In the evening, we’ll gather for a traditional Mongolian dinner at a local restaurant, followed by an in-depth briefing and discussion about the days ahead—covering the journey, photographic opportunities, and expectations for the expedition.

Overnight accommodation will be at a comfortable hotel in central Ulaanbaatar.

After an early morning breakfast, we begin a full day exploring the cultural and historical highlights of Ulaanbaatar.

Our visits today include Dashchoilin Monastery, the Genghis Khan Museum, and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Mongolia’s most important active Buddhist monastery. We’ll also explore Sukhbaatar Square, the symbolic heart of the city.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the Dinosaur Museum, offering insight into Mongolia’s rich paleontological heritage. Later in the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short hike to Zaisan Hill for panoramic views over the city.

The day concludes with practical orientation stops, including a visit to the local black market, time for currency exchange, and a stop at selected souvenir and cashmere shops.
Overnight accommodation will be in Ulaanbaatar.

We begin with an early morning flight to Ulgii, arriving around 9:30 AM after a two-hour journey covering approximately 1,100 kilometers. Ulgii is the largest town in western Mongolia and home to nearly 80% of the world’s Kazakh Eagle Hunters.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our pre-booked hotel for a short rest and breakfast before heading out to visit a local Kazakh family. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph daily life and environmental portraits of locals dressed in their traditional attire.

In the afternoon, we’ll set up an exclusive photography session with 3–5 Eagle Hunters, carefully timed to coincide with the golden light of sunset. Framed by dramatic mountain landscapes, this session offers outstanding opportunities for both portraits and action photography.

After the shoot, we’ll return to Ulgii for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we return to the Kazakh family’s region for one of the most extraordinary highlights of the journey—a Private Eagle Hunters Festival, arranged exclusively for our group.

You’ll witness Kazakh Eagle Hunters on horseback, dressed in traditional fox-fur coats and scarlet hats, each carrying a majestic Golden Eagle on their arm. Organized by local families dedicated to preserving their ancestral heritage, this private festival offers an authentic and deeply immersive experience—far removed from commercial or crowded public events.

Throughout the day, you’ll have rare opportunities to get remarkably close to the Golden Eagles, including the chance to have one perch on your arm for truly unforgettable photographic moments.

With up to eight Eagle Hunters participating, we’ll work across multiple carefully selected locations—mountain ridges, river bends, and open grass marshlands—each providing distinct backgrounds, compositions, and light. Every hunter will be available for private portrait sessions, allowing you to photograph without rush or distraction. With no tourist crowds in sight, the experience feels cinematic—like working on a live film set—offering the freedom to create powerful, storytelling images throughout the day.

After this exceptional photographic experience, we return to Ulgii for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we visit a local Kazakh family, offering excellent opportunities to photograph daily life and create intimate environmental portraits of locals dressed in their traditional attire.

Later in the day, we travel to the breathtaking Tolbo Lake, a stunning alpine setting ideal for an extended sunset photography session. Against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding Altai Mountains, you’ll photograph 3–5 Eagle Hunters, with the soft afternoon light adding depth and atmosphere to the landscape.

If conditions allow, we’ll continue photographing into the night, capturing the Milky Way and nightscapes over the lake—an unforgettable experience combining cultural and astro-landscape photography in one location.

After the session, we return to Ulgii for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After a relaxed morning and a well-earned rest, we set out for another spectacular location for an extended sunset photography session.

Here, we’ve arranged private portrait sessions with five Eagle Hunters, carefully positioned against the dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains. The setting for these sessions is the sacred Tsambagarav Mountain, rising to an impressive 4,208 meters.

This remarkable location offers sweeping 360-degree views—with rugged, jagged rock formations on one side and vast, snow-capped peaks on the other—creating an extraordinary natural studio for both portraiture and landscape photography.

After the session, we return to Ulgii for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we visit another local Kazakh family, offering excellent opportunities to photograph daily life and create intimate environmental portraits of locals dressed in their traditional attire.

In the afternoon, we arrange a striking photography session with three Eagle Hunters on horseback, riding along the Hold River with their Golden Eagles. The flowing river, open landscapes, and dynamic movement create powerful opportunities for action photography and storytelling imagery.

After the session, we return to Ulgii for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Today is dedicated to spending an entire day with a nomadic Kazakh Eagle Hunter family, observing and documenting their daily life. You’ll photograph authentic moments of family routines, interactions with their animals, traditional practices, and horse riding—offering a deeply immersive cultural and storytelling experience.

This unhurried day allows for intimate documentary photography, capturing life as it naturally unfolds in the remote landscapes of western Mongolia.

In the evening, we return to Ulgii for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After the intensity of the previous day, the morning is kept relaxed, allowing time to rest and recover. Later, we head out together as a group for lunch in the town of Ulgii.

 Following lunch, we visit another Kazakh Eagle Hunter family for additional photography sessions, focusing on candid moments and immersive, experiential imagery. In the evening, we create a special group portrait session with the Eagle Hunters, gathered around a traditional fire inside their winter shelter. Lit only by firelight, this intimate setting offers a rare opportunity to capture powerful, atmospheric portraits that reflect warmth, camaraderie, and the quiet essence of nomadic life.

After finishing today’s photography, we return to Ulgii for an overnight stay at the hotel.

We take an early morning domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar, departing around 7:00 AM.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in the city—a relaxed opportunity to reflect on the journey and celebrate the images and experiences we’ve shared. Overnight accommodation will be at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Participants who have opted for the Gobi Extension will continue onward for an unforgettable exploration of the majestic landscapes and nightscapes of the Gobi Desert, while others will prepare for their international departures.

Today marks the end of our journey. Our driver will transfer you to Ulaanbaatar International Airport to connect with your international flight home.

Tearful goodbyes follow as our driver transfers you to the airport to connect with your international flight. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

We’ll aim to catch the early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, arriving around 9:30 a.m. The flight takes about 1.5 hours. Dalanzadgad is a large town in the Gobi Desert. Upon arrival, we’ll start our journey to our shooting location for the day, Tsagaan Suvarga, which is 153 km away.

Tsagaan Suvarga is a striking scarp in Olziit Soum of Dundgovi Province. Once the floor of an ocean, it resembles a white stupa, giving it its name (Tsagaan Suvarga means “white stupa”). This scarp stretches 400 meters and rises 60 meters high with a steep, 90-degree brink. After rain, the scarp appears like a giant waterfall as water cascades down.

There’s also an intriguing cave, Hevtee Bosoo Agui, about 7 km east of Tsagaan Suvarga. This 50-meter-long cave requires crawling in some parts but allows normal walking in others, hence the name, which translates to “Laying Standing Cave.”

After reaching Tsagaan Suvarga, we’ll rest and prepare for our first night’s shoot. We’ll begin shooting at sunset and continue until midnight.

Upon arrival, we’ll rest and prepare for our second night’s shoot. We’ll begin shooting a few minutes before sunset and continue until midnight.

Bayanzag, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, is renowned for its red sandstone cliffs and canyons. It’s one of the most famous paleontological sites in the world. In 1922, Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs here, which suggested that dinosaurs gave birth to live young.

A small ger museum at Bayanzag displays fossil pieces, while the main exhibits are in the Dinosaur Museum in Ulaanbaatar and other worldwide exhibitions.

The Flaming Cliffs are surrounded by a vast, open grassy desert steppe, with several ger camps on the plains offering 360° views, spectacular sunrises, and sunsets.

On this day, we’ll follow a similar schedule, travelling 119 km to the majestic Khongor Sand Dune. We’ll stay here for the night and capture landscapes during the golden and blue hours, as well as nightscapes.

We’ll head west to reach the Khongor dunes, known as ‘Light Bay Sand’. These dunes are among the most spectacular in Mongolia, stretching over 180 kilometres long and 20 kilometres wide, with an average height of 80 meters and some reaching up to 120 meters. The view from the top is breathtaking, and you can even hear the ‘singing dunes’—the sound of the moving sand. Beyond the dunes, the steppe stretches as far as the eye can see.

After our morning shoot and breakfast, we’ll journey to Yolyn Am Valley. The distance from Khongor Sand Dune (Khongoryn Els) to Yolyn Am Valley is approximately 180 kilometres by road.

Yolyn Am, or Lammergeier Valley, is a deep gorge in Mongolia’s Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, named after the Lammergeier vulture (Yol in Mongolian). Known as the Valley of the Vultures, it’s famous for its striking scenery and ice fields that can last into summer.

The valley’s clear, dark skies and rugged cliffs make it perfect for astro-landscape photography. We’ll capture the Milky Way above the dramatic gorge and also focus on golden and blue hour landscape shots. After our last night shoot, we’ll stay here and rest.

For those joining only for the pre-extension Gobi Desert astro-landscape workshop, this will be their last night. Upon arrival, we’ll arrange a post-processing session for them. Those who are doing the main trip and pre-extension will follow us the next day to Ulgii.

We will enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant in the evening. Overnight accommodation will be in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

Absolutely. This expedition is designed to be an immersive cultural journey, and non-photographers are more than welcome to join.
Many participants come along with a partner who is a photographer, while others simply have a deep interest in ancient cultures, nomadic life, and authentic travel experiences. Over the years, we have hosted numerous non-photographers on our Mongolia expeditions, and they have found the experience just as meaningful and rewarding.

While the tour is thoughtfully designed for photographers, it is equally enriching for anyone interested in culture, anthropology, history, spirituality, and genuine human connections. Living alongside nomadic families, observing daily life, traveling with Eagle Hunters, spending time with animals, and witnessing traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries make this journey unforgettable — even without a camera in hand.

You will be fully included in all activities, cultural interactions, visits, and ceremonies. Many non-photographers often say that being present without the pressure of photographing allows them to connect even more deeply with the people and the experience itself.

In short, there is a place for everyone on this journey. Whether you photograph every moment or simply live it, Mongolia has a way of leaving a lasting impression.

This is not a cold-weather trip, so you don’t have to bring warm clothing, but for the night, only bring light warm clothing like a windcheater because it will be slightly cold at night.

This is a suggested packing list to make your trip a fulfilling and comfortable experience.

• Backpack or suitcase
• Comfortable light boots for walking
• Sunglasses and Sun hat
• Sun care cream
• Headlamp/flashlight
• Wet tissues
• Raincoat
• Insurance confirmation copy
• Emergency contact number
• Water bottle with 2 litres of capacity
• We’ll provide a sleeping bag but for your hygiene, you can carry your personal one.
• Carry your essential and basic medicines for headaches, fever, stomach upset, etc.

• One or two DSLR or Mirrorless (Full Frame or Crop Sensor) cameras. If you use a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera, for much of the time, when photographing the Eagle Hunters, you will want to cover focal lengths of around 24-70mm or 24-105mm and 70-200mm. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
• For photographing hunters from a distance, consider bringing a larger zoom or prime telephoto lens for photography, of up to 300mm.
• For Astro-Landscape an Ultra-Wide Angle (14 to 24 mm for Full Frame or 10-18mm for Crop Sensor) is the best choice. However, a kit lens (18-55/3.5 or 4.0) will also work.
• A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry we’ll provide it.)
• Lens hood.
• A Sturdy Tripod is a must for Astro-Landscape photography.
• Carry cable shutter release according to your camera model. A Cable Shutter Lock is very helpful for Star Trail, without this, we need to use a built-in Intervalometer.
• Carry a Power Bank, and keep it in your cabin bag during a plane journey.
• Electric Socket Extension or international standard multi-plug holder for charging.
• Adequate memory card (mini. two 32GB or one 64 GB) and Card reader.
• Extra battery (at least 2 extras) for your camera and keep your batteries in a cabin bag during your plane journey.
• External hard drive with adequate space.
• Carry CPL and ND filter (optional).
• A Headlamp is recommended or you carry a small torch with extra batteries that also works. (Keep your batteries in a cabin bag during your plane journey)
• Carry an L-Bracket, it is optional.
• Carry a small-sized soft cloth or towel or camera rain cover or camera dust cover to cover the camera body during the shoot.
• Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens.
• Lens cleaning kit or set.
• Carry the L-Key, it is a very essential tool. But remember don’t keep any sharp tools like – an L key, tripod hook, tripod spikes, etc. in cabin luggage. Keep it in check-in luggage.

All of the places we visit on this trip will be accessible in our trusty Russian 4×4 wheel drive vehicles so physical fitness is not a huge priority on our summer trips. Shooting the eagle hunters on hilltops might involve a little trekking to get to good vantage points and at a couple of points on our journey it may be necessary to walk alongside our vehicles so that they can ascend particularly steep terrain. There are absolutely no tarmac roads where we are going. Please bear this in mind before you book.

If you choose not to come with us when we travel on foot, don’t worry, there will be plenty of other things to occupy your time back at camp since we always set up alongside local families who are happy to have visitors. In the past, people have had some very unique experiences by choosing to do this.

• The altitude will be 3500-4000 mt. max. Altai and Gobi Desert have an average altitude of about 900 to 1,200 mt.
• In many places, we will face issues with the Internet & Mobile networks.
• There will be long drives, bumpy roads and long distances in remote areas, but we pride ourselves on comfort and we’ll roll out in our air-conditioned 4x4s. First class hotel in Ulaan Baatar and Gers in Tented Ger camps along the trip. We’ve made sure to secure the very best accommodations available for every stop on our trip.

During this season, the weather conditions in western Mongolia are usually warm and sunny, with typical daily maxima being between ranging from +10°C to +25°C during daytime and +8°C to +15°C at night until the end of August. The region can also experience occasional rainfall, so it’s important to be prepared for wet conditions. The weather in the Altai region can be unpredictable, with variations in temperature and occasional storms, so packing layers and waterproof gear is essential.

In August, the Gobi Desert experiences hot and arid conditions. Daytime temperatures can be quite high, often reaching between 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop significantly, sometimes falling to around 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The climate is generally dry with low humidity, and rainfall is scarce, although occasional thunderstorms can occur.

The weather in the Gobi Desert can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for both extreme heat during the day and cooler temperatures at night.

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Mongolia, including:

• Hepatitis A: Commonly recommended for travel to Mongolia.
• Hepatitis B: A viral infection spread through blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.
• Typhoid: A food and water-borne disease, recommended for some itineraries.
• Rabies: A viral infection usually transmitted through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, such as a bite, scratch, or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane. Consider getting a rabies vaccination before travel, especially for longer trips, if you’re at risk, or if you want lifelong protection.
• Other vaccinations that may be recommended include: Tetanus, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, Influenza, and COVID-19.

We recommend consulting your doctor for advice on vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit: https://www.who.int/travel-advice/all-updates-for-travellers

Arrival Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
Departure Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)

Travel Visa and Immigration

You will generally need a tourist visa for the country where we run your chosen tour. On your landing/immigration form, you should state that you are on a group tour if requested, and provide the name of our local tour operator. We will provide the necessary details once your booking is confirmed.

All travellers will require a visa to enter Ulaanbaatar, which must be obtained before travel. It is recommended to check with your nearest embassy for the most up-to-date visa regulations. As visa rules can vary according to your country of residence as well as the country that issued your passport, we strongly advise that you research the relevant visa rules before you travel. Go to Visa Map to find out more.

EXPOSURE cannot be held responsible for your entry/exit arrangements, so please note that obtaining the required documentation is solely your responsibility. No refunds will be made in the event of you being refused entry into the country where travel is to take place.

Mongolia is one of the safest countries in Asia. It ranks as the 8th safest country in Asia after countries such as Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Kuwait and 40th in the world. Mongols are very friendly people. Whether you are in the city or in the countryside, the Mongolians treat you with respect and are always happy to help you. And you should also show them your respect and not offend their beliefs and traditions.

It would be very grateful if you learn a few Mongolian words such as “Hello”, “How are you?” and “thanks”. Showing hospitality to guests is in our blood. It is in our culture that when travellers come to us, we must feed them and help them with everything.

After all, nomads believe that every guest brings goodness to the family. In the city, if you ask someone for directions, they will probably do their best to show you the way. In every public place like restaurants and shops, they are very kind and always smiling.

Registration is open from 25th December 2025 till 31st May 2026 or till the seat reservations end.

• This photo tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, the trip may be postponed or cancelled, and any deposits will be fully refunded.
• This is not a fancy tour, so your physical fitness is very important.
• Participants will be granted the expedition based on email confirmation on a first come first serve basis. Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or +918900702900 for any further assistance.

To reserve your spot, a 30% deposit of the full tour amount is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 90 days before the tour. You can pay via the online payment link on our website, or request our account details or PayPal information for the transfer. Your reservation may be cancelled if full payment is not received by the specified deadline. After making the payment, please send us a copy or screenshot of the bank receipt. Upon confirmation, we will email you the Rules and Regulations of the tour, securing your spot on the photo tour.

All cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will take effect on the date of receipt (by standard mail or electronically). Once the tour begins, there can be no refunds for any unused portions, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. Please note that the cancellation penalties outlined below are based on costs incurred by EXPOSURE on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments to agents, hotels, airlines, etc.

In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, EXPOSURE’s Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply, and you must fully agree to be bound by it. Any refunds will be processed within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same method used for payment.

Cancellation fees are as follows:

• 40% of the total fee if cancelled 90 days or more before the start of the trip.
• 100% of the total fee if cancelled 59 days or less before the start of the trip.

Please carefully read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, as well as the Disclaimer/Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.

Trip cancellation by EXPOSURE:

• In the unlikely event that EXPOSURE must cancel a tour or workshop due to a lack of participants or any other reason, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
• We will notify you in advance if a cancellation is being considered. If a photo tour is cancelled, 100% of your deposit and payments will be refunded.
• However, EXPOSURE is not liable for any expenses incurred, such as airfare, accommodations, or equipment costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.