5 Day Photography Tour In Mongolia

Our journey begins with a drive of about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar to Hustai National Park, one of Mongolia’s most important protected areas. Hustai is best known as the home of the wild Takhi, horses also known as Przewalski’s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) the last truly wild horses on Earth. The park is also home to red deer, marmots, and several iconic species of raptors. You will focus on wildlife photography in open steppe landscapes, working with natural light, animal movement, and behavior to capture strong and authentic images.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Lunch, Dinner 

After breakfast, drive about 210 km to Elsen Tasarkhai, a unique Semi-Gobi area often called the “Mini Gobi.” This location offers excellent landscape photography with a rare combination of sand dunes, green grassland, and rocky mountains. You will also visit local camel herders, creating opportunities for camel photography on the dunes and environmental portraits. Camel riding on the small sand dunes is possible, and the area is suitable for gentle walking and easy exploration.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive about 80 km to the Orkhon Valley, one of Mongolia’s most important cultural landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photograph Kharkhorin, the ancient capital site of the Mongol Empire, and Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. The visit begins with a local museum, providing background knowledge about the history and cultural importance of the area. The area offers good opportunities to work with composition and natural light for architecture, cultural details and monks during prayer time. You will also observe local people visiting the monastery, images to be captured with respect and discretion.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Travel about 80 km to Ugii Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake surrounded by open steppe. Here, you will visit a nomadic family, focusing on lifestyle photography and environmental portraits. The day is dedicated to capturing daily life, traditional clothing, and authentic moments that reflect Mongolia’s living nomadic culture. There is also time for easy walking along the lake shore, watching and photographing birds. Ugii Lake is a Ramsar-listed wetland, recognized as an important habitat for migratory birds, making it a rewarding location for both cultural and nature photography.

Accommodation: Tourist ger camp. Meals: Full board

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar (approx. 330 km). Along the way, we will make photography stops as time and light allow, with opportunities to photograph nomadic families, daily life, and open steppe landscapes. Lunch will be at a local roadside restaurant. Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, enjoy free time to relax or explore the city and the tour ends.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch