6 LEFT
MONGOLIA
15 DAYS · FEBRUARY 2027
Next stop, the magical landscapes of Western Mongolia!
This expedition follows in the footsteps of Timothy Allen's original winter migration, a trip that has captured the senses of countless travelers over the years.
After working with Tim over the years, we are now reopening this once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the far reaches of the Altai region, with our nomadic friends as trusted guides.
We will join the famous Shokhan and his family on a 5-day epic migration following over 1000 animals, witness the mastery of ice archery, marvel at the skills of eagle hunters on a private eagle festival and have the chance to bet on the outcome of a camel race.
An epic winter migration with our Kazakh friends and their herd.
The expedition will run from February 20th to March 6th 2027, starting and ending in Ulaan Baator. Check the itinerary further below.
The total price for the trip is 6800€ (incl. taxes). A non-refundable deposit of 2040€ is required to secure your place on the trip.
Please note that by paying the deposit, you agree to abide by our Terms & Conditions.
Maximum 8 people
Car-based overland expedition and trekking, with one in-country flight.
High-end hotels in the city and traditional yurts in the Altai.
Anyone is welcome, from beginners to professionals. Tailored mentorship is provided based on your needs.
Must be in good overall condition. The conditions are extreme (-30° at night).
What to expect
Our journey will take us across snowy passes, frozen lakes and through the incredible winter scenery of the Altai mountains.
Backed up by a team of 4 off-road vehicles and 12 staff including cooks and translators, a camp of warm yurts will be erected every night at each stage of the journey, providing home cooked food and cosy beds in the evenings when outside temperatures regularly fall to minus 30°C.
Your destination will be Shokhan’s family’s Spring camp in Tavan Bogd National park, a place that few outsiders have witnessed in the winter months. Once there you will live alongside Shokhan’s family and enjoy a few days in this truly remote location, accompanying him hunting with his golden eagle and spending time with his extended family at their homestead.
You will also have the chance to film or photograph eagle hunters at our own private eagle festival in the snowy landscape of Tavan Bogd showcasing eagle training and the traditional Kazakh sport of Buzkasi and Tin Teru.
After the migration we will return to Ulgii in our expedition vehicles and round off the trip by visiting a local festival showcasing the incredibly exciting sport of camel racing.
Highlights
WALK 5 DAYS ALONG THE HERD
TAKE YOUR CHANCE AT ICE ARCHERY
GO OUT EAGLE HUNTING
BE PART OF A KAZAKH FAMILY
BE PART OF A KAZAKH FAMILY
GO OUT EAGLE HUNTING
TAKE YOUR CHANCE AT ICE ARCHERY
WALK 5 DAYS ALONG THE HERD
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
After arriving from your international flight, a driver will bring you to our hotel in the centre of Ulan Bator. In the evening we will all meet for dinner.
Day 2
After breakfast we will spend the day getting to know each other visiting Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the Main Square and the black market. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant near our hotel.
Day 3
Take the morning flight to Ulgii, the capital of Western Mongolia. In the afternoon we will join our own private Ice Archery tournament and then drive to camp alongside our Kazakh friends.
Day 4
Leave on the migration at first light.
Day 5 to day 7
Migration
Day 8
Final day of the migration. Arrive at Spring camp late afternoon.
Day 9
Rest Day. A leisurely day spent at Shokhan’s Spring camp.. a beautiful and very isolated spot in the snow covered mountains of Tavan Bogd national park.
Day 10
Portraiture day: A natural light masterclass with Timothy followed by portrait sessions with our local friends.
Day 11
Eagle hunting and private eagle festival: In the morning we will hunt and afterwards we will gather with 8 eagle hunters for a private festival showcasing traditional Kazakh sports and eagle training.
Day 12
Drive to Ulgii (full day driving). We make the long overland journey back to the capital in our expedition vehicles. In the evening we will stay at a local hotel and enjoy a traditional Kazakh music performance with our meal.
Day 13
Today we will travel to a village near to Ulgii to attend a camel racing tournament.
Day 14
Take the morning flight back to Ulan Bator. In the evening share a farewell meal at my favourite restaurant in the city.
Day 15
Tearful goodbyes as our driver drops you off at the airport to connect with your international flight. Have a safe trip!
Price details
The price of the Winter Migration expedition is set to 6800€, including taxes.
Participants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 2040€ to secure their place on the trip. If booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is due on confirmation.
Further information on payment will be provided upon registration.
What's included:
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Pick-up and drop-off at Ulan Bator airport
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5 nights in high-standard hotels
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9 nights in camps
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4x4 vehicles for the duration of the expedition with dedicated drivers
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A professional guide and translator for the duration of the expedition
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Full board from day 1 to day 15, including all meals, snacks and drinks hot and cold.
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Photographic workshops, lectures and editing sessions by Thomas
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Donation to a community development project (see below).
Not included:
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International flights
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Visa
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Travel and cancellation insurance
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Expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls
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Additional excursions not mentioned in the above itinerary
Community Commitment
Our commitment in Mongolia supports the protection of rangelands. This goes towards the development of Kazakh communities’ sustainable livelihoods and the protection of vital features of their environment.
Expedition leader
Thomas Cytrynowicz is a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, he has traveled and worked in many countries around the planet.
He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a force for good.
An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will be offering his access to and knowledge of the remote communities you will visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.
Group size
The Winter Migration expedition caters to a maximum of eight individuals. We prioritize intimate expedition groups to ensure unparalleled and immersive experiences, as certain moments can be truly appreciated and savored only in the company of a small, close-knit group.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore in the best possible conditions, while sharing experiences with fellow adventurers and learning from Thomas in a highly tailored approach.
Our expeditions attract people from all over the world, curious about human cultures, passionate about nature and enthusiastic about photography.
We take the time to meet everyone beforehand, allowing us to curate groups that harmonize seamlessly.
GROUP SIZE
The Winter Migration expedition caters to a maximum of eight individuals. We prioritize intimate expedition groups to ensure unparalleled and immersive experiences, as certain moments can be truly appreciated and savored only in the company of a small, close-knit group.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to explore in the best possible conditions, while sharing experiences with fellow adventurers and learning from Thomas in a highly tailored approach.
Our expeditions attract people from all over the world, curious about human cultures, passionate about nature and enthusiastic about photography.
We take the time to meet everyone beforehand, allowing us to curate groups that harmonize seamlessly.
EXPEDITION LEADER
Thomas Cytrynowicz is a documentary photographer and filmmaker. Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, he has traveled and worked in many countries around the planet.
He often works for NGOs on humanitarian and development projects, believing that well-crafted images can be a force for good.
An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will be offering his access to and knowledge of the remote communities you will visit, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Our commitment in Mongolia supports the protection of rangelands. This goes towards the development of Kazakh communities’ sustainable livelihoods and the protection of vital features of their environment.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
FAQ
All are welcome on our trips. From the confirmed amateurs to the newcomer who only photographs with a cellphone, there is something for everyone. Photography is first and a foremost a tool to get to far away places, connect with fellow human beings, and take in the great beauty of our planet.
If you’re willing to push your skills further though, that’s definitely the right place!
The photography gear carried with you during the trip will be your personal one.
We will cover a variety of situations. Be prepared to shoot portraits, events and landscapes alike. Here are some ideas : prime lens (50mm, 85mm), zoom lens (24-70, 70-200), wide lens (16-35). But any camera and lens will do. Do not forget to bring a laptop for our editing sessions and enough batteries and memory cards for our nights in camp.
We will send you a more detailed handbook before leaving, including recommended reading and clothing.
If you would like to get an in-depth knowledge of the area or specific photography tips ahead of our trip, you can request a paid training session with our Expedition Leader. Send us an email to enquire.
As stated in our About page, giving back to our host communities is of paramount importance to us. With our background in humanitarian and development affairs, we are particularly careful with the impact we have as guests. On top of paying our hosts for their hospitality, we ensure to provide financial support to local initiatives. Find out more on each expedition’s page.
Unexpected things happen, and you can of course cancel your booking, though the non-refundable deposit is indeed… non-refundable, unless we find a replacement in time. Please read our Terms & Conditions for more information.
Once you pay your deposit, we will schedule a call to go over the specific details of visa and international travel. It’s a good time to ask any question you might have.
You are in charge of getting your own travel and/or cancellation insurance. We recommend selecting a policy that includes emergency evacuation in case of trouble, as we will be off-the-beaten tracks for most of our journey.
Please check with your doctor if you require vaccination for your chosen expedition.
We will be traveling with a standard medkit and various medicines. We recommend you bring one as well, especially if you have any specific medical need.
Either cooked by our embedded cook,host families, or selected hotels, food will be fresh, diverse and plentiful, but also local. This is your chance to dive in the culinary specificities of our destinations. Please inform us of any specific diet ahead of our trip so we can plan accordingly. Some destinations require a level of flexibility.
We travel on private jeeps or similar and professional drivers at all times.
Throughout our trip, we will be accompanied by at least one local translator who will communicate in a language that you are comfortable with. More than a translator, they are local assets who know the area well and have many stories to share. Make the best of it!
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
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