Wild Mongolia Adventure
12 - 22 August 2025
Embark on an extraordinary photography adventure through the vast and untamed landscapes of Mongolia, where ancient traditions and stunning natural beauty converge. This unique photo tour offers an immersive experience, combining the timeless art of eagle hunting with the otherworldly landscapes of the Gobi Desert.
Venture into the heart of the countryside to meet the legendary eagle hunters, masters of an age-old tradition passed down through generations. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of these majestic birds in flight, as they soar through the endless blue skies with their skilled handlers.
Delve into the mesmerizing landscapes of the Gobi Desert, a land of extremes where towering sand dunes meet vast expanses of arid plains. Capture the desert's ever-changing hues as golden sands shimmer in the morning light and crimson sunsets paint the horizon.
Throughout the journey, our expert guides will provide invaluable insights into photography techniques, helping you capture the essence of Mongolia's rugged beauty and ancient traditions. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a novice enthusiast, this photo tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with captivating moments and breathtaking scenery. Join us as we uncover the soul of Mongolia, where the spirit of the eagle hunter and the majesty of the Gobi Desert await.
Itinerary
Day 0: Before 13 August
Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar (Airport Code ULN, commonly referred to as UB). Upon arrival, our drivers will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. We will convene at 7 p.m. in the hotel lobby for an introductory meeting before heading to our dinner restaurant. During dinner, we will discuss the details of the photo tour and have the opportunity to get to know each other. Tonight, we will stay at a comfortable hotel located just 5 minutes from the main square. (Dinner included)
You have the flexibility to choose any flight arriving before 5 p.m. today, with options available via Istanbul, Seoul, or Tokyo. Please note that the international flight is not included in the tour package. It is recommended to arrive a day or two earlier to ensure ample rest and avoid missing the morning flight on the following day.
Day 1: 13 August
After breakfast, we head to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). Lunch will be provided on the road. We will stop at Tsagaan Suvarga for about an hour to capture some stunning natural photos. Afterward, we will drive to Dalanzadgad city. Here, you will have the opportunity to do some shopping before we proceed to Yol Valley, a beautiful mountain chain in the Gobi Desert. We will spend the night at a tourist camp that offers shower facilities but no Wi-Fi.
Day 2: 14 August
After a leisurely morning breakfast, we set off for the breathtaking Khongor Sand Dunes. Today’s highlight is capturing the stunning scenes of camel caravans against the backdrop of a spectacular sunset. In the evening, we will stay in a traditional tourist Ger camp, equipped with modern amenities including electricity and shower facilities. Each Ger is comfortably furnished, accommodating two people with beds, bed linen, blankets, and pillows for a cozy night's rest.
Day 3: 15 August
Begin your day with a sunrise session at the Khongor Sand Dunes, which stretch over 170 km in length. As one of the largest and most beautiful sandy areas in Mongolia, the Khongor Sand Dunes offer an awe-inspiring landscape. Witness the first rays of light illuminating the infinite curves of the dunes and the stunning mountains on the horizon, turning the scene into a mesmerizing palette of pinks.
Camels and their herders will be waiting for us, providing an excellent opportunity for portrait sessions and model shoots amid the majestic sand dunes. Capture the essence of nomadic life and the timeless beauty of the Gobi Desert.
During the daytime, we will have some rest and engage in post-processing tutorials at the kitchen Ger, where you can refine your photos and enhance your skills.
We will stay overnight at the same tourist Ger camp, which offers shower facilities and electricity for your convenience. Enjoy the comfort and warmth of your Ger as you prepare for another day of adventure.
Day 4: 16 August
Get up early to capture the sunrise at the Khongor Sand Dunes, witnessing the first light illuminating the expansive desert landscape. After breakfast, we check out and travel to Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs. We will arrive in the afternoon at this historically significant site, famous for the first discovery of dinosaur eggs and other remarkable fossils, including Velociraptor and eutherian mammals.
In the evening, we'll photograph the sunset from panoramic locations overlooking the Flaming Cliffs. As the sun sets, the cliffs turn a deep red, creating a dramatic and unforgettable scene.
We will stay overnight at a nearby tourist camp, which provides shower facilities and electricity. This camp is our home for just one night, as the area is relatively small. Enjoy the amenities and rest well after a day filled with exploration and photography.
Day 5: 17 August
Begin the day with an early breakfast before embarking on our drive back to Ulaanbaatar (UB). Upon arrival, we will check into a comfortable hotel located in the city center. The hotel offers modern amenities, including shower facilities and Wi-Fi.
Day 6: 18 August
Fly on a commercial airplane from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd city, departing at 11:10 AM. Upon arrival, we will drive to a local Kazakh family's home, where we will have the opportunity to photograph the locals in their traditional attire, capturing intimate and authentic portraits. This session will include 3-5 eagle hunters positioned in a stunning sunset location, surrounded by majestic mountains.
After sunset, we will drive back to Olgii, a journey of 1.5-2 hours on gravel roads in our well-prepared Land Cruisers, accommodating 3 persons per car. In Olgii, we will stay overnight at a simple hotel equipped with shower facilities and Wi-Fi. Although basic, the hotel offers a warm shower and a place to recharge both yourself and your batteries, ensuring a comfortable rest after an exciting day.
Day 7: 19 August
Today, we skip the sunrise session to allow ourselves a bit of rest. After breakfast, we head back to the Kazakh family's area for a very special day. We will experience a private eagle festival arranged exclusively for our group. Kazakh horsemen, dressed in traditional dark coats and scarlet hats, will showcase their majestic Golden Eagles, perched on their arms. This unique event is organized by locals dedicated to preserving the traditional Kazakh heritage.
Enjoy the rare opportunity to view Golden Eagles up close and even have one perch upon your arm. We will have the chance to request private portrait sessions with the eagle hunters. This exclusive event is limited to just 12 photographers, ensuring an intimate and uncrowded experience. Unlike the crowded public festivals, we will have up to 20 eagle hunters available for photography in diverse locations, including mountain ridges, river bends, and grass marshlands with splashes and reflections. Each eagle hunter will be ready for portrait sessions and will be very friendly to our group. You'll feel as if you're on a movie set and will bring back home hundreds of stunning images with no crowd behind.
After this unforgettable day, we return to Olgii, a 1-1.5 hour drive, and stay at the same hotel equipped with showers and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a comfortable rest as you reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the day.
Day 8: 20 August
Enjoy a lazy morning with a good night's sleep after our long and exciting day. After breakfast, we head to another epic location for a sunset photography session. We will arrange private sessions with a total of five eagle hunters in the foothills of the Altai Mountains. The backdrop for our shoot will be the holy Tsambagarav Mountain, standing at 4,208 meters. This stunning 360° location features rocky, sharp mountains on one side and snow-capped peaks on the other, providing a breathtaking setting for our photos.
After capturing the incredible sunset scenes, we will return to Olgii and stay overnight at our hotel, which is equipped with shower facilities and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day's photographic adventures.
Day 9: 21 August
Rise early for a sunrise shooting session, seizing the opportunity we missed yesterday morning. Today, we have the pleasure of photographing with three eagle hunters, ensuring ample opportunities for capturing stunning sunrise shots with a person in the frame for scale or for intimate portraits bathed in the first warm rays of light.
Enjoy a picnic breakfast before embarking on our journey to Khovd city. Along the road, we'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for additional photography. We'll stop for lunch en route, and our drivers will drop us off at the airport in Khovd.
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar (UB) and conclude our incredible journey with a farewell dinner at a restaurant in UB. Reflect on the unforgettable moments and images captured during our time in Mongolia.
Tonight, we will stay at a hotel in UB, offering shower facilities and Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable setting for our final night in Mongolia.
Day 10: 22 August
Our drivers will ensure your timely transfer to Ulaanbaatar Airport (ULN) on your departure day. You have the flexibility to choose any flight for your return journey, and a private transfer will be arranged and included as part of the tour package. Enjoy a hassle-free departure from Mongolia as you bid farewell to this remarkable land of adventure.
Details
Maximum Number of Participants
Cost
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner).
D1: Hotel Ninehotel, 8Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
D2:Khanbogd camp,Yol Valley,Umnugobiprovince,Mongolia
D3, D4:Gobiin Tugul camp, Khongor Els, Sevrei, Umnugobi province, Mongolia
D5:Mongolian Gobi tourist camp, Bulgan, Umnugobi province, Mongolia
D6:Hotel Nine hotel,8 Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
D7-9: Makhsum Hotel, Bayan-Olgii province, Mongolia
D10: Hotel Nine hotel,8 Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaTOTAL–10 nights
TRANSPORT:Land Cruiser jeep
STAFF:English speaking guide
Drivers
Professional photography guides
Photography workshops on visual design and post-processing.
Critique sessions.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
SNACKS, ALCOHOL AND SOFT DRINKS
Reservation Deposit
Single Occupancy Fee
Cancellations
Deposit is fully refundable if canceled 30 days before the start of the tour, in the event of a government pandemic travel restriction, this 30- day rule will be waived.
Any payments made aside from the deposit/registration is fully refundable up to 60 days before the trip and is 50% refundable up to 30 days before the tour.
All cancellations must be made by a formal email request.
Single occupancy fees are non-refundable if cancellation is done within 60 days of the tour.
Photography Skill Level
This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography skills from novice to expert.
Classroom Time
We will have significant time in the classroom learning photo processing skills.
Fitness Level
Airports
Begin: Ulaanbaatar (Airport Code ULN, short UB)- Mongolia
End: Ulaanbaatar (Airport Code ULN, short UB)- Mongolia
Currency
USD
Power Requirements
US Outlets 110V
WiFi & Mobile Signal
Wifi is available in some of our hotels and accommodations. However, some accommodations in remote areas do not have internet access. If needed, you can buy a prepaid local SIM with data access.
Drones
TBA
Travel Insurance
Workshop Cost
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner).
D1: Hotel Ninehotel, 8Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
D2:Khanbogd camp,Yol Valley,Umnugobiprovince,Mongolia
D3, D4:Gobiin Tugul camp, Khongor Els, Sevrei, Umnugobi province, Mongolia
D5:Mongolian Gobi tourist camp, Bulgan, Umnugobi province, Mongolia
D6:Hotel Nine hotel,8 Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
D7-9: Makhsum Hotel, Bayan-Olgii province, Mongolia
D10: Hotel Nine hotel,8 Amar street, Sukhbaatar, Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaTOTAL–10 nights
TRANSPORT:Land Cruiser jeep
STAFF:English speaking guide
Drivers
Professional photography guides
Photography workshops on visual design and post-processing.
Critique sessions.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
SNACKS, ALCOHOL AND SOFT DRINKS
Deposit is fully refundable if canceled 30 days before the start of the tour, in the event of a government pandemic travel restriction, this 30- day rule will be waived.
Any payments made aside from the deposit/registration is fully refundable up to 60 days before the trip and is 50% refundable up to 30 days before the tour.
All cancellations must be made by a formal email request.
Single occupancy fees are non-refundable if cancellation is done within 60 days of the tour.
Your Guides for this Workshop
Edwin Martinez
Travel and Nature Photographer
When one speaks of travel and landscape photography at its apex, his name quickly comes to mind. Well known locally and gaining recognition abroad for his ethereal landscape images, his works exemplify landscape photography as a fine art.
A former medical and corporate professional, Edwin has found his niche and true calling in landscape photography. Still imbibed with the commitment and dedication for always achieving his best, these qualities are now his staples, whether he is shooting for clients or himself, mentoring photographers that join him in the tours that he guides in Iceland, Norway, Canada, the American west and other parts of the world or teaching in workshops under Wide Horizon Photo Adventure.
Edwin’s excellence has been recognized by brands that support his projects. By virtue of his acknowledged skill and influence, he has been tapped to field test and help in the launch of a number of new photography gear. His works have graced both local and overseas publications and websites. Edwin’s images surely speak the language that draws attention and leaves an indelible mark of excellence.
Noel Casaje
Travel and Nature Photographer
Noel Casaje is an award-winning landscape photographer who considers himself an avid student of light and its interaction with the natural world. He has a passion for capturing images that resonate with him and scenes that evoke emotions in viewers. His expertise lies in working in low light, where he explores the nuances it creates, transforming scenes from the real to the surreal.
Noel and his photographs have gained recognition in various media outlets. Forbes.com has included him in its list of Top 5 Travel Photographers to Watch Out For. Through his company, Wide Horizon Visuals, he continues to organize exclusive photo tours to some of the world's most unforgettable destinations.
Noel has led groups to explore Patagonia, Lofoten, the Canadian Rockies, Costa Rica, the Italian Dolomites, and nearly all the major American National Parks. He aspires to persist in leading these tours and discovering more exciting destinations in the future.
Recommended Gear
Expected Conditions
Warm Hat
Gloves or Mittens
Base Layers
Down Jacket
Outer Shell
Waterproof Outer
Balaclava
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sun Block
Hiking Pants
Hiking Boots
Waders or Overshoes
Camera
Full frame or mirrorless system
Lenses
Ultra Wide (i.e 16-35 f2.8)
Mid Telephoto (i.e. 24-70 f2.8)
Telephoto (i.e. 70-200+ f2.8)
Macro (if shooting close-ups)
Extreme Telephoto
(if shooting wildlife) consider an f4 due to weight
Recommended Filters
ND 6
ND 10
Circular Poloarizer
Graduated ND 3 stop - soft and hard
3 stop reverse graduated
Tripod
Preferably carbon fiber for light travel
Laptop
For processing and classroom work