NOTE: This workshop takes place towards the end of the winter in Mongolia, where temperature can go as low as -20F. The experience of photographing camels at this up and coming festival is well worth braving the temperature!

Ten Thousand Camel Festival, held in the middle of the amazing Gobi Desert of Mongolia is already one of the most famous winter festivals in the world. This thrilling festival was first initiated in 1997 by the locals of Umnugovi (South Gobi) province to celebrate Mongolian camels, to conserve the 2-humped Bactrian camel species, and to pass the rich Mongolian camel breeding heritage to the next generation. It’s an entertaining 3-days of event that features various contests related to Mongolian camel culture and lots of local music and dances. Nomads from far and near wear their best deels and ride their best camels to attend the festival as it’s their pride and a big celebration for them.

The original birthplace of the Mongolian Camels (Bactrian) was the great Gobi. Mongolians domesticated wild camels and bred them. Since then many centuries have passed. The Bactrian camels of Mongolia are the best of the herd of camels. The chest of the Mongolian Bactrian camel is deep and broad; these animals have two humps and their wool is thick and soft.

During the workshop, we will have a chance to photograph thousands of bactrian camels, performing at the festival and also in private shoots in idyllic “desert” settings. Experiencing the Gobi Desert during winter time is a special treat.

The workshop starts and ends in Ulaanbaatar. The drive to the Gobi desert enables us to explore untouched land of Mongolia. We overnight close to the festival ground to avoid long driving journey. After the festival, we have hired camels and their owners to travel with us to the dunes of the Gobi Desert.

This is an exciting adventure, not to be missed.

Looking forward to hosting you in Mongolia for this unique festival. Oliver.

Note: This workshop is an extention to the eagle hunters winter migration and snown leopards (in the wild) workshop (March 10 - March 21).

Registration: $3,700 (March 3 - 10, 2022)
Single supplement: $400

Select Deposit

Single Occupancy $800.00 USD Double Occupancy $400.00 USD

Balance payment due by October 10, 2021 (Payable by check or Credit Card (3% processing fee)

Questions: email Oliver Klink or call (408-910-6701)

Workshop details for Mongolia Winter Camel Festival

Agenda What to Bring Logistics Instructors

Agenda

7 days of guided photoshoot and reviews
March 3 - 10, 2022
Note: Itinerary and activities might change based on weather conditions.

Day 1: (March 3) On your own arrival in Ulaanbaatur (ULN).
- We can arrange airport transportation and hotel for you.
- accommodation in hotel

Day 2: Eagle Hunter Festival in Ulaanbaatur, Chingisiin huree
- Winter Festival
- Eagle Hunters performing in a snowy backdrop
- Travel along prestine emerald lake
- Accommodation in hotel

Day 3: Drive to South Gobi Desert
- Exploration of untouched land of Mongolia
- Scouting festival ground
- Overnight in guest house/camp

Day 4-5: Winter Camel Festival
- Photograph over thousand camels at the festival
- Photoshoot with costumed local herders
- Experience activities at the festival (camel race, camel polo, best costume, etc.)
- Overnight in guest house/camp

Day 6: Private shoot with camels in the dunes of the Gobi Desert
- Create and photograph inspiring images in idyllic backdrops
- Overnight in guest house/camp

Day 7: Drive back to Ulaanbaatur
- Shopping
- Overnight in hotel

Day 8 (March 10): Departure Day
- Conclusion of the workshop

Note: This workshop is an extention to the eagle hunters winter migration and snown leopards (in the wild) workshop (March 10 - March 21).

What to Bring

Upon signing up for the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed coursebook describing what to bring, recommended camera gears, booking your flight, extra activities pre or post workshop.

Clothing: (temperature ranges from -20F to 30F)
- Comfortable and warm layered clothes (neutral color recommended)
- Goretex gears, gloves, hat for sudden weather change
- Sturdy winter shoes (hiking on snowy terrain)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sun screen
- Rain gears/windbreaker
- Knee pads for low angle shooting

Camera Equipment:
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Lens for camel race: 200 - 400mm
- Lens for grand landscape: 10 – 300mm

Other Equipment (Optional):
- Small notepad (notes, observations, …)
- Flash with diffuser
- Flash (off-camera) + diffusers
- ND Filters (3, 6, 10, 15 stops)

Photography Review Equipment (Recommended):
- Laptop (with power cord), memory card downloader
- Post processing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, plug-ins)
- External hard drives (backup)

Logistics

This workshop includes:
- 7 days of guided photoshoot
- All transportation inside Mongolia
- Private shoot with camel hurders family
- Accommodation, Meals, ground transportation
- Travel in 4x4 land cruiser
- Festival permits & Model shoots
- Small group (maximum 8 people)
- Daily reviews (including tips on post processing, file management, idea to build portfolio)
- Photography instructor, many local guides, special staff (cook, helpers)

Not Included:
- Transportation to and from Ulaanbaatar (ULN)
- Transport from Ulaanbaatar airport to hotel
- Personal expenses, alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Extra night(s) in Ulaanbaatar
- Tips to local staff

Travel Recommendations:
- Plan on arriving in Ulaanbaatar no later than March 3. Your return flight can be booked anytime on March 10
- We can assist with booking extra nights in Ulaanbaatar (pre and post workshop) and airport transportation


Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance Suggestions:

Here are a few recommendations but please browse around as services and prices vary

- Travelex Travel Select http://www.travelexinsurance.com (800) 228-9792
- Travel Guard http://www.travelguard.com/ or Travel Insurance Services http://www.travelinsure.com.
- Travel Insurance Services (Walnut Creek, CA) http://www.travelinsure.com/cobrand/select/photoex (800) 937-1387
- Atlas International Insurance (HCC Medical Insurance Services) http://www.visitorsmedical.com/atlasinternational.html
- TEN (Travelers Emergency Network) Emergency Evacuation Coverage https://www.sevencorners.com/insurance/HW7C6YH
- Medjet Assist 1-800-527-7478 https://medjetassist.com

Instructors

Oliver Klink is a fine art photographer based in Los Gatos, CA. He has traveled to Mongolia since 2014, publishing a book and a movie about the Eagle Hunters. His book, Cultures in Transition won nine awards for best photography book of 2019. He was selected as B&W photographer of the year (2018) by Dodho magazine, the Best” Emerging artist in 2016 by BWGallerist. Cultures in Transition body of work was selected as Top 50 Critical Mass Award (2016 & 2018). His image, “Herding Instinct” won the grand prize at the Rayko International Photocontest in 2014, others have received “mentioned” in the Black and White Spidar Awards for the past 5 years. “Processing images with a personal style is a passion. You can relive what you saw at the point of capture with your artistic mind”, says Oliver.

Local staff members (Guide, drivers, cook, helpers) who enrich our stay with the most current information, special activities, and “ways in” to places you only dream about!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Oliver Klink (408-910-6701) or email oliver@incredibletravelphotos.com