After breakfast in the hotel, we will go to the airport and take a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. The flight time is 1.5 hours. In the case that no flights are available, we will travel by cars from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad at no additional cost. Depend on the arrival time, we will either be staying in a hotel in Dalanzadgad or driving straight to the Khongor Sand Dunes.

Our main stage for the next two days is the Khongor Sand Dunes. This is one of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, with an area of over 900 square kilometers and some dunes reaching heights of 100 - 300 meters (300 - 1000 ft)! The inhabitants here call the Khongor Sand Dunes the “Singing Dunes” due to the “roaring” or “blooming” noise when the sand grains move over one another in the wind.

While in the desert we will be have 5 bactrian camels and 2 local Mongolians in traditional costume posing on the sand dunes for photography!

Bactrian camels are double-hump camels native to the Gobi Desert. They are among the most adaptable creatures on Earth, as they can cope with drought, high altitudes, and extreme temperature between 40°C (104°F) in the summer and -30°C (-22°F) in the winter. Domesticated Bactrian camels are a separate species from wild Bactrian camel and they have served as pack animals in Central Asia since ancient times and were a form of transportation on the Silk Road.

We will be photographing the amazing scene of long shadow cast across the sand dunes by the low sunlight, with camels walking across the sand dunes exactly like they did in the silk road era!

Overnight in hotel in Dalanzadgad on Day 2, and Tourist Ger Camp in Day 3 and Day 4. The Ger Camp amenities include comfortable beds, clean public showers and toilets, and limited hours of electricity.

After breakfast we will be driving back to Dalanzadgad and catch the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon return to Ulaanbaatar, we will check in to the hotel. In the evening, we will meet up for dinner in the local restaurant.

Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

After breakfast, we'll visit the renowned Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, an iconic tourist spot that pays homage to the legendary founder of the Mongol Empire. Next, we'll head to a private Naadam Festival at a training camp, where we'll experience a demonstration of rich cultural traditions like Mongolian throat singing, wrestling matches, and amazing archery displays.

Descended from some of the greatest warriors in history, the Mongols have a heritage that's steeped in prowess and skill. From the time they were old enough to sit on a horse and hold a bow the ancient Mongolian warriors began hunting and learn the art of Bökh, a formidable fighting style that's now known as Mongolian wrestling. They were also exceptional horsemen, with both riders and horses boasting unmatched endurance and able to cover an astonishing 80-120 kilometers a day! Their mastery with the bow and arrow was legendary, and they could famously shoot targets behind them while galloping on horseback. It's a heritage they're incredibly proud of, and although the Mongols are some of the friendliest people you'll meet today, their skills with horses, bows, and wrestling are still some of the best in the world.

At the training camp, we'll have the incredible opportunity to meet these modern-day warriors. And for the adventurous ones among us, who knows? Maybe you'll even dare to step into the ring with one of these formidable wrestlers!

Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

After breakfast, we will take a 2-hour domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Olgii - the gateway to the stunning landscapes of Western Mongolia. Our drivers will take us toward Tsambagaraw Mountain in the Altantsugts Soum region, our base for the next few days. Prepare to be warmly welcomed by a Kazakh family and indulge in delicious traditional meals at one of their Ger camps.

Eagle hunting is a time-honored tradition, with roots dating back over four thousand years and believed to have been practiced by none other than Chinggis (Genghis) Khan himself. The Kazakhs have inherited this ancient sport from their Turkic and Mongol ancestors, perfecting it since the 15th century. Hunting with golden eagles is not for meat, but primarily for fur. The prey includes red and Corsac foxes, hares, wild cats, and wolves. Female eagles are typically captured from their nests when they are just a few months old and then painstakingly trained by their owners. A deep bond is formed along the way, and the eagle will stay with her owner for 4 - 10 years before being re-released into the wild when she is breeding age. She’ll be released as far away as possible in order to discourage her from returning, and the owner will continue to monitor her to ensure she is feeding and reintegrating.

In 2011, UNESCO recognized Kazakh eagle hunting as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its living human heritage. As one eagle hunter aptly put it, "When Kazakhs came into the world, they were eagle hunters."

For the next few days we will have our own private golden eagle festival, featuring 10 to 15 skilled eagle hunters. Unlike the crowded public festival, our private event offers unparalleled access to capture breathtaking images of the Kazakh eagle hunters showcasing their awe-inspiring falconry skills on horseback against the backdrop of majestic landscapes. From mountain ridges to grasslands, rocky terrain to reflections under the Altai Mountain range, and horses galloping across rivers, be prepared for heart-pounding moments and unparalleled excitement!

When the midday sun is harsh outside, we'll capture stunning portraits of the Kazakh people in their traditional costumes inside their Ger (Yurt) tents, with soft ambient light filtering through the door. The results will leave you in awe! And for the brave-hearted, you'll have a rare opportunity to get up close with the majestic golden eagles and let them perch on your arm!

As we immerse ourselves in the Kazakh culture, we'll enjoy traditional cuisines with our hospitable hosts after our long days of photography. The Kazakhs will also regale us with their epic instrumental music, captivating dances, and soulful vocal singing!

Overnights in Kazakh’s Ger Camp. The amenities include beds, toilet tent with seat toilet, heater, and limited hours of electricity.

After the sunrise session and breakfast, we will be driving to the Olgii airport to catch the flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon return to Ulaanbaatar, we will check in to the hotel in city center. In the evening, we will meet up for dinner in the local restaurant.

Overnight in hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

You will be transferred to the Ulaanbaatar Airport by our drivers, and will be leaving Mongolia with plenty of memories and great images!