Middle Earth

Mongolia

Why Mongolia? Because Few Dare to Go

Mongolia is one of the world’s last true frontiers—wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful. While many dream of visiting, few actually make the journey. Why? Because getting there isn’t easy.

With no direct flights from North America and limited direct flights from Europe (only four per week from Frankfurt and six from Istanbul), reaching Mongolia requires determination. And once you arrive in Ulaanbaatar, there are just three flights a week to Ölgii—the gateway to the stunning Altai Mountains.

But here’s the thing: the effort is absolutely worth it.

Mongolia’s vast landscapes remain unspoiled by mass tourism. You’ll experience jaw-dropping scenery, encounter nomadic families who welcome you into their traditional Gers (not yurts), and capture once-in-a-lifetime photographs of eagle hunters, rolling steppe, and the towering dunes of the Gobi Desert.

If you're looking for luxury, this isn’t the trip for you. This is adventure travel at its finest. We’ll be off-roading for hours in 4x4 SUVs, staying in traditional Gers (with no five-star amenities), and eating simple but authentic Mongolian food. The days will be long, the conditions rugged—but the rewards? Unmatched.

Mongolia isn’t for everyone—it’s for those who crave adventure, authenticity, and once-in-a-lifetime photography opportunities.

Itinerary

Day 1-2
Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Day 3-8
Altai Mountains & Eagle Hunters: Fly to Ölgii and journey into the Altai Mountains. Stay with nomadic families in traditional Gers. Ride horseback to the remote Potanin Glacier, a place few travelers have seen. Meet and photograph Kazakh eagle hunters, capturing stunning sunrise portraits. Explore Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to dramatic peaks, glaciers, and wildlife like ibex and raptors.

Day 9-10
Return to Ulaanbaatar: Head back to Ölgii for a well-earned rest before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a day of relaxation and city exploration.

Day 11-15
Gobi Desert Expedition: Travel south into the legendary Gobi Desert. Witness the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils were first discovered. Hike through the surreal White Stupa cliffs. Photograph the vast Khongor Sand Dunes, some of the largest in the world. Ride horseback through the Yolyn Am Valley, a hidden oasis surrounded by towering cliffs.

Day 16
Head home
Transportation

You are responsible for arranging your own international transportation. This photo tour begins and ends in Ulaanbaatar, with the exact hotel and meeting location provided upon registration. Once the tour starts, all internal transportation costs, including domestic flights, are covered in the registration fee. Throughout the journey, we will travel in private 4x4 SUVs for an immersive experience.
Accommodation

Throughout most of the trip, we will be staying in traditional Gers, offering an authentic and immersive experience. For four nights, accommodations will be in three-star Western-standard hotels. Expect rustic conditions for the majority of the journey. Single accommodations will be provided where possible; however, please note that for nine nights, this option will not be available.
Meals

All meals are included, except for 9 out of the 41. For long days away from camp, we recommend bringing 2–3 of your favorite energy bars for a quick and convenient snack.
Medical

There are no special travel requirements for Mongolia. However, it is always recommended to ensure your routine childhood immunizations are up to date before traveling.
Documents

Most citizens of Western countries with a valid passport do not need an entry visa for Mongolia. However, we recommend checking with your local embassy or consulate for specific requirements. Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas, and registration does not include any visa fees.
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