Photo Tour to The Reindeer Herders in Mongolia

Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, you will be warmly met your guide and transferred to your hotel. After time to rest and refresh, we begin a guided city tour introducing Mongolia’s rich history, culture, and contemporary life. You will visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery, where you can photograph prayers, and the impressive standing indoor Buddha statue. The tour continues to the National Museum of Mongolia, offering a visual journey through Mongolian history from the Stone Age to the present day, or alternatively visit to some of the best photographic viewpoints and street scenes in Ulaanbaatar. The day concludes at Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city and a key landmark for urban photography. (L/D) 

This morning, take a domestic flight to Murun, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Khovsgol National Park, often referred to as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Surrounded by pine-covered mountains and crystal-clear waters, the lake offers outstanding opportunities for landscape photography. In the evening, capture long exposures and star-filled skies in one of Mongolia’s least light-polluted regions. (B/L/D)

The journey leads us into the vast Darkhad Valley, a remote and visually striking region known for its dramatic mountain ranges, wide open landscapes, and strong sense of isolation. Darkhad Valley is the ancestral homeland of the Darkhad ethnic people, who have lived here for centuries and are renowned for their distinctive white horses and deep-rooted shamanic traditions. We stop at 13 Ovoo Pass, the symbolic entrance to the Darkhad Valley, before continuing deeper into the region and driving on to Ulaan-Uul village. (B/L/D)

Today we continue north toward Tsagaan Nuur village, the northernmost permanent settlement in Mongolia. The drive passes through expansive meadows, river crossings, and remote open landscapes, with frequent stops for photography along the way. Upon arrival in Tsagaan Nuur, you gain your first insight into this important regional hub, which serves as the logistical and cultural center for the Tsaatan reindeer herders, although the village itself is primarily inhabited by Darkhad ethnic families. Depending on availability and local conditions, there may be an opportunity to meet and photograph a Darkhad ethnic shaman, offering a deeper understanding of the spiritual traditions that continue to shape life in the Darkhad Valley. Stay in a simple, family-run guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Today we journey deep into the remote taiga mountains, traveling by vehicle to the point where road access ends. Here, we leave our driver behind and load our luggage onto pack horses before beginning a horseback journey into the forest. Riding for approximately five to six hours, including a picnic lunch in the scenic mountain surroundings, we continue deeper into the taiga to reach the summer camps of the Tsaatan reindeer herders.

Arriving in the late afternoon, you will settle in with local families who maintain one of the world’s last reindeer-based nomadic cultures. Over the following two days, photography focuses on reindeer herds, milking scenes, and daily life inside traditional teepees, along with intimate environmental portraits shaped by soft forest light and early-morning mist.

Fully immersed in taiga life, you will have ample opportunities to photograph reindeer herding, children riding reindeer, and routines that have changed little over centuries. In the evening, experience a traditional shaman ceremony—one of humanity’s oldest spiritual belief systems—offering a powerful and rare documentary photography opportunity. Stay in e teepee or tented camp just beside the families. (B/L/D)

After saying farewell to our Tsaatan hosts, we begin our return journey on horseback, retracing our route through the taiga forest. At the point where vehicle access resumes, we meet our driver and continue by road back to Ulaan-Uul village, stopping along the way for photographic opportunities with nomadic herders or local horse-breeding families, when possible. Upon arrival, we settle into the same camp or a local guesthouse. (B/L/D)

Continuing our overland journey, we drive south through remote and changing landscapes as we return to Murun town. After an immersive photographic adventure in the wilderness, enjoy time to rest and refresh at a local hotel. (B/L/D)

Take a flight from Murun to Ulaanbaatar. Short city tour depending on the domestic flight time. In the evening, go to a traditional folk song performance (only during summer) and photograph colorful, traditionally dressed, beautiful dancers and singers on the stage. Farewell dinner together. (B/L/D)

Transfer to the airport for the departure. We hope you will leave with beautiful memories in your mind and unique captures on your camera. (B)