Mongolia Photography Tour Guide
Explore the picturesque landscapes of Mongolia
A thousand of years old culture, epic desert scenery in the middle of the Gobi Desert, and the renowned hospitality of the locals can all be found in the breathtaking country of Mongolia.
Among the world's most enigmatic nations, Mongolia is also one of the greatest blessings for photographers. Joining us on our photo (see, Follow The Tracks Photography Tour) tour will give you the chance to meet various Mongolian nomadic families and learn about their way of life in the outdoors.
This blog will highlight the most picturesque Mongolian destination from the Mongolia Photo tour point of view. Mongolia "The land of the sky" is heaven for photographers without a doubt. Sit tight as we take you to breathtaking Mongolian adventure destinations.
Southern Mongolia - Mongolia Photo Tour
White Stupa
Over about 90 million years back, the Asiatic sea's old bottom carved out this beautiful cliff. The Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs' soil is rich in a variety of minerals. The effect is beautiful layers of vibrant red, orange, as well as yellow colors covering the entire cliff region. The neighboring hills are ideal for strolling while admiring the panorama of the majestic high cliffs.
The cliffs' name translates to "White stupa." For the past five years, people have traveled from all over the Gobi to see these cliffs because of their picturesque appearance and beauty.
The photos of this cliff are breathtaking, particularly when taken at sunrise and sunset. So be sure to get your camera ready!
Flaming Cliffs
One of the most well-known paleontological locations on the planet is Flaming Cliffs, which features red sandstone cliffs and canyons. The area's spectacular orange glow at sunset is what led American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews to give it its name.
The first dinosaur eggs ever unveiled in the world were found here by Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922, among the many other fossils that were unearthed there. This discovery made the region famous.
Because of how the cliffs appear to be on fire at sunset, they are called "Flaming Cliffs." When you visit, you must not miss the sunset's golden hour. You might think you've landed on Mars when Flaming Cliffs turn completely red. This is your opportunity to visit Mars before humans do so in the future.
Khongryn Els
The Khongor Sand Dunes, which stretch over 180 km and rise to spectacular heights of 15 to 30 m along the northern flank of the Sevrei and Zuulun mountain ranges, are one of the most stunning sand dunes in the Gobi. The highest dunes, which can reach 800 meters, are found in the range's northwest. One of Mongolia's biggest and most spectacular white sand dunes is the Khongor Sand Dunes. The dunes are known as Singing Dunes because they sound like an aircraft engine on windy days.
The view of the desert from the top of the sand dunes is breathtaking. Oases are produced along the Khongoryn River's route through the sand dunes. The color of the sand dunes changes throughout the day, from yellow to silver to rainbow colors at sunrise and sunset.
Picturesque Khongor Sand dunes with precisely shaped ripple shadows and rolling crests against a blue sky or a full moon have long been a beloved theme for photographers. Sand dunes can be among the most breathtakingly beautiful, exhilarating, unsettling, perilous, or downright dangerous locations on earth, depending on the circumstances.
Baga Gazriin Chuluu
At an elevation of 1773m, Baga Gazriin Chuluu is a region of the panoramic rocky viewpoint of granite rock formation in the midst of the Gobi.
You might catch sight of one of the many wild animals that live around the formations. For instance, hare, mountain sheep, and white-tailed gazelle, among many more.
Additionally, you can take a pleasant walk, go for photography tours around, or climb to attractive places. For example, the lama's covert settlement was established in Mongolia during the Great Repression of the 1930s. Additionally, a little "eye" spring and a cave tucked away among the rocks are both beneficial to drinkers' eyesight. Your day will be full of activities in and around the mountains at Baga Gazriin Chuluu.
Central Mongolia - Mongolia Photography Tours
Choijin Lama Temple Museum Ulaanbaatar
The Choijin Lama Temple Museum (Choijin Lama Monastery), located in the center of Ulaanbaatar, is home to five lovely temples that have excellently crafted paintings, vibrant masks, and exquisite statues, some of which feature sculptures having tantric sex. The monastery was constructed between 1904 and 1908 for the Choijin Lama, a sibling of Bogd Khaan, who later served as the official oracle of Mongolia.
The temple now exhibits a variety of sculptures and paintings by Buddhist and Mongolian artists. A spectacular exhibition of Mongolian artwork, history, and dance called Museum-Colors of Mongolia is one of the museum's famous summertime events. Although it is unquestionably a magnificent place for visitors to see, the temple's long-lasting historical and religious effects will be a unique experience for everyone who visits.
Erdene Zuu Monastery in Karakorum
The Erdene Zuu Monastery is the next location for photographs. The oldest still-existing monastery Erdene-Zuu, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, and other famous historical and natural landscape spots can all be photographed in a way that suits you.
The distance between these hidden treasures and the previous destination, the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dune, is only about 80 kilometers. All of these panoramic locations can serve as excellent locations for compositional practice, exposure lighting, and historical, architectural, and fantastic landscape photography.
Zaisan Memorial Hill
The spectacular views of Ulaanbaatar as well as the surrounding landscape are presented by this tall structure in the city's front area. Large monuments were built at the crest of the hill in honor of World War II veterans.
Zaisan Hill is the ideal combination of traditional and modern design. It was formerly best known for the Zaisan Hill Monument, a stunning circular building on top of the hill with a painting honoring allied Mongol as well as Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. The hill now houses a sizable contemporary complex with a wealth of amenities for both locals and visitors.
Orkhon Waterfall
Anyone interested in researching the history of the Mongol Empire and people who love photography should go to the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape photo tour. The Orkhon Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations because of its stunning natural surroundings. You will see a distinct way of life, a distinct culture, and distinctive historical monuments.
The stunning Orkhon waterfall, which rushes down from a height of 27 meters, was created by a mixture of volcanic activity and earthquakes around 20000 years ago. The Suvraga Khairkhan mountain in the Khangai mountainous region is the starting point of the Orkhon, Mongolia's longest river. Fishing, riding horses, cycling, and photography are all great activities in the area.
Northern Mongolia
Khuvsgul Lake
This picturesque freshwater lake is the biggest by volume in Mongolia and one of the 17 oldest lakes in the world, having been thought to have existed more than two million years ago. It is located at the foothills of the Sayan Mountains in the far north of Mongolia, close to the Russian border. (see also, Discover Khuvsgul).
It is encircled by soaring mountains, wide valleys, and a national park that is home to yaks, elk, brown bears, and Siberian Moses, among other creatures, birds, and fish.
This vast body of water, which is frequently called the "dark blue pearl," has over 100 rivers and streams that converge here and is frozen for approximately half the year.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Amarbayasgalant is a picturesque monastery that receives very few visitors. It is situated in the Selenge province's breathtaking Iver River valley (see also, Fishing In Mongolia). Even though the monastery is located 360 kilometers away from Ulaanbaatar, it is worth a visit for photography lovers. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and their verdant valleys, which are scattered with the traditional ger tent used by nomads to live in and their myriad animals grazing peacefully.
The beautiful monastery, which was constructed without the use of a single nail using the wood interlocking technique, is associated with history. You feel happy and at ease because of the monastery's beautiful surroundings, sacred objects, and monks, particularly young monks. Between 1727 and 1736, the Amarbayasgalant Monastery complex was constructed in tribute to Under Gegeen Zanabazar, the first Bogd of Mongolia.
Ulaagchiin Khar Lake Bioreserve with Ulaagchiin Khar Lake
Picturesque Ulaagchiin Khar Lake is located in a semi-desert region. The lake's northern side is bordered by spectacular sand dunes, while its southern islands and reed beach are a draw for migrating ducks. The lake is 48 m deep, 30 km long, and 10 km wide.
Snow-leopard habitats and other uncommon wild habitats can be found in nearby mountains. This spot is heaven for photographers due to its stunning beauty and breathtaking views. If you are looking for the best spots in Mongolia for a photo tour, Ulaagchiin Lake is one of them.
Top Selfdrive Mongolia Photo Tour
Consider taking a photo tour to Mongolia to capture photographs of the country's stunning natural scenery, ethnic people's portraiture, genuine nomadic life, vibrant festivals, ancient historical sites, and wonderful wildlife. FollowTheTracks, one of the best tour companies in Mongolia that specialize in photography trips, organizes photography workshops, and organizes photo adventures to some of the country's most breathtaking locations for the travel photographer.
FollowTheTracks Mongolia Photo Tour
FollowTheTracks is the first self-drive 4x4 tour around Mongolia that takes you and your friends to amazing locations along photography attractions, away from the tourist hotspots, and completely immerses you in the Mongolian people's culture. During your trip, you will encounter eagle hunters, desert and steppe nomads, and other local nomads! You will spend a few nights with folks and get a close-up view of Mongolia.
FollowTheTrack will lead you to the Flaming Cliffs, let you ride camels on the Giant Dune in the Gobi Desert, see historic monasteries, and introduce you to the renowned eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains on the action-packed photo tour of Mongolia.
Why choose FollowTheTracks self-drive Photography tours
With an off-the-beaten-path focus, Follow The Tracks' Mongolia Tour is an organized self-driving journey through Mongolia. In order to have a thorough understanding of Mongolia, visitors will be led to some of the nation's most picturesque locations, stay with genuine Mongolian nomads in the wilderness to learn about their lifestyle, and go above and beyond traditional tourist activities. A fully equipped 4x4 off-road vehicles, in addition to arrival and departure airport shuttle service for private transfer, are offered to visitors.
Make sure to catch the morning flight ahead of the flight schedule and arrive a day or two earlier before the tour starts. International flight tickets or domestic flight tickets are not included in the photo tours itinerary.
You will be guided through Mongolia during the journey by a tablet that has been pre-loaded with a digital guide that includes offline maps plus destination videos. Along the route, lodging is provided, and a rooftop tent lets you set up camp anywhere you choose on evenings when a tourist ger camp or more basic hotel isn't planned.
In order to help you be as well-prepared as possible for the spectacular scenery that Mongolia has to offer, photography landscape and travel stories are planned out in advance, and you also have access to private sessions/ private portrait session of photography.
FollowTheTracks offers 5 different amazing routes to explore the countryside untouched Mongolia. The five routes are:
- Fox Route
- Gobi Bear Route
- Camel Route
- Horse Route
- Eagle Route
Fox Route
The Fox Route offered by FollowTheTracks takes you to the heart of Mongolia. The Fox Route includes amazing destinations. This trip is 7 days in length and you will cover 950km throughout the route.
The second day of the trip will take you to Khustain Nuruu National Park where you will explore UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves which fall under the list of World Biosphere Reserves. Take your time to photograph the beautiful landscape.
On the third day, you will travel to scenic freshwater Ugii Lake in Central Mongolia surrounded by picturesque mountains and steppes.
You will spend the fourth day in the Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. You will explore the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of the customary and vibrant celebrations held right in front of the temples. Head north to the Orkhon Valley, which represents the development of nomadic pastoral traditions stretching more than two millennia and is a World Heritage Site.
You will spend the fifth day of the tour around the country's tallest waterfalls which are located in Orkhon Valley. They are situated in the center of Mongolia, encircled by huge, lush forests in the summer and volcanic rock formations.
The final and last destination of the Fox route will be Elsen Tasrkhai also known as Khögnö Tarniin Els, Mongol Els, or "Mongolian Sands." The area is surrounded by stunning sand dunes, the Tarna river, and unusual shrubs-covered hills.
Gobi Bear Route
As the name suggests, the Gobi bear route will take you to the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia for 7 days. During the adventure, you will experience the vast Gobi desert while taking pictures of stunning spots and two-humped Bactrian camels.
Since the Gobi isn't entirely covered in sand, you will get to experience the beauty of White Stupa and Flaming Cliffs en route to the adventure. The Gobi Bear route ends in Mansuzhir Monastery which is a strictly protected area of Bogd Khan mountain.
Camel Route
This 13-day adventure, which is named after the well-known two-humped Bactrian camels that are native to Mongolia, takes travelers across the Gobi Desert into Central Mongolia, which is well-known for waterfalls, temples, and, obviously, camels. The Follow The Tracks tablet will dedicate the next six days to directing you into the Gobi Desert to view attractions like White Stupa, Yolyn Am Canyon, and Flaming Cliffs, and meet camel herders after you spend one night in Ulaanbaatar, the nation's capital.
After spending several nights camping in the desert and doing night photography, there will be possibilities to take hot showers, ride camels, and stay in traditional Ger camps.
Horse Route
The horse, which offers ground transport and provides for the inhabitants of nations in Central Asia, is an animal that is more fundamental to Mongolian culture than any other. The Gobi Desert, which is rapidly expanding, the Altai Mountains, the lakes as well as glaciers in the North, and the rest of the country are all covered by the 22-day Horse Route offered by FollowTheTracks.
Before moving on to the steppes and then the mountains, spend the first week traveling the Gobi Desert itinerary as the previous routes. The entire of this route's final week is spent in Mongolia's Northern Lakes region. The neighboring sand dune is the northernmost in the globe, and the lakes here are simply enormous.
If you need to resupply for the remainder of your travel or are searching for souvenirs, stop through Ulgii for some shopping. From here, you can extend your journey even further, which is highly advised if you want to spend additional time in the Northern Lakes region.
Eagle Route - Eagle Hunters
The Eagle Route, also a 13-day adventure that leads you into the Gobi Desert but then diverges into the Altai Mountains, the homeland of the renowned Kazakh Eagle Hunters, is named after the extraordinary predatory birds that aid nomadic Mongolians in their hunting. Similar to the Camel Route, the Eagle route is preceded by an expedition through the tranquil steppes. In October, you can also have a chance to witness the golden eagle festival in the Altai Mountains. Where you can meet Kazakh eagle hunters and the Kazakh family, and experience eagle hunting activity.
Over the course of two days, visitors on the Eagle Route encounter wild groups of migratory birds, camping by a lake, and bleak yet constantly changing scenery. When they reach the Altai Mountains, visitors will stay with a nomad family and see towering, snow-capped peaks.
While taking advantage of the warm hospitality of Mongolia, you can even help them herd the horses and goats. The tour continues higher up in the mountains, where visitors will get the chance to ride horses with locals and personally encounter the fabled eagle hunters carrying golden eagles.
This journey ultimately concludes with a couple of days to discover Ulaanbaatar at your discretion, despite the fact that it will be naturally challenging to leave such a lovely spot on the earth.
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