Mongolia 2024 Photography Adventure

Workshop Information Packet



Contents:

I.              General Information

II.            To Do Checklist

III.         Daily Itinerary

Mongolia 2024 Photography Adventure

General Information

Workshop Dates:  Sep 10–20, 2024

 

Welcome to the Adventure!

Thanks again for joining our 2024 Mongolia: Golden Eagles & Gobi Desert Photography Adventure.  I can’t wait to share the beauty and mystery of this remote region with you including its people, culture, and landscapes. But first, a bit of planning is needed to make sure everything goes smoothly. This document contains important information to help you prepare for our journey. Please take the time to read it carefully.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Our adventure begins when we pick you up from Chinggis Khan International Airport (airport code: UBN) on Sep 10 in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia and ends when we drop you off at the same airport on Sep 20 for your homeward flight. 

In between, we will explore and photograph two regions in central and western Mongolia. The first includes the golden sand dunes of the Gobi Desert and an area known as the Flaming Cliffs where our primary focus will be landscapes. The final four days of our journey will center around the ancient Kazakh tradition of hunting with golden eagles from horses.

We’ll get around mostly in 4-wheel drive Landcruiser’s with a local guide & drivers. We also have two domestic flights (included) in our itinerary. Our accommodations will range from standard hotel rooms in Ulaanbaatar to traditional Mongolian Gers (yurts).

Take a look at the Daily Itinerary in this packet or on the workshop page of our website for more details about the locations we will visit and the things we can expect to see and photograph throughout our journey.

BALANCE OF FEES

The balance of your workshop fees is due as follows:

  • $3000 due Jan 28, 2024

  • Remaining balance due May 28, 2024

You will receive an invoice by email approximately 30 days before the due date. Payment can be made online by credit card. Let us know if you wish to use another form of payment. Your prompt payment is much appreciated.

Reminder: if you selected the Shared Lodging option but we cannot match you with a same gender roommate, you will be charged the Single Supplement fee ($750).

TRAVEL LOGISTICS & DOCUMENTS

International Flights

Arrival – book your flights to arrive in Ulaanbaatar (airport code: UBN) no later than ~2 pm on Sep 10. Our representative will meet you at the airport and transport you to our hotel. Look for someone holding a sign with your name after you clear customs and pick up your luggage.

Departure– book your departing flight for anytime on Sep 20. We will transport you to the airport in time for your flight.

Please forward a copy of your travel itinerary to us ASAP to facilitate pickup/drop-off planning.

Additional Hotel Nights – if you are planning to arrive early or stay after the workshop ends and need additional hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar, let us know and we can book them for you (additional cost).

Passport – make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Please send us a copy/photo of the picture page of your passport.

Visas – if your passport was issued by the United States or Canada, you do NOT need a visa to visit Mongolia. If you are traveling under a passport of another country, check online for any visa requirements.

Travel Insurance – a policy that covers medical evacuation is a requirement for participation on this trip. Policies that cover medical evacuation as well as many other things like trip cancellation, lost luggage, theft/loss, etc. are widely available and quite affordable. See the FAQ’s for recommendations. Please send us a copy of your proof of coverage.

Notify Banks & Credit Cards – notify your financial institutions about your travel plans to prevent problems using credit cards or ATM’s while traveling.

Local Currency - you can convert USD to MNT (Mongolian Tugrik) in Ulaanbaatar. ATM’s are also available in UB but not in the countryside. Don’t rely on ATM’s, credit cards or US Dollars outside of UB…convert some cash for personal expenses & gratuities. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 3,442 MNT. Tip: it’s handy to download a currency conversion app to your smartphone. I use one called XE, but there are many free apps available.

Cell & Wi-fi – most American carriers have partners in Mongolia so your phone should work where coverage is available but check with your provider about their policies and fees BEFORE you leave or you could come home to a horrific phone bill. Outside of UB, cell service is spotty, and it is quite possible that we could be completely disconnected from the outside world (no cell service or Wi-fi) for several days at a time. Let your loved ones know in advance.

WhatsApp – is a free communications app that is used widely in Asia. We will be using this for inter group communications. Please download & install WhatsApp and create an account before arriving in Mongolia.

HEALTH/MEDICAL

Medications –make sure to pack an adequate supply of any prescription and non-prescription medications you take (pain relievers, sleep aids, supplements, etc.), as they may not be available in Mongolia. You may also want to carry a course of antibiotics, just in case. Request a prescription for ‘traveler’s diarrhea’ from your health provider or travel clinic. 

Immunizations - No specific immunizations are required to visit Mongolia, but you should check with your health provider’s travel clinic or consult the CDC website for health/immunization recommendations.

Allergies – please let us know about any allergies you have AND the severity of your reactions. It is your responsibility to carry appropriate medications (e.g. Epi Pen) in case of accidental exposure.

THINGS TO PACK

The following are suggestions for items to bring along on this trip. It is not meant to be a complete packing list. I

Weather Note – be prepared for a wide range of temperatures. The average high/low temps for UB in September are 61˚F /34˚F. However, daytime temps in the Gobi Desert are likely to be much warmer and temps in the Altai mountains will be significantly cooler, especially at night.

Clothing – layers are the key for maximum versatility. Clothes you would wear hiking are suitable for daytime in the desert. For nights and colder area, consider:

  • Base layers (top & bottom) –great base layers are my secret weapon for staying warm in cold temperatures. Synthetics/blends are ok, but you can’t beat merino wool for performance. Investing in a set of medium or heavy weight merino wool base layers for this trip will pay off when temps get cold or if we have to stand around in cold weather (e.g., night photography) for any amount of time.

  • Mid Layers – down (i.e., puffer) jackets/vests, wool sweaters or fleece should make up your mid layer tops. Lined pants made for cold weather or heavyweight corduroy on top of your base layer are the best option to keep your legs warm. Jeans are NOT a good choice for warmth.

  • Outer Layers – it can get quite windy so a windproof jacket will help retain heat. Rain isn’t likely but is possible.

  • Warm socks – merino wool again is my preferred material. I’ve found a very thin pair (i.e., liners) next to the skin with a thicker second pair on top work best.

  • Footwear – bring the shoes/boots you would take hiking.

  • Gloves and/or mittens – bring a pair of thin gloves that will let you work camera controls without removing them. This is all I typically need – I put my hands in my pockets (with handwarmers) when not shooting, but for those who tend to get cold easily, a second pair of gloves or mittens attached to your wrists by lanyards are a good option to keep your hands toasty.

  • Warm hat or beanie – very important

  • Balaclava, scarf, or buff – to protect your face & neck from cold and wind.

  • Hand & Toe warmers – cheap, long lasting, and very effective, especially for those whose extremities get cold easily.

  • Hat & Sunglasses – for protection from the sun

 Photo Gear – it’s tempting to bring everything you own, but that usually works against you. Limitations are an important driver of creativity and having too many options often just results in indecision. Still, good gear helps get the job done, so the following are some general recommendations for this trip. I’m happy to give my two cents about more specific brands/models. Just ask.

  • Cameras – pretty much any modern dSLR or mirrorless body will do the job. Some of the higher end ‘bridge’ cameras would also be a good choice, especially if you want to minimize weight. Bringing a paper or electronic copy of your camera’s operating manual is highly recommended. Your smartphone is also a great camera – don’t forget it.

  • Lenses – We will be shooting a wide variety of subjects so having a lens(es) covering focal lengths from wide angle to medium telephoto is a good strategy for maximum versatility.

I like zoom lenses for their flexibility in composing images, but that’s just a personal preference. Since we will be photographing wildlife, a long lens is essential. Ideally, you want something that will give you 400mm+ (based on 35mm equivalent). My kit looks like this:

  • 12-24mm – to see the big picture & night photos

  • 24-105mm – my default ‘walk around’ lens

  • 80-200mm – for isolating subjects, telephoto landscapes

  • 200-600mm – wildlife & eagles

Your kit will look different. You might favor prime lenses or use a combination of zooms & primes. I recommend bringing no more than 3 or 4 lenses total.

  • Batteries and Memory cards – you will be shooting a lot, maybe more than you ever have, easily in the thousands of images and hundreds of gigabytes total. Bring PLENTY of extra cards and batteries. You should NOT erase/overwrite any memory cards until you get home, even if you have downloaded the images to your laptop or hard drive.

  • Battery Charger – DO NOT FORGET!!! As a backup, you might consider purchasing USB powered battery charger. They are inexpensive and let you charge your camera batteries from USB ports in your vehicle, laptop. power bank, etc. Google “(your camera model) USB charger”.

  • Camera Rain Protection – mountain weather is unpredictable, so having a cover to protect your expensive gear is a good idea.  There are many choices available and I’ve tried quite a few, but I haven’t found anything better than O/P Tech’s Rainsleeve, which happens to be one of the least expensive options. Make sure to get the right size(s) to fit all your lenses

  • Tripod –Sturdy, but light with a ballhead or gimbal and a quick release mount is the way to go. Make sure your tripod can solidly support your longest lens and that you don’t have to bend over uncomfortably WITHOUT extending the center column.  Don’t forget to pack your tripod quick release plate(s) and wrench! I recommend purchasing an extra quick release plate(s) to leave permanently attached to your long lens(es) or better yet, buy a replacement foot that has a built-in tripod mount.

  • Camera bag or backpack – there are an infinite number of options out there – it’s really a matter of personal preference. My advice is to choose something that is no bigger than it has to be. The real key is to be sure that it fits into a standard airplane overhead compartment.

  • Filters – A polarizing filter is highly recommended for cutting glare off water and foliage.  The only other filter I would consider bringing is a graduated neutral density (GND) filter, handy but not necessary.

  • Small Microfiber towel(s) & Cleaning Kit– a couple of these inside zip-loc bags will ensure you always have a dry towel to clean and wipe moisture or dirt/sand from cameras and lenses. I’ve found a cheap folding travel toothbrush works great for cleaning my camera after a dusty session.

  • Headlamp – MUCH better than a flashlight because it leaves both hands free. One with a red-light mode is best for night photography. A good item to always have in your bag.

Flying with Camera Gear – Nobody even wants to think about being forced to check precious photo equipment so make sure your camera bag easily fits into an overhead compartment or under the seat. Don’t attract unwanted attention by bringing a huge photo backpack! Remember, we have several domestic flights which will use smaller jets or propeller planes with smaller overhead compartments. Domestic flights have a 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit for all baggage with excess baggage allowed at roughly $1 per pound but these limits and fess are enforced inconsistently. All excess baggage fees are your responsibility.

Other Things to Pack

  • Passport & Travel Docs

  • Power adapters – Mongolia runs on 220volt electricity and most outlets/plugs are Type C (“euro”) or Type E). This means that most power cords for phones/tablets, laptops and other electronics will work just fine with a simple adapter. Check higher power devices like hair dryers to make sure they are compatible with 220 volt power.  I like to travel with a small power strip so I can charge multiple devices simultaneously – make sure yours is rated for 220 volts. Finally, if your device has a 3-prong plug, make sure your adapter will accept it or you may need a 3 prong to 2 prong adapters. Here is a link to a good article on travel adapters if you need more info.

  • Laptop or tablet –highly recommended. Your photography will improve if you review your images daily. Doing preliminary selects and ratings also makes the mountain of images more manageable when you get home. Make sure you have enough available space on your internal hard drive or bring a small external drive. If you are going to purchase a drive, I recommend getting a ‘bus powered’ model like this one because they don’t require external power (runs off laptop’s usb port). Remember to pack all your power/charging/data cables.

  • Chargers and cables for your mobile phone and other electronics

  • Power bank – extremely handy when traveling to charge up your phone, other electronics or even a camera battery (usb battery charger required) 

  • Sunglasses 


  • Spare eyeglasses and contact lenses 


  • Personal toiletries – don’t forget lip balm, contact lens solution, lotion, etc

  • Sunscreen & Bug Spray

MISC

A Word About Gratuities – Like many service businesses, outfitters & guides rely on gratuities for a substantial portion of their income. I’m sure our local guide/driver in Mongolia will be to be outstanding at what they do. If you feel you’ve received good service, a token of your appreciation is greatly appreciated. People always ask me for guidance on amounts and I always feel uncomfortable answering – what I can say is that the typical range I see is anywhere between

Main guide - $10 – $15 USD/day

Drivers - $2 – $5 USD/day

Tipping at hotels and restaurants is not expected, but small gratuities are appreciated.

Any Questions?

Again, if you have any questions about the information contained here or any other aspect of this workshop, please contact me.

I look forward to meeting you in UB,

Ken Lee
+1 949-282-9660
ken@artofseeing.com


 

 

Mongolia 2024

To-Do Checklist 

___     Book international flights to/from Ulaanbaatar (UBN) and forward us a copy of  your flight itinerary.

___     Let us know if you need any extra hotel nights

___     Check with your Doctor/Travel Clinic about any recommended immunizations

___     Send us a copy of your Passport picture page (phone photo is fine)

___     Purchase Travel Insurance. Send us a copy of proof of coverage

___     Notify Banks & Credit Cards of your travel plans

___     Check mobile phone carrier’s international roaming policies and plans

___     Make personal packing checklist. Click here for a downloadable Photo Trip Packing List template you can customize to your own needs

Mongolia 2024 Daily Itinerary

Day Date Itinerary Overnight Included Meals
1 Sep 10 Ulaanbaatar Arrival - Welcome to Mongolia! Our adventure begins upon your arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Airport Code: UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. We’ll transport you to our hotel where you can relax for a bit before we kick things off with an Introductions & Workshop Overview meeting followed by a group dinner Hotel 9 or similar D
2 Sep 11 Ulaanbaatar – Khongor Sand Dunes – early morning flight to XXX. Transfer to 4X4 vehicles upon arrival and travel further south to the Khongor Sand Dunes in the Gobi Desert. Also known as the Singing Sands, these dunes tower over 200 meters high and stretch for over 100km! We’ll check in at our ger camp before heading out to explore the dunes on foot, looking for the perfect sunset shooting spot. Dinner & overnight at Gobi Erdene ger camp Gobi Erdene Ger Camp B-L-D
3 Sep 12 Khongor Sand Dunes – we begin early with a sunrise photoshoot on the dunes before heading back to camp for breakfast. Ken and Harsh willl use the middle of the day to share some of their favorite tips and techniques for landscape and wildlife photography as well as a session on Image Management and Workflow in Adobe Lightroom. In the afternoon we’ll head out to meet a local camel herder at the edge of the dunes for our evening photoshoot. Long shadows cast by the setting sun facilitate dramatic compositions as he leads his Bactrian camel train across the ridges and valleys of the dune field. Dinner & overnight at Gobi Erdene ger camp. Hotel Gobi Erdene Ger Camp B-L-D
4 Sep 13 Khongor Sand Dunes – Flaming Cliffs - we meet our camel friends again for an early sunrise photoshoot on the dunes before heading back to camp for breakfast. Afterwards, we head to the world-famous dinosaur fossil site known as the “Flaming Cliffs”. Roy Chapman Andrews, whom some say was the model for Indiana Jones, discovered great amounts of intact dinosaur bones as well as the very first dinosaur eggs ever discovered. Aptly named, the red-hued Flaming Cliffs seem to glow in the setting sun We’ll take our time this scenic area looking for the right vantage points to capture the vibrant colors with our cameras. We might try our hand at some Milky Way photography also if conditions allow. Dinner & overnight at Gobi Mirage Ger camp. Gobi Mirage Ger Camp B-L-D
5 Sep 14 Flaming Cliffs to Ulaanbaatar - After a brief sunrise photo session near our camp, we’ll we drive to the airport for an early flight back to Ulaanbaatar. After lunch we’ll gather for a session on post processing in Adobe Lightroom. Ken & Harsh will be available for one-to-one coaching and image reviews. Near sunset, we’ll head out to photograph some local attractions including a 130 ft statue of Genghis Kan. Taij Resort Hotel B-L-D
6 Sep 15 Ulaanbatar– Eagle Hunters - After breakfast, we’ll catch our flight to Ulgii at the foot of the Altai mountains where we’ll transfer to 4X4’s and travel to meet our host family who practice the ancient tradition hunting with trained golden eagles. Today and tomorrow are dedicated learning about and photographing their semi-nomadic way of life. Kazakh‘s tend to have large families so there will be plenty of interaction. They are also known for their exceptional hospitality so prepare yourself for being warmly accepted into their home. They will show you their magnificent Golden Eagles and we’ll photograph the eagles in action! Private Gers near host family. Up to 4 persons per ger. Single lodging not available B-L-D
7 Sep 16 Eagle Hunters – We’ll spend the entire day with our eagle hunter friends photographing them individually and together. There will be opportunities to create environmental portraits as well as action shots of eagle hunting on horseback. The eagle hunters are the stars of the show, but there are many other amazing images to be made if you pay attention to everything going on around you. Private Gers near host family. Up to 4 persons per ger. Single lodging not available B-L-D
8 Sep 17 Eagle Hunters – Golden Eagle Festival - we drive deeper into the Altai mountains today to the site of the Golden Eagle festival, a gathering of eagle hunters with numerous competitions related to eagle hunting and horsemanship. We’ll spend the next two days here observing and photographing the people and activities. It’s an otherworldly scene - you’ll feel like you just stepped on the to the set of a Lord of the Rings movie. Opportunities for amazing images are everywhere!br> Private Ger camp B-L-D
9 Sep 18 Golden Eagle Festival - we return to the eagle festival early to catch some behind the scenes action as the hunters practice with their eagles in preparation for the day’s competitions. We will once again spend the entire day here. Bring extra batteries and cards because the shooting opportunities are endless.
Private Ger camp B-L-D
10 Sep 19 Golden Eagle Festival – Ulaanbatar – we fly back to UB this morning where Ken and Harsh will host individual ‘portfolio review’ sessions with each participant. Later, we’ll stroll the streets of the capital capturing city life for our final photo session before gathering at a local restaurant for a. farewell dinner.
Hotel 9 or similar B-L-D
11 Sep 20 Ulaanbatar Departure - Transfer to the airport after breakfast for your flight home.
- B

Mongolia 2024 FAQ’S

Q: How should I book my travel?

A: Book your international flights to arrive and depart from Chinggis Khan International Airport (airport code: UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Additional information to help you plan your travels will be provided to registered participants.

Q: Do I need a visa to enter Mongolia?

A: Visas are NOT required for Americans or Canadians staying less than 90 days but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure. If your passport was issued by another country, check online or with the Mongolian embassy/consulate in your country.

Q: What kind of accommodations will we be staying in? 

A: Our lodgings will vary by location. In Ulaanbatar, we will stay in comfortable modern hotels. In the Gobi desert and during the Eagle festival, we’ll stay in Ger (yurt) camps – accommodations designed for tourists with flush toilets and showers. When we visit the Kazakh eagle hunter family, we’ll be larger Gers next to our host family with ‘rustic’ bathroom facilities.

Q: How strenuous is this trip?

A: Other than the Khongor sand dunes there are no planned hikes, but at these elevations (~4500 – 7500 ft) just walking around or climbing a flight of stairs can leave you huffing and puffing. We will spend a fair amount of time on unpaved ground, and you will want to move around to find your photo spots. You don’t need to be a competitive athlete but if you can’t walk 1-2 miles on level ground with being exhausted, this is not the trip for you.

Q: What kind of photo equipment should I bring?

A: You will want 1-2 camera bodies and a range of lenses covering wide angle to telephoto (~400mm). A tripod is highly recommended and essential for night photography.  More specific guidance about photo gear will be provided to registered participants.

Q: How will we travel?

A: We will travel mostly in 4x4 SUV’s with a professional driver and local guide. We also have two round trip domestic flights which are included in trip price.

Q: What will the weather be like?

A: Pack layers suitable for both warm and cool to cold temperatures. Expect warm/hot and dry in the Gobi desert and much cooler in the Altai mountains. Rain and even snow are also possible but not likely. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so the key is to be prepared for everything.  A detailed packing list will be provided to registered participants.

Something we missed? Send us an email or schedule a phone call. We’re happy to address any questions.