"},"content":{"rendered":"
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To the Eagle Hunters of Altai and to the Gobi Desert
\nAugust 13th to 23th, 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Mongolia is one of the last hidden gems of the world: untouched, undiscovered, and full of unique culture. It is a place where one can experience fantastic landscapes, from dramatic mountains to canyons, deserts, and crystal-clear rivers and lakes; where the sincere hospitality of the locals touches you deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n

The start of our photo journey begins with a visit to the eagle hunters in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the far west of the country. There, we will have the opportunity to participate in a private golden eagle festival. At this festival, we can witness how Kazakh eagle hunters celebrate their heritage by demonstrating the ancient art of falconry with eagles. During various private photo sessions, we will photograph the hunters with their eagles against breathtaking mountain backdrops.<\/p>\n

In the second part of our Mongolian adventure, we will dive into the vast, rugged expanse of the Gobi Desert \u2013 one of the last places on Earth where the nomadic lifestyle is still a vibrant tradition. We will travel with Toyota Land Cruisers and local drivers, where we will be welcomed into traditional yurt camps. This will be our base camp from which we will explore the wild landscapes around us.<\/p>\n

During our numerous private photo sessions, we will have the opportunity to meet and photograph the locals as they drive Bactrian camels through the sands of southern Mongolia.<\/p>\n

Check out the short program to see what highlights this photo journey holds.<\/p>\n

To get an idea of this unique photo tour, please visit my portfolios Mongolia<\/a> and Mongolia 2025<\/a>. Also worth seeing is the short video by 2025 participant Philipp Tritschler<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Trip Details<\/h3>\n
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Dates<\/b><\/strong>
\nAugust 13th to 23th, 2026 (11 days) from \/ to Ulaanbaatar<\/p>\n

Destination<\/b><\/strong>
\nMongolia, Gobi desert and Altai foothills<\/p>\n

Number of Participants<\/b><\/strong>
\nMaximum 8 people<\/p>\n

Cost<\/b><\/strong>
\nCHF 7’850 per person (in a double room)<\/p>\n

Questions<\/b><\/strong>
\nWhatsApp +41 79 772 49 93<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

Registration<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Itinerary<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/h5><\/div>
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Day 1<\/h6>\n

Arrival in Ulaanbaatar. We will be picked up and our drivers will take us to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, we\u2019ll have free time until dinner. We are going for a common dinner at a restaurant, where we will discuss the photo tour and get to know each other. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel just 5 minutes from the main square.<\/p>\n

Day 2<\/h6>\n

Domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii. Drive to a local Kazakh family. During our first photo shoot, we will photograph the host family in their traditional clothing. For sunset, we will have the opportunity to photograph 3-5 eagle hunters at a breathtaking location in the mountains. After sunset, we will drive back to Ulgii (about 1.5 hours). Overnight stay in a simple hotel.<\/p>\n

Day 3<\/h6>\n

After breakfast, we drive back to our Kazakh family in the same area. It will be a very special day for us. A private eagle festival will be organized just for us. Kazakhs on horseback, dressed in their traditional dark coats and scarlet hats, with golden eagles perched on their arms. The festival is organized by locals who are dedicated to preserving the traditional Kazakh heritage. We will enjoy the rare opportunity to see golden eagles up close and hold them on our arms. Each participant will have the chance to take portrait shots of the eagle hunters. We will have up to 20 eagle hunters to photograph at various locations: mountain ridges, grassy landscapes, and river bends with splashing water and reflections. After this breathtaking day, we will drive back to Ulgii and stay at the hotel.<\/p>\n

Day 4<\/h6>\n

After breakfast, we set off for another day with the eagle hunters. We will arrange private sessions with a total of five eagle hunters in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. The backdrop will be the sacred Tsambagarav Mountain (4208m). We will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery with sharp, rocky mountains on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other.
\nReturn to Ulgii. Night at a hotel.<\/p>\n

Day 5<\/h6>\n

Today we will wake up early to photograph the sunrise. We have arranged 3 eagle hunters to model for us at sunrise. Whether they are distant figures showing the grandeur of the scenery or a close-up portrait with the first warm rays of sunlight. After the photo session, we will have a picnic breakfast on site and then travel to the city of Khovd. Along the way, we will enjoy the typical landscapes of the Altai foothills. After lunch, the drivers will take us to the airport. After the flight back to Ulaanbaatar, we will head to Mandalgobi for the night. Night at a hotel.<\/p>\n

Day 6<\/h6>\n

After breakfast, we will drive to Tsagaan Suvarga, an area known for its erosion formations, which the locals call the “White Stupa.” We will stop for about an hour to take some photos, then continue to Dalanzadgad. Lunch in the city. Afterward, we will visit Yol Valley, a beautiful oasis in the Gobi Desert. We will stay for night in a tourist camp with shower.<\/p>\n

Day 7<\/h6>\n

After breakfast, we will drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to photograph a caravan during sunset. Overnight in a tourist camp in yurts. The facilities include electricity and a shower. Two people per yurt, sleeping on a bed with bedding, blanket, and pillow. Each yurt has electricity.<\/p>\n

Day 8<\/h6>\n

Sunrise at the Khongor Sand Dunes. The dunes stretch over 170 km, making it one of the largest and most beautiful sand areas in Mongolia. Camels and camel herders will be waiting for us for a portrait session and model shooting in the dunes.
\nWe will experience the first rays of light in the Gobi Desert and see the endless curves of the sand and the breathtaking mountains on the horizon turning pink.
\nDuring the day, we will rest a bit in the yurts. Sunset and night photo sessions are planned. Night at the same tourist camp in yurts.<\/p>\n

Day 9<\/h6>\n

We will wake up early to photograph the sunrise in the Khongor Sand Dunes. After breakfast, we will check out and drive to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs). We will arrive in the afternoon. The area is famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs. We will photograph the sunset from a panoramic viewpoint with a view of the Flaming Cliffs. At sunset, the cliffs turn deep red.
\nOvernight in the tourist camp with shower and electricity.
\nWe will stay in this camp for only one night (the area is small).<\/p>\n

Day 10<\/h6>\n

Departure from Dalanzadgad Airport back to Ulaanbaatar. Departure time is 08:20 AM. The flight takes 1.5 hours. Check-in at a comfortable hotel in the center of Ulaanbaatar.
\nFarewell dinner at a restaurant in Ulaanbaatar.<\/p>\n

Day 11<\/h6>\n

Our drivers will take us to Ulaanbaatar Airport for our return flight to Europe.<\/p>\n

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Looking forward to an incredible journey!<\/em>
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Travel information<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/h5><\/div>
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Tour Leader<\/b><\/h3>\n