Your journey begins upon arrival at Ulaanbaatar (UB) International Airport, where our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel located in the heart of the city.

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, winter photography opportunities, and expectations for the expedition.

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

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

Today’s visits include Dashchoilin Monastery, the Genghis Khan Museum, and 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 remarkable paleontological heritage. Later in the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a short walk 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 at a comfortable hotel in central 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.

After a short breakfast in Ulgii, we visit the local market to purchase essential supplies for the upcoming migration. We then drive approximately three hours to Ulaankhus, where we set up our first winter camp alongside our host and long-time good friend, Kazakh Eagle Hunter Yermyek, and his family.

Ulaankhus is a remote district in Bayan-Ulgii Province, set within a beautiful river valley. Here, Yermyek’s family lives in their cozy winter house built from wood and clay, while their autumn camp consists of traditional yurts located nearby—much as their ancestors lived centuries ago.

After a warm welcome with tea and snacks, we begin our first photography sessions with the Eagle Hunters in their winter environment, focusing on authentic moments and daily life.

Later in the day, we spend time with our Kazakh hosts as they pack down their winter camp, preparing their belongings for departure the following day—offering a rare and intimate glimpse into nomadic life.

Dinner will be prepared by our expedition cook, featuring a combination of Western food and local cuisine, along with hot meals, coffee, and snacks.

Overnight accommodation will be in our private Ger(yurt) or winter camp, set up beside the family’s house.

We depart at first light to begin the family’s epic winter migration. Over the next four days, we will accompany our Kazakh hosts as they move through the dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains—one of the most powerful and immersive experiences of the entire journey.

Migration days begin early. The family dismantles their ger while the animals are rounded up—often moving instinctively in separate herds. Migration is a cyclical rhythm of life here, deeply ingrained in both people and animals.

Traditionally, men travel on horseback, while women ride horses or accompany pack animals. Bactrian camels are used to transport household belongings, including ger components, carpets, cooking utensils, shelves, and stoves. Today, where available, trucks may also assist in moving the family’s home, blending ancient tradition with modern practicality.

Herders begin moving the animals before sunrise, and we walk alongside the nomads and their herds, photographing the journey as it unfolds while following the family toward their spring camp. Each day, our ground team drives ahead in dedicated 4×4 vehicles to set up our ger tents for sleeping and dining.

Daily walking distances range from approximately 10 to 15 kilometers. While the walking is manageable, conditions can be cold, and participants are always welcome to ride in one of the support vehicles whenever needed.

Photography opportunities extend from sunrise through well past sunset, capturing the full rhythm of migration life.

Overnight accommodation will be in traditional gers (yurts).

Today, the migration continues toward the winter shelters of Saina’s Tuvan ethnic community, moving deeper into the remote Altai landscapes.

Throughout the day, you’ll have outstanding opportunities to photograph livestock and herdsmen, vast winter landscapes, frozen lakes, and dramatic snow-capped mountains. These moments offer powerful storytelling imagery as people, animals, and land come together in perfect rhythm.

The herding families navigate this vast terrain without maps or GPS, relying instead on the position of the sun, the contours of the hills, and familiar natural landmarks—knowledge passed down through generations.

Overnight accommodation will be in traditional gers (yurts), set up by our support team along the migration route.

The day begins before sunrise as the herdsmen once again start moving their animals in the early morning hours, following the familiar and time-honored rhythm of migration.

Today’s journey leads toward Buudal, a traditional resting point where migrating families pause to regain strength before the most demanding section of the route—crossing a frozen lake and a snow-covered high mountain pass.

As we move through the landscape, we’re greeted by crisp mountain air and the soft morning glow illuminating the Altai range. The migration then continues toward the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of Tsengel Khairkhan, a high-altitude region known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking winter scenery.

This marks the final day of the migration. As before, the journey begins before sunrise and continues steadily through the day as we cross frozen lakes and mountain passes, including the frozen Khara-Kol Lake. By early evening, we arrive at the Dayan Lake region, reaching the host family’s spring camp along with their livestock.

Upon arrival, the family begins settling into their new home, marking the successful completion of their seasonal journey. In the evening, we’ll arrange a celebratory feast to honor this epic migration and the shared experience.

Overnight accommodation will be in a warm, traditional ger (yurt).

Today is a more relaxed day spent at Yermyek’s spring camp, nestled deep within the snow-covered mountains of Tavan Bogd National Park—a breathtakingly beautiful and isolated region.

The morning is dedicated to photographing the surrounding landscapes and exploring the nearby valleys, capturing the quiet atmosphere of life after migration. This unhurried pace allows for thoughtful composition and refined landscape photography.

In the afternoon, we travel with an Eagle Hunter to one of the scenic peaks overlooking the valley for a carefully planned photography session. Here, we’ll create an epic “Eagle Hunter on horseback” image, timed precisely to coincide with the dramatic light of sunset and dusk, when the mountains glow and shadows stretch across the snow.

Overnight accommodation will be in a warm, traditional ger (yurt).

The day begins with an early morning natural-light portrait session with our local hosts, capturing the final intimate moments in the winter landscape.

After breakfast and a well-earned rest, we begin our journey back to Ulgii, covering approximately 200 kilometers by expedition vehicles. This is a full day of driving through the remote Altai terrain, offering opportunities to observe and photograph the changing landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival in Ulgii, we’ll visit the local market and enjoy some light sightseeing around town. In the evening, we’ll gather to enjoy local cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

Overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Ulgii.

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.

The rest of the day is dedicated to photographing Eagle Hunters and winter landscapes, combining cultural storytelling with wide scenic compositions.

Later in the afternoon, we travel to the breathtaking Tolbo Lake, a stunning alpine setting ideal for an extended sunset photography session. Framed by the dramatic Altai Mountains, you’ll photograph 2–4 Eagle Hunters, with soft winter light adding depth and atmosphere to the landscape.

Overnight accommodation will be at a hotel in Ulgii.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local market to browse and purchase souvenirs and traditional handicrafts—a great opportunity to pick up meaningful keepsakes from Mongolia.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a final farewell dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in the city, a relaxed moment to reflect on the journey and celebrate the images and experiences we’ve shared. Afterward, enjoy a well-deserved night’s rest at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

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

Tearful goodbyes follow as we bid farewell, wishing you a safe and pleasant journey and hoping the memories—and photographs—from this remarkable expedition stay with you for years to come.

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.

If, like me, you choose to walk the full 150 km of the migration, a fair to good level of physical fitness is recommended. The migration moves at a steady, natural pace with regular breaks.

That said, it is not necessary to walk the entire migration. Participants may walk as much or as little as they wish and can use support vehicles at any time to position ahead of the herds and photograph the migration from different angles. Walkie-talkies allow easy coordination with the support team throughout the day.

Because of this flexibility, mental resilience, adaptability, and comfort in remote conditions are more important than physical strength.
This is a raw and authentic expedition, far removed from modern comforts. Accommodation is in traditional gers, toilet facilities are basic, and showers are not available during the five-day migration due to the extreme cold. Shower facilities will be available again at the end of the journey.

Weather plays a major role in shaping the experience, with clear days often around –15°C and nights dropping to –25°C or colder, along with the possibility of snow and strong winds.

This expedition is not about luxury—it’s about immersion and witnessing one of the world’s last great nomadic migrations from the inside.

This expedition is designed for photographers who are seeking an authentic, immersive field experience and are willing to place storytelling and access above comfort.

It is ideally suited for:

• Photographers who want to document life from within the migration, not from a distance
• Those with a fair to good level of fitness, or the ability to pace themselves over long walking days
• Participants who are comfortable working in extreme cold and unpredictable conditions
• Photographers who understand that meaningful images often require physical effort, patience, and resilience
• Individuals who are adaptable, mentally strong, and open to basic living conditions
• Story-driven photographers who value depth, proximity, and authenticity over convenience

This is not about ticking off locations or chasing comfort. It is about being present, staying close to the story, and creating powerful photographic narratives in challenging environments.

• High Altitude: We will be operating at elevations of approximately 3,500–4,000 metres (maximum), so a reasonable level of acclimatisation and hydration is important.
• Limited Facilities: There will be periods of a few days without bathing facilities, particularly while we are in remote areas during the migration.
• Connectivity Challenges: Internet and mobile networks may be unreliable or unavailable in many regions we travel through.
• Remote Travel Conditions: Expect long drives, rough roads, and vast distances across remote terrain. Travel will be in comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 vehicles, and accommodations will include first-class hotels in Ulaanbaatar and traditional gers during the expedition. We have carefully selected the best available accommodations at every stop to ensure maximum comfort in challenging environments.

A Leisure Holiday: This is a serious photography expedition, not a sightseeing vacation. Participants should be prepared for demanding conditions, early starts, long days, and occasional exposure to extreme and unpredictable weather.

Once you register for the expedition, we will guide you thoroughly on winter clothing and essential equipment, ensuring you are fully prepared for the conditions you’ll encounter. You won’t be left guessing—our team will help you plan exactly what you need before departure.

This is a cold-weather expedition, and your packing should reflect that. Weather conditions in Mongolia can be unpredictable, and you’ll spend long hours outdoors—sometimes walking, sometimes traveling in vehicles—so having appropriate gear is essential.

Layering is key. You may alternate between walking and resting in support vehicles depending on comfort and fitness. Our support vehicles follow the route as closely as possible, and part of our team travels ahead each day to set up camp with mattresses, camel-wool blankets, and wood stoves inside each ger. Our staff keeps the fires burning through the night so you can stay warm and dry clothes if needed.

A sleeping bag will be provided, so bringing one is not essential. However, if you prefer using your own sleeping bag for personal comfort or hygiene, you are welcome to bring it.

Below is a suggested packing list to help make your expedition comfortable and fulfilling:

Essential Gear

• Backpack
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Thermoflask
• 2-liter water bottle or water container
• Money belt or pouch
• Insurance confirmation copy
• Emergency contact details

Clothing (Cold Weather & Layering)

• Waterproof winter jacket (extreme cold-rated, with hood)
• Waterproof over-pants
• Lightweight trousers
• Long underwear / thermal base layers
• Warm hat
• Winter gloves + insulated snow gloves
• Wool socks
• Underwear
• Comfortable snow boots for walking
• Waterproof hiking boots

Tip: Layering is essential. 4–7 layers are usually sufficient, depending on activity levels and weather conditions.

Personal Items

• Sunglasses (bring a spare pair)
• Sunscreen
• Wet wipes/tissues
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medications
• Basic medicines (headache, fever, stomach upset, etc.)
• Anti-mosquito lotion (useful during certain conditions)

You should bring cameras, a laptop (for editing in the evenings), and a head torch. These kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Don’t worry about recharging since we will have generators to top up our gear each night. Once you confirm your booking with a deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.
This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessory:

• 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 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.
• If you bring a good quality bridge camera instead of a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will be best if it has an optical zoom of 18-20x or more, combined with a reasonable wide-angle at the other end of the zoom range.
• Protector for your lens.
• A Sturdy Tripod could be required to shoot some low-light images.
• Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
• Adequate memory card and Card reader.
• Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader. There will likely be only limited access to power when we stay with the nomads.
• A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry, we’ll provide it.)
• Carry a small soft cloth or towel that you may require to wrap your camera during the night shoot.
• Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens if ice crystals form.

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

During this season, weather conditions in both western and central Mongolia are typically cold, dry, and sunny. Daytime temperatures usually range between –10°C and –15°C (14°F to 5°F), while nighttime temperatures commonly drop to around –25°C (–4°F).

On rare occasions, especially in remote high-altitude regions, temperatures can fall as low as –40°C (–40°F).

Clear skies are common, creating excellent conditions for winter photography, though sudden weather changes are always possible in this remote environment.

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

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 participants’ entry or exit arrangements. Obtaining all required visas, permits, and travel documentation is solely the responsibility of the participant. No refunds will be issued in the event that entry into the destination country is refused for any reason.

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 could 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.

We highly recommend that you get travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

We work closely with an exceptional and highly experienced local team in Mongolia. With over a decade of on-ground expertise, they are fully equipped to support the safe and smooth operation of our expeditions in some of the country’s most remote regions.

Our local partners have previously worked with renowned international organizations such as BBC Earth, National Geographic, and Discovery, providing logistical and field support in challenging environments.

Your safety and well-being are our highest priorities. If you have any questions or concerns regarding travel, safety, or logistics, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll be happy to address them in detail.

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

• This photo tour requires a minimum of 3 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 luxury tour. The expedition involves long days in cold, remote environments, and a reasonable level of physical fitness and adaptability is required.
• Participation is confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to email confirmation. For any questions or assistance, please feel free to reach out to us.

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.