The Winter Migration
An epic winter journey following in the footsteps of Timothy Allen's legendary migration, now reopened with our nomadic Kazakh friends as trusted guides.
Life alongside the last nomads of the Altai
Our journey will take us across snowy passes, frozen lakes and through the incredible winter scenery of the Altai mountains. Your destination will be our friends' Spring camp in Tavan Bogd National Park, a place that few outsiders have ever witnessed in the winter months.
Once there, you will live alongside the family, accompany them hunting with their golden eagle and spend time with their extended family at their homestead. The yurt camp, warm food and close-knit group make this one of the most intimate expedition experiences Karai has ever offered.
An ice archery tournament, eagle festival, and camel race completes this unique expedition.
Moments only the steppe can give you
Walk along with the herd
Master ice archery
Go out eagle hunting
Be part of a Kazakh family
The itinerary
Arrival in Ulan Bator
After your international flight, a driver brings you to our hotel in the centre of Ulan Bator. In the evening, the group gathers for a first dinner together.
Discovering the capital
After breakfast and an introductory talk by Thomas, we spend the day getting to know each other visiting Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the Main Square and the black market. In the evening, we share a traditional meal at a local restaurant.
Flight to Ulgii & Ice archery
Morning flight to Ulgii, capital of Western Mongolia. In the afternoon, our own private ice archery tournament. Then we drive to camp alongside our Kazakh friends for the first night in the yurts.
The migration begins
We leave at first light. The great winter migration starts: over 1000 animals, a team of Kazakh horsemen, and us. The scale of it is impossible to prepare for.
Deep into the migration
Three days walking alongside the herd through snowy passes and frozen valleys. Each night, the yurt camp is erected at the next stage of the journey. Outside, the temperature falls to −30°C. Inside, home-cooked food and fur beds keep us warm.
Arrival at Spring camp
The final day of the migration. We arrive at our friend's family Spring camp in Tavan Bogd National Park in the late afternoon, a place few outsiders have ever seen in winter.
Rest day at Spring camp
A leisurely day in a beautiful, isolated spot in the snow-covered mountains. Time to absorb, photograph, and simply be in one of the most remote places on earth.
Portrait masterclass
A natural light masterclass led by Thomas followed by portrait sessions with our Kazakh friends: their faces, their costumes, their eagle. Some of the most intimate photography of the expedition.
Eagle hunting & eagle festival
Morning hunt with Shokhan and his golden eagle. Afterwards, we gather with 8 eagle hunters for our own private festival showcasing traditional Kazakh sports, Buzkasi, Tin Teru and eagle training demonstrations.
Long overland drive to Ulgii
A full day driving back to the capital of Western Mongolia in our expedition vehicles. In the evening, a traditional Kazakh music performance with dinner at a local hotel.
Camel racing tournament
We travel to a village near Ulgii to attend a camel racing tournament, one of the most exhilarating and photogenic spectacles in Central Asia.
Flight back to Ulan Bator
Morning flight back to the capital. In the evening, a farewell meal at our favourite restaurant in the city, a moment to celebrate everything seen and lived together.
Departure
Our driver drops you at the airport to connect with your international flight. Have a safe journey, and carry the Altai with you.
From our past expeditions
“To me, the best part was to learn how to communicate with the people that I didn't know and ask permission for taking photo of them. Thomas and Emilie were amazing. We got to know each other and built friendship during the trip.”
“Above all, what sets Karai apart is its deeply humanistic approach to travel: genuine encounters, cultural sensitivity and a sincere interest in the people and places discovered along the way.”
“I had a wonderful time with a great group of people, good team spirit with perfect support from Thom and Emi, a well as all the guides and drivers. They all took excellent care of us throughout the journey.”
From first message to departure
- 01
Apply
Fill in the short application form. It takes two minutes and doesn’t commit you to anything.
Apply now - 02
Meet us
Pick a time for a video call right after applying. We get to know you, answer your questions and make sure the expedition is the right fit.
Pick a time - 03
Secure your spot
Once we both feel it’s a match, a deposit of 2 040 € confirms your place. The balance is due 90 days before departure.
- 04
Get ready
You receive our handbook with gear, clothing and reading tips, and we go over visas and travel details together.
Taxes included. Deposit of 2 040 € to secure your place.
What's included
- Pick-up and drop-off at Ulan Bator airport
- 5 nights in high-standard hotels
- 9 nights in traditional yurt camps
- 4x4 vehicles with dedicated drivers throughout
- 2 domestic flights Ulan Bator ↔ Ulgii
- Professional guide & translator for the full expedition
- 12-person support team including cooks
- Full board: all meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks (days 1–15)
- Private ice archery tournament
- Private eagle festival with eagle hunters
- Photography workshops, lectures & editing sessions by Thomas
- Donation to rangeland protection and Kazakh community projects
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
No commitment until our call · A 2 040 € deposit confirms your place · All taxes included
Not sure yet?
Book a 20-minute callTwo of us, by your side
Sensitive to the human condition and its relationship with our environment, Thomas has traveled and worked in dozens of countries. He has followed Timothy Allen's footsteps into the Altai and spent years building trust with the Kazakh nomadic communities of Western Mongolia.
An experienced expedition leader, passionate storyteller and inspiring teacher, he will share his hard-earned access to these remote communities, while helping you take your photography skills to the next level.
Emilie plans every expedition down to the smallest detail, from the first scouting trip to the last transfer. On the ground, she takes care of logistics, so that you can focus on the encounters and the photographs.
With years of film production behind her, she also brings a gentle, attentive eye to every encounter, especially with women and children.
Protecting the rangelands
Our commitment in Mongolia supports the protection of rangelands, the foundation of Kazakh nomadic life. This goes directly towards the development of sustainable livelihoods for the communities we visit and the protection of the vital environmental features of their territory.
With a background in humanitarian and development affairs, Karai is particularly careful about the impact of its presence as guests. On top of paying our hosts fairly, we ensure direct financial support to local initiatives.
Our environmental commitmentof rangelands are currently degraded
herding families relying on land health
years of nomadic tradition preserved
Questions & answers
Everything you need to know before booking. Still have questions? Write to us