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Mongolia Photography Tour - Eagle Hunters, Nomadic Life and Altai Mountains (8 Days / 7 Nights)
Go on a multi-day trip to the heart of Mongolia’s beautiful Altai Mountains. Walk through mountain passes and the Oigor Valley, from Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp across green meadows, rivers, and valleys shaped by glaciers. Enjoy amazing mountain views and quiet, open landscapes that are perfect for photos and videos.
Visit the clear Khoton and Khurgan Lakes, hike to the Baga Turgen Waterfall, and camp by the lakes under a sky full of stars. Sleeping outdoors in this peaceful setting lets you experience Mongolia’s natural beauty.
Western Mongolia is a land of wide-open spaces, tall mountains, and traditional nomads. Meet local families, see their daily life, and learn how they live close to nature.
A special part of the trip is spending a full day with a Kazakh eagle hunter family. Watch golden eagles being trained, help care for the animals, try traditional crafts, and enjoy real Kazakh meals. This is a rare chance to see nomad life and capture unique cultural moments through your camera.
Along the way, you will also meet local guides and fellow travelers who share your passion for photography and adventure. Every stop offers new stories, vibrant landscapes, and unforgettable moments that can be turned into stunning photos, videos, or blog posts. This tour is truly a creative journey for anyone looking to capture the heart of Mongolia.
PAX | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
1 PAX | 2358 USD |
2 PAX | 1600 USD
|
3-4 PAX | 1258 USD
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5 -6 PAX | 1213 USD |
7-8 PAX | 1120 USD |
Day 1 – Flight to Bayan-Ulgii Province
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Morning domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ulgii (approx. 2 hours).
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Meet your driver and local Kazakh guide at Ulgii airport.
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Visit the Bayan-Ulgii Museum – learn about Kazakh culture, history, and wildlife.
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Explore the local bazaar (open market) for handicrafts and souvenirs.
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Evening welcome dinner featuring traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel or ger camp in Ulgii.
Day 2 - Drive to Oigor Valley and Start trekking
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Morning departure from Ulgii town, driving through rugged mountain passes and river valleys toward Oigor Valley (approx. 4–5 hrs).
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Stop for picnic lunch along the way, enjoying views of snow-capped Altai Mountains.
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Meet your local horse guides and get matched with your horse for the upcoming trek.
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Begin your first day of horse riding through the scenic Oigor Valley.
Accommodation: Tent camp or ger near the park
Day 3 -Trek from Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp to White-River Valley
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Morning departure from Altai Tavan Bogd Base Camp (approx. 4–6 hours)
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Trek along alpine meadows, rivers, and glacial streams, enjoying the pristine scenery of the Altai Mountains.
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Explore about the Altai Tavan Bogd massif (“Saint Five Peaks”) and its significance in geography and culture.
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Optional side trek: Visit the Potanin Glacier if mountain weather or trail conditions allow.
Accommodation: Tent
Day 4 – Drive to Khoton & Khurgan Lakes
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Drive deeper into the park (approx. 4–5 hours)
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Optional short walks along the lakeshore or photography stops to capture the stunning scenery.
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Picnic or packed lunch en route or at the lakes.
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Evening campfire by the lakeside with dinner and hot drinks.
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Optional stargazing in the clear Altai sky.
Accommodation: Lakeside ger or tented camp
Day 7 – Return to Ölgii / Kazakh Cultural Evening
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Drive back to Ölgii town through scenic mountain and steppe landscapes.
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Visit the local bazaar and craft shops for souvenirs.
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Stroll through town and experience everyday local life.
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Enjoy an evening cultural show with traditional Kazakh music and dance.
Accommodation: Camp or ger.
Day 8 – Fly to Ulaanbaatar
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Transfer to Ulgii airport for flight back to Ulaanbaatar (approx. 2 hrs).
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Meet at airport and transfer to hotel.
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Visit State Department Store for souvenirs.
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Optional dinner show with Mongolian throat singing & dance.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ulaanbaatar.
Day 6 – Life with the Eagle Hunter Family
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Spend the day with a Kazakh eagle hunter and his family in their traditional ger camp
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Observe the golden eagle being fed, groomed, and trained
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Take part in herding goats, sheep, and yaks across the open steppe
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Visit neighboring Kazakh families to see felt-making, embroidery, and saddle craftsmanship, with optional hands-on activities
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Help prepare and enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak, along with tea and homemade dairy products
Accommodation: Camp or ger.
Day 5 – Hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall
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Morning hike to Baga Turgen Waterfall (approx. 3–4 hours round trip).
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Picnic lunch at the waterfall, surrounded by forested slopes and streams.
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Optional exploration of nearby alpine meadows and wildlife spotting (marmots, eagles).
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Evening campfire with dinner and hot drinks.
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Optional visit to a nearby nomadic family to learn about local life.
Accommodation: Lakeside ger or tented camp
Q: What are the best photography subjects on this tour?
A: Six distinct categories: (1) Kazakh eagle hunters — portraits and eagles-in-flight, (2) nomadic life — ger interiors, felt-making, herding, (3) mountain landscapes — glaciers, peaks, alpine valleys, (4) wildlife — golden eagles, marmots, raptors, (5) astrophotography — Khoton Lake under the Milky Way, (6) documentary — daily nomadic family routines.
Q: How close can I get to the golden eagles for photography?
A: During the private eagle hunter family visit (Day 6), you have close, unhurried access — typically within 1–3 metres for portraits. Your guide arranges specific shots including the eagle on the hunter's arm, eagle launch and return.
Q: Do the Kazakh families consent to being photographed?
A: Yes. Our guides have longstanding relationships with the families we visit. Photography consent is established before arrival. Always ask your guide before photographing inside a ger or during personal moments.
Q: Are drones allowed on this tour?
A: Drone flying in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park requires a permit — we arrange this if you inform us at booking. Outside the national park, drones are generally permitted. Note the 15 kg domestic flight baggage limit.
Q: What camera gear do you recommend for this tour?
A: Landscape: 16–35mm. Eagle hunters & wildlife: 70–200mm or 100–500mm. Portraits: 50mm f/1.4. Essentials: polarising filter, ND filters, extra batteries, dust-proof bag, travel tripod.
Q: Can I charge camera batteries and laptops during the tour?
A: Power is available in Ulgii town (Days 1, 7, 8) and at some ger camps. In the mountains (Days 2–6), power is limited. Bring spare batteries for 3–4 days. A portable power bank is strongly recommended.
Q: Can I bring a large professional camera kit?
A: Yes, but the 15 kg domestic flight limit applies. Contact us to discuss excess baggage options. During the mountain trek, gear is transported by pack animals.
Q: Is this tour suitable for travel bloggers and social media content creators?
A: Absolutely. The pacing allows time to shoot and reflect, the small group (max 8) means you rarely compete for a shot, and every location is visually distinct. Past guests have produced content for Instagram, YouTube, and travel publications.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi or mobile internet for uploading content during the tour?
A: Signal is available in Ulgii town only (Days 1, 7, 8). In the mountains (Days 2–6) there is no connectivity. Most creators treat the mountain section as capture-only and upload in Ulgii on Day 7.
Q: Do you offer press or blogger rates?
A: For established travel bloggers and content creators with an engaged audience, we consider hosting arrangements in exchange for honest coverage. Contact us with your portfolio — quality and genuine engagement matter more than follower counts.
Q: Do I retain full rights to photos and videos taken on the tour?
A: Yes. All content you create is yours to publish freely. We may ask permission to share on our channels with full credit — this is always opt-in, never assumed. We never claim ownership of guest photography.
Q: What is the best time of year for photography on this tour?
A: June and September offer the best photographic conditions. June has the longest days (up to 16 hours of light), lush green valleys, and fewer tourists. September brings golden autumn colours on the steppe and dramatic cloud formations. July–August are busiest but still excellent — wildflowers are in bloom and weather is warmest.
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