Capture the Mystique of Mongolia: join photographer Rob Walbers on an unforgettable journey!
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime photographic expedition through the rugged and breathtaking landscapes of Mongolia with acclaimed photographer Rob Walbers.
Over the course of 10 immersive days, you'll delve deep into the heart of Mongolia's rich culture and stunning natural beauty. From the nomadic herders' way of life to the majestic eagle hunters of the Altai Mountains, every moment promises to be a captivating frame waiting to be captured.
TRIP DATES
October 25th - November 4th, 2024
November 5th - 15th, 2024
(fully booked)
TUITION COSTS
$3,500.00
($1,500.00 deposit)
GROUP SIZE
6 participants
(min. 4, max 6)
What to Expect:
Spectacular Landscapes: Traverse the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert, witness the fiery hues of sunrise over rolling hills, and marvel at the untouched beauty of Mongolia's pristine wilderness.
Nomadic Encounters: Immerse yourself in the traditions of Mongolia's nomadic people as you visit remote families and gain insight into their timeless way of life.
Eagle Hunters: Witness the ancient art of eagle hunting firsthand as you observe skilled falconers in action against the backdrop of the rugged Altai Mountains.
Ger Living: Experience the unique hospitality of Mongolia as you spend nights under the stars in traditional gers, sharing meals and laughter with local families.
Photographic Guidance: Receive expert guidance and personalized instruction from Rob Walbers, honing your photography skills and capturing stunning images that will tell the story of your unforgettable journey. There will be daily intimate feedback sessions and collaborative work discussions within small groups of no more than 6 participants. Benefit from constructive criticism, gain fresh perspectives, and refine your skills in a supportive environment. Connect with fellow photographers and elevate your craft together.
Why Mongolia?
Mongolia offers a photographer's dream canvas, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned photographer looking to expand your portfolio or an enthusiast eager to explore new horizons, this workshop promises to inspire and delight.
Join us as we embark on an adventure filled with discovery, creativity, and the magic of Mongolia. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and let's capture the essence of this extraordinary land together!
Day 1
Arrival day
As you touch down at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar (UBN), your adventure in Mongolia begins. Our friendly drivers will be waiting to whisk you away to your hotel in the heart of the vibrant city. (If you want to arrive a day or two earlier to acclimate and explore, feel free to let us know. We can help you out with the accommodation upon request.)
At 6 PM, all of us gather at the hotel lobby. Together, we'll indulge in a sumptuous welcome dinner at a local restaurant, tantalizing our taste buds with the flavors of regional cuisine. Over the shared meal, Rob will paint a vivid picture of the adventures awaiting us, offering a glimpse into the wonders of Mongolia's landscapes and traditions.
Day 2-4
Capturing the Essence of Khongor Sand Dunes
After breakfast, we'll make our way to Dalanzadgad, either by a scenic flight offering breathtaking aerial vistas or in case flights are not available, via a picturesque drive from Ulaanbaatar, at no additional cost.
Over the next three days, we'll immerse ourselves in the enchanting beauty of the Khongor Sand Dunes, working closely with local camel herder families to capture the essence of their nomadic lifestyle. Experience exclusive portrait sessions, camel shoots at sunrise and sunset, and intimate encounters with these magnificent creatures against the backdrop of the shifting desert sands.
From dawn till dusk, we'll be exploring the dunes on foot and by camelback, tracing their contours and capturing the vibrant hues of daybreak and twilight. With privileged access to the camel herders and their daily routines, we'll get the opportunity to document their traditions and rituals, creating evocative portraits that reflect the timeless allure of the desert landscape.
We will be staying at local ger camps or with local families.
Day 5
Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we'll depart Dalanzadgad and catch our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy some leisure time before reuniting with the group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6-9
Eagle Hunter Immersion
The day begins early with a 3-hour commercial flight to Olgii city from Ulaanbaatar. From there, our drivers will pick us up and take us towards our next destination – the welcoming home of a Kazakh family.
In the coming days, we'll be working and living closely with very experienced and skilled Kazakh eagle hunters. Unlike the crowded public festivals, our intimate gathering offers unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning images amidst the majestic Mongolian landscape.
You'll have unrestricted access to photograph the eagle hunters as they showcase their remarkable falconry skills on horseback against breathtaking backdrops. From mountain ridges to grasslands and rocky landscapes, every moment promises excitement and awe-inspiring imagery.
During the midday, when the sunlight is harsh, we'll shift our focus to capturing intimate portraits of the Kazakh people and documenting their unique lifestyle. The interplay of ambient light filtering through the doors will yield captivating results that will leave you speechless.
We will be staying at local Kazakh families.
Day 10
Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, we'll journey to Olgii airport for our flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, you can refresh and settle into your hotel in the city center.
With a few hours of leisure time, feel free to explore the vibrant city center at your own pace or in group, perhaps visiting local markets or iconic landmarks.
In the evening, we'll have a farewell dinner at a charming restaurant in Ulaanbaatar, reminiscing about the unforgettable moments shared throughout our journey. Retire to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, cherishing the memories of our adventure in Mongolia.
Day 11
Departure Day
Our drivers will escort you to Ulaanbaatar Airport (ULN), marking the end of our unforgettable journey together.
FAQ
* WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE LIST?
All hotel (twin accommodation, single room supplement $950 USD) and camp/family stays
All meals, water and non-alcoholic beverages
English speaking local guides
All transportation during the tour (drivers, cars & fuel), including domestic flights
Airport transfers at arrival/departure and during the tour
All permits and entry fees.
Instruction, guidance, and image reviews from host Rob Walbers
Gratuities for local guides & crew included (we want to emphasize that all individuals participating in our workshop are being compensated fairly for their contributions. However, should you wish to express additional gratitude through tipping, you are welcome to do so at your discretion.)
* WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE LIST?
International airfare
Visa to enter Mongolia
Alcohol
Travel Insurance
Photographic equipment
Sleeping bag
Excess baggage charges on domestic flights (above 30 kilos)
Any accommodations or meals before or after the tour dates.
Items of a personal nature.
*WHO'S IS ROB WALBERS?
With nearly two decades of professional photography experience, ROB has embarked on assignments spanning the globe, capturing real stories of humanity through expression, emotion, and body language. His evocative images have graced the pages of numerous magazines and adorned advertising campaigns worldwide.
In 2014, ROB embarked on his first journey to Mongolia, a country that has since captured his heart. He has returned many times, fostering a deep love for its people and culture. His passion for Mongolia culminated in the publication of his book, 'NoMa(n)d'sLand,' in 2018, which garnered widespread acclaim for its portrayal of the country's beauty and essence.
Residing in Tokyo since 2010, ROB continues his freelance photography work, infusing his imagery with the vibrant energy of Japanese culture. To explore more of ROB's captivating works, visit his website and social media platforms.
On this journey, ROB will serve as your teacher and guide, sharing his expertise and passion for photography to enhance your experience and capture the essence of Mongolia through your lens.
* FOOD
Once we leave the capital city Ulaanbaatar, the range of food available becomes limited to what we will find in local restaurants or with local host families. This contains of mainly meat dishes with accompaniments of starches such as potatoes, rice, bread and a few greens. Vegetarian dishes are challenging to find but not impossible. We will also be traveling with sufficient food and beverages to respond to any need we may have on the road. If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please let us know in advance so we can arrange accordingly.
* LODGING (HOTELS & CAMPS)
We will be staying in an international-standard hotel in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Once we leave Ulaanbaatar and we drive through the countryside, we will try to stay as often as possible in traditional Mongol nomadic gers at (yurt) camps or with local families. These are closest to the genuine Mongolian culture and a great way to feel the country.
The tuition fees are based on the idea that you will be sharing a room with another workshop student of the same sex. If you wish to have your own private room, that can be arranged for an additional $950 USD charge, but just know that this will only apply to our standard hotels and not our stays that involve ger camps or our homestays.
* OTHERS
Mongolia is a very unpredictable country. We might find situations along our way like meeting a very hospitable family we want to spend more time with or crossing a river that has swelled because of a recent downpour, etc... all factors that can affect our schedules and itinerary. We will all need to be as flexible as possible with these type of events and work around them.
The conditions we will be traveling through will be comfortable, but not luxurious. The food will be abundant but in limited diversity. To join this workshop, you need to be comfortable getting dirty and dusty and be open to foreign traditions.
* WEATHER
October and November mark the transition from autumn to winter, bringing significant changes in weather conditions across the country.
During October, Mongolia experiences cool temperatures with daytime highs ranging from around 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) and nighttime lows dropping below freezing in many regions. This month typically sees decreasing precipitation compared to the summer months, with clear skies and crisp autumnal days becoming more common. However, occasional rainfall or snow showers can still occur, particularly in higher elevation areas.
As November progresses, Mongolia transitions further into winter, with temperatures dropping significantly across the country. Daytime highs often range from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F), while nighttime temperatures frequently dip below freezing, reaching as low as -15°C to -5°C (5°F to 23°F) in some areas. Snowfall becomes more frequent, especially in northern and western regions, leading to the gradual accumulation of snow cover.
Overall, October and November in Mongolia offer a mix of autumnal beauty and the first signs of winter's approach. Travelers can expect cool temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and the potential for snowfall as they explore the country's stunning landscapes and cultural attractions during this transitional period.
Comfortable, outdoor clothing is recommended. Plan to dress in layers so you can take off or add on as the day goes by. We will go through different elevations and temperatures at this time of the year and certain areas can still be extremely cold.
* SAFETY
Overall, Mongolia is a safe country to travel in. Mongols are respectful and extremely hospitable. Vodka in Mongolia is consumed quite broadly and can affect people’s mood and aggressiveness. Stay away from drunk people.
* NUMBER OF TRAVELERS
We will travel in a small group of max. 6 participants (min. 4) in order to make this workshop as intimate as possible so each participant gets one-on-one support and gains as much insight as possible.
* INSURANCE
Since insurance is not provided, it is highly recommended to get insurance coverage (both travel and personal) to cover your trip and equipment.
* EQUIPMENT
We will be covering a wide range of photographic fields, from landscape, portrait and wildlife to documentary. You can use whichever equipment you prefer, but a range of lenses, varying from wide angle to portrait lenses and telephoto lenses are recommended.
Of course you can follow your own preference concerning using film or digital cameras. It would be nice to be able to do photo reviews, talk sessions over results, so if you're interested, please bring your laptop with installed software.
* CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
For cancellations or changes made greater than 120 days before the workshop start date, we will refund your payment minus a $200 processing fee.
There are no refunds for cancellations or changes made less than 120 days before the workshop start date. However, if we/you are able to fill your spot, we will refund your payment minus a $200 processing fee.
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule workshops due to Force Majeure or impossible weather conditions where safety of the buyer cannot be guaranteed. We will strive to make every attempt to reschedule the workshop within 1 year of the original scheduled date. No refunds will be given but participants will be reserved a spot on the rescheduled tour or will receive credit for use towards another workshop or tour.
In the very unlikely event that a tour or workshop is canceled, we will refund the workshop fee to participants. Expenses related to travel and accommodations not provided by us will not be refunded.
