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CENTRAL MONGOLIA & EAGLE HUNTERS OF WESTERN MONGOLIA

TOUR DATE:

15-24 AUGUST 2026 *

* (Tour dates may be adjusted based on group size and booking arrangements)

TOUR DURATION:

9 Days

VEHICLE TYPE:

TOYOTA – Land Cruiser 200/300 (3 photographers per vehicle)

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Ger camps & hotels, 2 guests per room

TOUR PRICE:

1 PARTICIPANT

15000 USD (per person)

2 PARTICIPANTS

11000 USD (per person)

3 PARTICIPANTS

8000 USD (per person)

4 PARTICIPANTS

7500 USD (per person)

5 PARTICIPANTS

7200 USD (per person)

6 PARTICIPANTS

7000 USD (per person)

7+ PARTICIPANTS

6900 USD (per person)

(Questions? Contact Our Team.)

Mongolia is a land of wild beauty, ancient culture, and unforgettable hospitality. This journey offers a unique blend of epic desert landscapes, nomadic traditions, and exclusive cultural encounters designed for photographers.

The first part of our adventure takes us through Central Mongolia, where we explore the legendary capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. Along the way, we meet and photograph nomadic families, capturing portraits of daily life and immersing ourselves in authentic Ger camp experiences. Here, photography is not limited to landscapes—it’s a rich mix of nature and culture.

The second part of the tour brings us to Western Mongolia, home of the famed Kazakh Eagle Hunters. While a public Eagle Festival is held annually, we avoid the crowds by arranging a private festival exclusively for our small group of 8–10 photographers. This intimate event allows close interaction with eagle hunters in traditional attire, offering rare opportunities for portraits and cultural documentation. Beyond the festival, we travel with 3–5 eagle hunters into the dramatic Altai Mountains, photographing them against snow‑capped peaks and rugged ridges.

This expedition combines landscape, portrait, and cultural photography, giving participants the chance to practice diverse genres in extraordinary settings.

Logistics & Comfort

  • Travel by specially prepared Toyota Land Cruiser 200/300 with experienced local drivers
  • 3 photographers per car for comfort and gear space
  • Accommodation: 4‑star hotels in Ulaanbaatar and Ulgii, traditional Ger camps in rural areas (2 persons per Ger/room)
  • Drones are welcome for aerial photography

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (ULN)

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar (UB) at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN), where you will be met by our drivers and transferred to your hotel. At 7:00 p.m., we gather in the hotel lobby for a light welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. This evening provides the perfect opportunity to discuss the upcoming photo tour and get to know your fellow travelers. Overnight at a comfortable 4‑star hotel.

Included: Dinner

Flight Options: You may choose any international flight arriving before 5:00 p.m. Routes are available via Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Istanbul.
Tip: We recommend arriving a day earlier to rest and enjoy a short city tour, depending on your arrival time.

Day 2 – Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum

Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khan. Founded in 1220 in the Orkhon Valley, Karakorum served as the empire’s center for more than 140 years before being destroyed in 1391 by Chinese troops. Today, only two granite turtle statues remain as silent witnesses to its past glory.

On the ruins of the old capital, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu, was established in 1586. The monastery is surrounded by a square wall, each side measuring 420 meters, adorned with 108 stupas. By 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas, making it one of the most significant spiritual centers in Mongolia.

En route to Karakorum, we stop at the Mongol Nomadic Camp to witness a traditional performance showcasing nomadic customs, followed by a Mongolian traditional lunch.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Karakorum to Nomadic Family & Orkhon Valley

We rise early to capture the sunrise over the ancient city of Karakorum, then enjoy breakfast before checking out. Our journey continues to visit a real nomadic family, where horses, sheep, and goats are part of daily life. This is a wonderful opportunity to photograph authentic nomadic lifestyle scenes and create intimate portrait sessions with the herders.

We then travel through Övörkhangai Province, located in the heart of Mongolia. The region is framed by the Khangai Mountain Range, with landscapes that include mountains, the vast Orkhon Valley steppe, and open plains. Here, we will also photograph the spectacular Orkhon Waterfalls, a natural highlight of Central Mongolia. Overnight in a comfortable Ger camp.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we begin the long drive back to Ulaanbaatar (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival in the evening, we check into a comfortable hotel in the city, where you can relax after the journey.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii (Western Mongolia)

This morning we take a commercial flight (approx. 3 hours, departing between 6:00–8:00 a.m., time to be announced) from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii, the cultural heart of Western Mongolia. After breakfast, we set out for an epic sunset photography location in the foothills of the Altai Mountains.

Here, private sessions are arranged with 3–5 Eagle Hunters, framed against the sacred Tsambagarav Mountain (4,208 m). The setting offers a breathtaking 360° panorama: sharp rocky peaks on one side and snow‑capped summits on the other, creating dramatic backdrops for portraits and landscape compositions.

Accommodation is in a simple local hotel equipped with showers and Wi‑Fi—comfortable enough to recharge yourself and your equipment after the day’s adventures.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Private Eagle Festival

We enjoy a relaxed morning and skip the sunrise session, saving energy for one of the most memorable experiences of the tour. Today is dedicated to an exclusive private Eagle Festival, arranged solely for our group. Kazakh hunters, dressed in traditional dark coats and scarlet hats, arrive on horseback with their majestic Golden Eagles perched on their arms. Organized by locals committed to preserving Kazakh heritage, this intimate event offers rare opportunities to view the eagles up close—and even to have one perch upon your arm.

Unlike the crowded public festival, our private gathering is designed specifically for photographers. With 4–6 eagle hunters participating, we enjoy unlimited access for portrait sessions and dynamic shoots across diverse landscapes: mountain ridges, river bends, and grasslands with reflections and splashes of water. Each hunter is welcoming and cooperative, ensuring a collaborative atmosphere that feels like stepping onto a film set.

By the end of the day, you’ll return with hundreds of striking images—without the distraction of crowds. In the evening, we drive back to Olgii (1–1.5 hours) and check into a hotel with shower and Wi‑Fi.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Tolbo Lake Sunset with Eagle Hunters

We enjoy a relaxed morning before departing after lunch in Olgii. A one‑hour drive on a paved road brings us to the strikingly blue Tolbo Lake, framed by panoramic rocky viewpoints.

This evening, two Eagle Hunters join us for another private photography session. As the sun sets, we capture portraits in the warm golden light and use figures in the vast landscape to create dramatic compositions with scale and atmosphere.

After the shoot, we return to Olgii for the night. Accommodation is in a local hotel with shower and Wi‑Fi.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we transfer to Olgii Airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar (approx. 3 hours, flight included). Upon arrival in the early afternoon (around 1:00–2:00 p.m.), we check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is free, giving you time to stroll through the city center, explore local shops, or simply relax after the journey.

Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Departure from Ulaanbaatar (ULN)

Today, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Ulaanbaatar International Airport (ULN) for your departure. You may select any flight on this day, and the transfer is included in the tour.

Included in the price:

  • Local two-way air tickets: UB-Ulgii-UB
  • Hotel rooms in UB and Ulgii
  • Tour camps /All accommodations/
  • Transportation: Toyota 4×4 vans
  • Drivers
  • Mongolian Photo Guide (organizer)
  • Native Kazak guide
  • National Park fees
  • Meals Except Ulaanbaatar city
  • Kazak herder family
  • Kazak models
  • Pee for nomad’s family
  • Water Bottled

Not included in the price:

  • Travel insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Visa (can be applied for online)
  • Hotels before and after the tour
  • Single supplement: USD 250

What to bring:

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Waterproof pants
  • Warm down jacket and thermal pants
  • Casual clothes for dinners and lunches
  • Hiking boots
  • Sun protection cream, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent
  • Raincoat and umbrella

Accommodation and Food:

  • In Ulaanbaatar, guests stay in comfortable 4‑star hotels. During the journey through Central Mongolia, accommodation is provided in traditional Ger camps, with two persons sharing each Ger. Some camps are equipped with modern toilet and shower facilities, and meals are served in a designated Dining Ger.
  • Please note that Wi‑Fi is generally not available in rural areas, and cellular/internet connection is limited. A MOBICOM SIM card is recommended for better coverage.
  • While there are no hotels outside Ulaanbaatar, the Ger camps provide an authentic nomadic experience. Facilities may be basic at times, but the pristine landscapes, cultural encounters, and unique photographic opportunities more than make up for it.

 

  • Breakfasts typically include eggs, bread, butter, jam, porridge, tea, and coffee.
  • Lunches are served either at camps or en route, often consisting of soups, rice, noodles, or traditional Mongolian dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) or khuushuur (fried meat pastries).
  • Dinners feature hearty meals with meat (beef, lamb, or chicken), vegetables, rice or pasta, and occasionally traditional specialties prepared by local cooks.
  • Vegetarian options can be arranged upon request, though choices may be limited in rural areas.
  • Bottled drinking water is provided throughout the trip.
CENTRAL MONGOLIA & EAGLE HUNTERS OF WESTERN MONGOLIA - Phototour
Tour Date: *
Participant number: *
Total tour price:
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