Mongolia Exploration

Transcription

1 Mongolia Exploration The Gobi Desert and Golden Eagle Festival September 7-20, 2018 With Professional Photographer Doug Steakley

2 Mongolia Exploration This adventurous journey to Mongolia will take us to three exciting destinations: The Great Gobi Desert, the Chjinggis Khaan Statue Complex in Tsonjin boldog, and west to the mountainous Kazakh region for the Golden Eagle Festival. One of the most popular travel routes in Mongolia is The Gobi Desert, which has a welldeserved reputation for beauty and a unique natural landscape. There are high mountains, springs, forests, sand dunes, steppes, and a rich animal kingdom. While touring through this amazing area, we will visit the classic landscapes and observe the peaceful lifestyle of indigenous nomads. The highlight of this tour will be the rugged border region of western Mongolia, reserved for travelers who are curious and adventurous. Our journey includes the Golden Eagle Festival, which was captured in the well-known documentary film, The Eagle Huntress. We will be close to the skilled eagle hunters on their horses as they compete for prestige and awards. We also will be exposed and immersed in the Kazakh nomadic way of life in the high, rugged mountains. We will be welcomed into the gers (yurts) of the local Kazakh families, and have an opportunity to ride their horses. Douglas Steakley Photography Tours and Expeditions

3 Itinerary DAY ONE-SEPTEMBER 7--Arrive in Ulaanbaatar Upon arrival you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to the hotel where you will have some leisure time to rest after the long flight. We will have a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and begin our journey with an orientation. Overnight at the modern five-star Blue Sky Hotel shown in the photograph above (the curved building). Ulaanbaatar is an interesting, multi-faceted city, where the old way of life in felt tents called gers still exists in the suburbs, next to soviet-style uninspired buildings and modern skyscrapers in the downtown area. Please let me know, if you plan to arrive a day or two early to recover from the long flight. DAY TWO-SEPTEMBER 8-Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Gobi Desert area After breakfast we will take a one and a half hour flight to the Gobi desert area and transfer to our tourist ger camp, where we will have some time to relax and explore our new surroundings. We will then drive to the Yol Valley, which is located in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Mountain National Park. This canyon does not receive sunlight and has a particular beauty with winding trails and narrow pathways. Because the cliffs block the sunlight from the river below, it remains frozen throughout the year. Overnight in the Goviin Bayanburd luxury ger camp.

4 Ger camps are the traditional Mongolian large tent structures, which can be easily dismantled and moved to better grazing grounds. These felt tents are well-insulated and often accommodate several generations of the same family living together. Tourist ger camps consist of many individual tents, which are clustered together, and staying in these camps in close proximity to the very hospitable people is one of the highlights of traveling in Mongolia. Ger tents have two to four single beds, electricity, and are very clean and comfortable as seen below. Some have bathrooms, while some have community showers and toilets. There is also a ger restaurant tent where both Mongolian and European meals are served. DAY THREE-SEPTEMBER 9-Drive to Yoliin Am Valley and the Khongor Sand Dunes After breakfast we will drive to the Khongor Sand Dunes located in the southern area of the Gobi Desert. These dunes are some of the largest in the world and are called the "singing dunes" because as the wind shifts, small avalanches occur, creating a whistling noise. We will also visit a family that breeds Bactrian camels, which have two humps and are much larger than their cousins, the dromedaries in Africa. We will have an opportunity to photograph these local people in their daily lives and traditional dress, and camel rides will be available. To the north, the dunes are skirted by the Khongoryn Gol River with its lush, green pastures, an area where nomadic tribes continue to exist. Overnight at the Gobi Erdene Ger Camp.

5 The Gobi Desert area of Mongolia is a vast region, which includes high mountains, natural springs, forests, sand dunes, and steppes. It is also home to some of the most important paleontological discoveries of the twentieth century. Many unusual and unique species of wildlife live in this rich and diverse environment, including the elusive snow leopard, the Gobi bear, wild camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and many more. We will explore this area for four days, including two nights at the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, shown below.

6 DAYS FOUR-FIVE SEPTEMBER Khongor Sand Dunes to Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs We will be up early for a sunrise shot of a camel caravan in the colorful Khongor Sand Dunes. Later we will drive to the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where the oldest dinosaur eggs were found in 1923 by the American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews. At sunset the cliffs turn a bright orange and we will seek out the dinosaur eggs and fossils embedded in the walls. These cliffs have abundant fossils and paleontological expeditions still uncover significant discoveries in this locale. We will have two nights at the spectacular and renowned Three Camel Lodge shown above. This lodge is located in the heart of the Gobi Desert near Gurvan Saikhan Gobi National Park and the gers are built with local natural materials, which blend with the surrounding landscape. Each ger follows the local nomadic design with a south-facing door offering panoramic views of the desert and the Gobi-Altai Mountains. The Indian Jones films with Harrison Ford were based on the explorer Roy Chapman Andrews. He was the author of several books about his explorations throughout Mongolia, and spent the last years of his life in Carmel, California. It is hard to imagine what exploration in Mongolia was like almost 100 years ago, but reading one of his documentary books will bring his travels and adventures to life. DAY SIX-SEPTEMBER 12-Flight from Dalanzadgad to Ulaanbaatar After our return to Ulaanbaatar we will have a relaxing afternoon when you can stroll throughout the city on your own. This free afternoon will also give you time to re-pack and prepare for our trip to western Mongolia and the Eagle Festival. Accommodations will be at the Blue Sky Hotel. DAY SEVEN-SEPTEMBER 13-Ulaanbaatar Today we will tour the highlights of this interesting city, beginning with a visit to the Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important center of Buddhism in Mongolia. This monastery is one of the few that survived the Stalinist purges of the 1930s and contains a large collection of Buddhist art. One of the most significant features of this monastery is the magnificent Migdjdid Janraisig Temple where hundreds of Buddha images line the walls. Another is the imposing statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, which rises about 7 stories and is covered with gold leaf and encrusted with more than 2200 gems. We will also see the 82 tall statue of Migdidid Janraisig (the Buddha who looks in every direction), which is made of dazzling copper, covered with gold cloth, silk, and precious stones. Inside this hollow statue are 334 sutras, 27 tons of medicinal herbs, and over 2 million bundles of mantras. As we quietly walk around the monastery grounds, we are likely to hear the low voices of monks chanting, combined with loud trumpets and cymbals that are a part of Tibetan Buddhist meditation. Mongolia is well-known for the dynasty of Genghis Khan, who created the largest empire in history larger than Alexander the Great s. After the reign of the Khans, Tibetan Buddhism was introduced into Mongolia and an era of meditation and inner exploration began. This spiritual and religious bond between Tibet and Mongolia continues to present day and Mongolia is home to some of the most valuable and rare items of Tibetan art. If time permits, we will visit the Mongolian National Museum before being turned loose to walk through the streets on our own. Overnight at the Blue Sky Hotel.

7 DAY EIGHT-SEPTEMBER 14-Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii Today we have a three and a half hour flight to western Mongolia where we will be met at the airport by our driver. Ulgii is the capital of the Bayan-Ulgi Province in Mongolia s untamed west and has a large population of Kazakhs, a nationally-recognized and very colorful Muslim minority. The isolated Kazakhs live a traditional nomadic life and are known for preserving their culture and lifestyle. They are relatively new on the scene, having migrated from western China in the nineteenth century. Hand-made fabrics are an important element in the Kazakh culture, and the women are highly regarded for their weaving, appliqué, and embroidery skills. Hand woven felt carpets line the floors and walls of the gers and each family has their own recognizable patterns. Overnight in a local hotel.

8 DAYS NINE-TEN-SEPTEMBER The Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival and days in Sagsai Soum These are the days we have been waiting for The Eagle Festival! After breakfast we will drive about 30 kilometers on an unpaved road to reach the remote Eagle Festival in Sagsai Soum, where we will spend the day. During the opening ceremony about forty eagle hunters will parade together and during the following two days display their skills in several events. During the final event, the eagles will swoop down and catch a fox fur being dragged behind a fast moving horse. The festival also features a camel race of six kilometers and several Kazakh competitions including archery and Tiyn Tery a race to pick up a coin on the ground while on horseback. There is also the Kyz Kuar or "woman chase", which features a man and woman racing while the woman whips the man. The highlight of the games might be Kokpar, a tug-of-war on horseback. Golden eagles are an important element of the Kazakh culture. These large, usually female, birds are captured in the wild when they are young and then raised and trained by their owners, creating a bond that lasts for life. They are used to hunt foxes and rabbits as their highly-prized fur is used in the decorative Kazakh hats. The eagles are powerful enough to bring down larger animals, including wolves. During this spectacular two-day festival, we will have many opportunities to get close to the participants and the eagles and it will be also possible to ride a horse and hold an eagle. For accommodation, you will have the option of staying in a local hotel or overnight in a Kazakh family ger. These gers are larger and taller than the Mongolian ones, and you will soon learn that the right side is reserved for women, and the left side for men. This will be a wonderful opportunity to experience local hospitality and share tea amid a plethora of woven fabrics.

9 DAY ELEVEN-SEPTEMBER 17-Flight from Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar We will take the return flight to Ulaanbaatar and again have a relaxing afternoon/evening to explore the city. If you have not seen it, a visit to the Natural History Museum is recommended. Here you will see traditional items from nomadic tribes, including items from the Stone and Bronze Ages. Overnight at the Blue Sky Hotel. DAY TWELVE-SEPTEMBER 18-Ulaanbaatar to Tsonjin Boldog and Terelj National Park After breakfast we will have a one hour drive to visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue complex in Tsonjin Boldog. This huge statue is made of steel and rises 40 meters high. Visitors can take an elevator to the viewing deck on the horse's head and look over the magnificent Mongolian steppe. Lunch will be at a local ger camp, before heading to Terelj National Park, one of the most beautiful destinations in Mongolia. We will take leisurely strolls through meadows carpeted with wildflowers, view the fascinating rock formations and wander along a quiet mountain stream. Our focus will be Turtle Rock, an area with interesting rock formations and a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Overnight at the Terelj Lodge Ger Camp. DAY THIRTEEN-SEPTEMBER 19-Terelk National Park to Ulaanbaatar We will drive back to Ulaanbaatar and visit the Bogd Khaan Winter Palace Museum. The palace was built from and named "the Temple of Developing Wisdom" and dedicated to the VIII Bogd King Javzandamba, the head of the Mongolian religion. On April 1, 1926, after Bogd Khaan's death, a state museum office was created and it was decided to transfer the remaining property of the Bogd Khaan to public museum ownership. The museum now displays many objects of historic and artistic value, including religious idols and the royal collection of stuffed animals. The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum now consists of seven Summer Prayer Temples and the Winter Palace, which was built in a European style.

10 In the evening we will go to a traditional folk song performance with Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers, as well as have our farewell dinner. Overnight in the Blue Sky Hotel. DAY FOURTEEN-SEPTEMBER 20-Transfer to the airport for flights home. Trip Cost and Payments Please note that I have included several upgrades in this tour, which include top-tier lodging when it is available and two internal flights, saving a lot of driving time. We will also have a local professional photographer guide with us throughout the tour. The price for this exciting tour to Mongolia is $ per person for double occupancy. A single supplement fee is $ A non-refundable deposit of $800 is required along with the registration form and liability release forms, which are available on my website. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure July 7, 2018 Trip Insurance is highly recommended The maximum number of participants will be 12 Included: All accommodations and meals An English-speaking guide and a local photo-guide All internal flights All entrance fees and taxes to the Eagle Festival and museums listed in the itinerary Transfers to and from the airport Assistance and guidance with photography Not Included: International airfare Tips for the guides and drivers Miscellaneous personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, laundry and gifts

11 A Word About Photography While this tour is designed for photographers, non-photographers or nonphotographer spouses or friends are welcome and encouraged. My experience with these international tours has been that almost everyone wants to return with stunning images and improve their photographic skills. I will be available to assist with questions about photography at all levels from beginners to advanced. I have found that everyone's photographs improve as the trip progresses. There are several very important benefits for going on a photo tour, as opposed to a regular tour: ~We get up early in the morning to take advantage of dramatic sunrises and soft light. Dawn is a magic time to be out and about! ~We spend more time when photo opportunities present themselves. If the lighting is beautiful, we will stay and take advantage. Whether you are an advanced photographer or a beginner, you will appreciate the photo tips that will be given, which allows everyone to take better and more memorable images.

12 Additional Information Weather: Mongolia has short mild summers, which are followed by long, cold winters. September is a transition month with some warm, sunny days and colder mornings and evenings. It is best to err on the side of caution and be prepared with layers and a waterproof and windproof jacket. The average high and low temperature for September in Ulaanbaatar is 57/36. The average for the Gobi desert is 68/44 and for Ulgii the average daytime temperature is 47 degrees and the nights will be much cooler. What to Wear From the Bottom Up: Good, warm waterproof hiking shoes. You will not need heavy hiking boots. Bring an extra pair of shoes to wear in the hotel at night. Lightweight wool socks 3-4 pair. Wool will keep your feet warm when they are wet, cotton will not. Two pair of quick dry safari style pants. These pants can be hung in the bathroom at night and will be dry in the morning. Mid or light-weight long underwear. Several layers on top fleece or wool shirt, a down or fleece vest, and a heavier jacket, with a hood. I often wear a fleece or light down jacket. A wool or fleece stocking type of hat that covers your ears. A baseball hat may work in the afternoon when the sun is out, but you will need a heavier wool or fleece hat for cool weather. Gloves--Bring a light pair of gloves that allow you to operate your camera Bring a small backpack for your camera and lenses so you can take them with you on hikes. I also find a small fanny pack very useful. Be sure to have a chapstick and lotion for your hands. The air is dry and cold and chapped lips and cracked skin on your hands can occur easily. Knee pads I find knee pads very useful when photographing. The type you may have for gardening should work well.

13 Camera Equipment: Generally I would bring as much equipment as you can comfortably travel with, keeping the weight restrictions in mind. There will be a combination of landscapes and people photography. Camera bodies-i recommend traveling with two camera bodies in case one malfunctions. Also, two bodies will reduce the number of times that lenses have to be changed. Lenses-Bring a wide angle to a small telephoto. I will bring a 17-35, 24-70, and a Tripod-A tripod is important for landscapes and any night photography. However, a lot of images will be hand-held, particularly during the Eagle Festival. Filters-Bring a circular polarizing filter as well as split neutral density filters for darkening the sky. I recommend a 2 stop hard edge and 3 stop graduated. All of my filters come from The have excellent filters with no distortion or color hazing. I am one of their featured photographers and you can receive a 10% discount for any purchase from them by entering douglas10 in the coupon line when you order. If you have any questions about which filters to purchase, please feel free to send an to me. Be sure to purchase a filter to fit your largest lens (widest diameter probably 77mm or 72mm) and then use inexpensive step-up rings to attach them to smaller lenses. Cable Release-I use a cable release for most of my images and it becomes necessary if you are taking exposures that are longer than 30 seconds. Waterproof covering for camera There are many different waterproof coverings available, but I often use a large shower cap. When we leave the hotels in the mornings, I usually grab a towel to use during the day and return it in the evening. Misc. items battery charger, extra batteries, microfiber cleaning cloth, laptop computer or ipad, extra cf or sd cards, backup-hard drive and any other items you normally use. Headlamp or small flashlight. Weight Restrictions: On the internal flights there is a weight restriction of 10 kilograms (22 lbs.) for checked baggage and 5 kilograms (11 lbs.) for hand carried luggage. Overage charges will be about $1.00 per pound. Plan to leave some street clothing at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar, as we return there several times during our stay. Visa Requirements: Tourist visas are not required for US citizens traveling to Mongolia.

14 Doug Steakley is a widely recognized photographer from Carmel Valley, California. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University and his interest in adventure travel led him to pursue photography full time. His distinct images range from the Monterey Peninsula in California where he lives, to many international destinations where he travels frequently. Five books of his photography have been published: Pacific Light, Images of The MontereyPeninsula, in 2000, and Big Sur and Beyond, The Legacy of The Big Sur Land Trust, in Two later books were published by Countryman Press: A Photographer s Guide To The California Coast, in 2005, and Photographing Big Sur in Doug s most recent large format book is titled Big Sur Revealed and was published in Photo By Bruce Steakley Doug supports and works closely with several land preservation groups including The Big Sur Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, The Tuolumne River Trust, The Trust For Public Land and The Western Rivers Conservancy. A variety of his images have been published in annual reports and in many other related publications. In 2003, he received the Ansel Adams Award from The Sierra Club for his conservation photography. Doug is a past member and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for The Center For Photographic Art in Carmel, California. He also leads a wide variety of photographic tours and expeditions, both in the United States and abroad, including destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Botswana, Mexico, Nepal, Burma and Iceland. His images have been widely published in many local, national and international magazines including National Geographic, Architectural Digest, Backpacker, Outside, Better Homes and Gardens, Art and Antiques, Private Pilot, Luxury Living, The Robb Report, and Town and Country and others. Photographs by Doug Steakley have received awards in many photography competitions, including those sponsored by National Geographic, Nature s Best, North America Nature Photography Association, (NANPA), The National Wildlife Federation, Monochrome Awards, and National Geographic Traveler magazine among others. He has participated in numerous small group and solo exhibitions and his images are in many offices and medical facilities throughout northern California, including several Kaiser hospitals, The Palo Alto Medical Foundation and the Community Hospital in Monterey. Stock photography by Doug Steakley is represented world-wide by Getty Images and Interfoto. doug@douglassteakley.com

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