EN

GOBI DESERT & CENTRAL MONGOLIA

TOUR DATE:

01-09 JUNE 2026 *
31 MAY - 08 JUNE 2027 *
30 MAY - 07 JUNE 2028 *
04-12 JUNE 2029  *

* (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.)

Embark on a 9‑day photo shooting journey across the Gobi Desert and Central Mongolia, capturing Mongolia’s most striking landscapes and cultural heritage. Photograph the dramatic cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, the vast Khongor Sand Dunes, and the historic ruins of Ongi Monastery. Frame the ancient capital Karakorum and the iconic Erdene Zuu Monastery, then explore the volcanic scenery of Khorgo Terkh National Park with Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and Chuluut Canyon. Continue to the scenic Elsen Tasarkhai dunes and rugged Khugnu Khan mountains before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Guests stay in Ger camps and hotels, with accommodation based on two persons per room.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1 – Tsagaan Suvarga Canyon

After breakfast, we begin our adventure with a drive to the dramatic cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga in the Gobi Desert, located about 385 km from Ulaanbaatar. Known for its striking colors and layered formations, this canyon provides exceptional opportunities for landscape photography, especially as the light shifts throughout the day.
Participants will capture sweeping panoramas and intricate geological textures that reveal the canyon’s unique beauty. In the evening, we stay overnight at a comfortable Ger camp, enjoying local hospitality and preparing for the next day’s photographic journey.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 2–3 – Khongor Sand Dunes

Early morning after breakfast, we travel through the Yol Canyon and Dungenee Canyon toward the vast Khongor Sand Dunes. Known as “Khongoriin Els”, these dunes stretch over 180 km and rise up to 300 meters, offering breathtaking perspectives for photographers.
The shifting light and wind create dramatic patterns, perfect for capturing both wide landscapes and intimate details.
Portrait sessions and sunset shots highlight the unique atmosphere of the desert. Overnight stays are arranged at a comfortable tourist camp, ensuring rest between full days of shooting.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 – Ongi Monastery Ruins

After breakfast, we journey to the historic Ongi Monastery ruins along the Ongi River. Once one of Mongolia’s largest monastic complexes, the site offers evocative opportunities for architectural and cultural photography. The ruins, temples, and surrounding landscapes provide a sense of timelessness, ideal for capturing contrasts between history and nature. We stay overnight at the “Secret of Ongi” tourist camp, where photographers can review their work and prepare for the next day’s exploration.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 – Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Following breakfast, we travel to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and visit the iconic Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia’s earliest surviving Buddhist monastery. The site offers rich photographic opportunities, from historic ruins to vibrant cultural details. Wide shots of the valley and close‑ups of architectural elements allow photographers to capture both grandeur and intimacy. Overnight stay is arranged at the comfortable “Secret of Silk Road” camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 – Khorgo Terkh National Park

After breakfast, we head to Khorgo Terkh National Park, photographing the dramatic Chuluut Canyon, the serene Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, and the volcanic Khorgo Crater. This diverse landscape offers endless opportunities for nature and landscape photography, from sweeping vistas to reflections on the lake. Overnight stay is arranged at a tourist camp near the crater, allowing photographers to capture evening and dawn light.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 – Elsen Tasarkhai & Khugnu Khan Mountains

After breakfast, we travel to the scenic Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes and the rugged Khugnu Khan mountains. The contrast between desert dunes and rocky formations creates striking compositions for photographers. Portraits, wildlife, and landscape shots are all possible in this unique environment. Overnight stay is arranged at a tourist camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 – Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, we return to Ulaanbaatar, concluding the journey with a farewell dinner. This final evening provides time to reflect on the photographic experiences and share highlights with fellow travelers. Overnight stay is arranged at a comfortable hotel in the city.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9 – Departure

After breakfast, guests are transferred to the airport for departure.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Included in the price:

  • Twin‑sharing accommodation in hotels (where available)
  • Twin‑sharing Ger camps
  • Transportation: Toyota Land Cruisers (4 cars total, 3 travelers per car; 1 vehicle for baggage)
  • Driver fees
  • Fuel costs
  • Professional guides
  • National Park entrance fees
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Private photography activities at all stages, including model fees
  • Drinking water
  • Models’ fees

Not included in the price:

  • Medical and life insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Visa fee (supporting documents such as invitations and letters will be provided)
  • Single supplement in Ulaanbaatar hotels (additional 350 USD); Ger camps in the Gobi are twin‑sharing
  • Hotels before and after the tour
  • Tips for services

What to bring:

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (summer temperatures average +23 to +30°C in the Gobi)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Warm jacket and 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 4‑star hotels. In the Gobi Desert, accommodation is provided in Ger camps (two persons per Ger). Some camps feature modern toilet facilities, with dining in a designated dining Ger.
  • Please note that Wi‑Fi is not available in the Gobi, and cellular/internet connection is limited. A MOBICOM SIM card is recommended.
  • There are no hotels in the Gobi, but the comfortable Ger camps provide authentic experiences. While facilities may be basic at times, the incredible unspoiled nature and photographic opportunities more than compensate.

 

  • 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.
GOBI DESERT & CENTRAL MONGOLIA - Phototour
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