Mongolia Photosafari from 4th to 12th November 2017

Introduction

This Mongolian photosafari takes you to the land of the legendary Eagle Hunters of Mongolia and the famous Mongolian horses. We will fly to the Olgii, the far west capital to document the lives of the Kazakh Eagle Hunters. This age-old tradition has been passed down for generations, from fathers to sons, on how to tame the Golden Eagles and use them to hunt for small animals. This tradition has become their way of life. We are going to stay with this community and get to have first-hand knowledge on their way of life. Here you will also meet the first female eagle huntress, Aisholpan, the daughter of an experienced eagle hunter Han Gohadok. She is the first female to break this tradition.

Horses play a very big part in the lives of Mongolians. They say that a Mongolian without a horse is like a bird without wings. Great Warriors like Genghis Khan have used horses to conquer China and other territories in Asian Continent. Horses are also integrated with many of Mongolians national sports. We will be spending a day documenting the Mongolian horses in their natural habitat.

We will also be spending some time with a nomadic Mongolian family and experience horseback riding on the Mongolian plains.

Accommodation

We will be staying in hotels in cities and Ger Camps in villages. In Ulaanbaatar, we will be staying at a 4* Grand Hill Hotel or equivalent. Grand Hill Hotel

What is a Ger Camp?

A Ger is a traditional tent made of felt and light timber structures. Accommodation and facilities are simple, although most camps are equipped with a toilet and shower block and have electricity running from a central generator. Individual gers are simple but always cosy and comfortable, usually kitted out with two, three or four wooden beds with bedding, table and chairs and flasks of hot water.

The ger is heated by a central wood-burning stove, excellent for keeping out the night chill, which will be started for you each evening and usually replenished the following morning before you wake.

How to get there?

There is a flight by Korean Airlines from KUL to Ulaanbaatar with a stop at Seoul.

Mongolian Visa

Citizens of Malaysia, Philippines, Germany, and Singapore are exempted from applying Mongolian visa for periods ranging from 14 to 30 days. Please check whether your country requires a Visa to enter Mongolia.

Itinerary

Nov 04 – Day 1: Arrive at Ulaanbaatar (D)

Meet at airport
Check-in hotel (Grand Hill Hotel 4* or equivalent)
Dinner

Nov 05 – Day 2: Introduction to Mongolian Horses (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Briefing on the shoot
Early lunch
Mongolian horses shoot
Dinner
Free and easy
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Nov 06 – Day 3: Shooting Mongolian Horses (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Transfer to horses shooting locations
Lunch
Afternoon free and easy
Dinner at North Korean Restaurant
Hotel in Ulaanbaatar

Nov 07 Day 4: Fly to Bayan-Olgii (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Transfer to airport
Fly to Olgii,
Lunch
Drive to land of Eagle Hunters.
Sunset shoot and nomadic life.
Check in Ger Camp at the Eagle Hunters
Dinner at the Ger Camp
Free and easy for shooting star trails

Nov 08 Day 5: A day with the Eagle Hunters (B,L,D)

Early morning sunrise shoot with the Eagle Hunters
Breakfast
Mountain scenery with the Eagle Hunters
Lunch
Spending a day with the Eagle Hunters as they go thru the phases of training, feeding and using the eagles for hunting. Including sunset scenes
Dinner at Ger Camp
Free and easy. You can shoot star trails at night
Stay at Ger Camp

Nov 09 Day 6: Tour around Olgii town (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Drive to Olgii town
Short tour of the town
Lunch
Visit a Primary School in Olgii and have fun with the kids.
Dinner
Stay in hotel at Olgii town

Nov 10 Day 7: Ulaanbaatar and City Tour (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Transfer to airport
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar,
Check-in Hotel
Lunch
Ulaanbaatar City Tour – Chojin Lama’s Temple, Museum, Central Square, Zaisin Hill and last minute shopping
Dinner
Stay in Hotel (Grand Hill Hotel 4* or equivalent)

Nov 11 Day 9: Lifestyle a Nomadic Mongolian Family (B,L,D)

Breakfast
Drive to a Nomadic community.
Meet up with the nomad family and document the life of a Nomad in the harsh Mongolian environment.
Lunch with the family – authentic Mongolian meal
Experience horseback riding on a guided trip through the Mongolian plains (about 2 hours).
Dinner
Overnight in the Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Nov 12 Day 9: Departure (B)