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1ST – 10TH SEPTEMBER 2023
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ABOUT MONGOLIA
As a travel destination, Mongolia is a special place for those seeking adventure, traditional culture and unrivalled hospitality offered by nomad families. It is a magical place to visit, and remains one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in Asia.
Around 25% of the population are still truly nomadic, moving around 2-4 times a year depending on the area and weather. Around 25% are semi-nomadic, moving from villages at the end of winter to the vast open Steppe to find new pasture for their livestock. These nomad families are extremely friendly & welcoming, whose relentless sense of hospitality can at times be overwhelming.
Mongolia is one of my favourite countries in the world which offers the chance to step back in time to a simpler, age old way of life, making it an ideal destination for a photo expedition.
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ABOUT THE PHOTO EXPEDITION
This photo expedition is not a typical ‘Mongolia tour’ where you are whisked from one place to another every day, but a slow paced journey where you have enough time to experience and photograph the traditional culture. Many nomadic families supplement their income by offering their spare Ger to passing travellers, and it is these extremely hospitable people that we will be staying with. This accommodation will be traditional but basic, so if you prefer to travel in luxury and enjoy fine dining, then this expedition may not be for you.
Because the Ger accommodation only sleeps a maximum of 5 people the photo expedition is limited to a maximum of 4 photographers (excluding myself). This will ensure that you receive the best tuition, are able to maximise the photographic opportunities offered and minimise the impact on our surroundings. It is suitable for all levels of photographers who are keen to learn, passionate about travel & photography, and like to immerse themselves in traditional cultures in lesser travelled destinations.
We will travel in a classic Russian minivan which is built like a tank, extremely reliable & really quite comfortable given the state of some of the roads.
Charging camera batteries, laptops, phones etc. will not be a problem as there will be solar chargers on hand to provide power if required.
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ITINERARY
To view a simple map of Mongolia and the planned route click here.
Day 1 – Arrive in Ulan Bator. Introduction dinner & drinks in the evening and first night’s accommodation at UB Hotel.
Day 2 – Kharkhorin.
Due to the fact that we will be visiting and staying with nomadic families, it is virtually impossible to arrange a detailed itinerary because of their migration from summer to winter camps. There will be a very good chance we will witness and take part in one of these nomadic migrations, providing a once in a lifetime experience and of course unique photo opportunities. Rest assured though that our guide & driver will be in constant contact with those families offering Ger accommodation to guests, so we will not be sleeping rough on the Steppe!
Day 7 & 8 – Tsenker Valley.
As we will be staying with nomad families all the way outside of UB, the itinerary will be reasonably flexible. If the whole group decides they want to stay a day or so longer in one place and a day or so less in another, then it will not be a problem. It is also important to understand that trips of this nature to remote locations can sometimes be susceptible to unforeseen problems, resulting in last minute itinerary changes.
Day 13 – Kharkhorin.
Day 14 – Return to Ulan Bator. Farewell dinner & drinks in the evening and final night’s accommodation at UB Hotel.
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COST
The cost of the expedition is £2,395 per person (no single supplement charged)
which includes:
Ger Accommodation · All meals · English speaking Mongolian guide & cook · Photographic tuition and guidance · Surface transportation · Airport transfers.
and excludes:
International flights · Travel insurance · Camera insurance · Passport, visa & vaccination charges · Private excursions · Alcoholic drinks or extra snacks · Laundry · Telephone calls & items of a personal nature.
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INFORMATION
You will need to equip yourself with the following gear:-
SLR Camera (digital or film) · Memory cards or film · Spare Batteries · Tripod (not essential) · Filters (not essential) · Cable release (not essential) · Laptop computer (not essential) · Warm Clothing · Photos (either printed or digital) to use for critiquing.
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BOOKING
A deposit of 25% is required to reserve a place.
Please read the booking TERMS & CONDITIONS page for information before booking.
Please submit the online BOOKING FORM or e-mail directly to info@andrewnewey.com.
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