| Description
Of all the world’s arid lands, the Gobi (which means simply “desert”) has the greatest air of mystery about it, perhaps because it lies at the heart of Asia’s remotest hinterland between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south. Largely unchanged since the days of Genghis Khan, Mongolia represents a rare opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the ancestors, in the path of the nomad. Most Mongolians adhere to Tibetan-style Buddhist beliefs, despite attempts to dismantle religion during the Stalinist purges. These tenacious people live in round, collapsible gers with their livestock, moving with the seasons.
Join Vincent Versace on this itinerary created to provide photographers a quintessential glimpse of Mongolian life and landscapes.
The great Gobi exerts a kind of magnetic pull on anyone drawn to harsh, wild places and the endemic plants and animals that inhabit them. It is said that “only in wide open spaces do we ever truly have vision,” and the majestic nature of the Gobi is sure to inspire us with its diversity of landscapes, plants and wildlife, incredibly clear and starry skies, and dramatic sunrises and sunsets. After exploring the marvels of the Gobi, head north to the far reaches of Mongolia near the Siberian border to experience a local festival organized by the Tsaatan, one of the world’s last reindeer herding nomadic tribes. The festival will be held nearby Lake Hovsgol, the spiritual heart of the Mongolian people, which scientists believe is the cleanest fresh-water lake on the planet.
Biography
VINCENT VERSACE is the recipient of the 1998 Computerworld Smithsonian Award in Media Arts & Entertainment and the 2001 Shellenberg Fine Art Award. He was commissioned by the San Francisco Presidio National Park to create a permanent collection of art for the park and he is the host of the Epson Print Academy, a seminar tour on digital printing for photographers. He is a former artist in residence for the Altamira Group and former consultant to the president of Kodak's Digital & Applied Imaging Group. Vincent also serves as a consultant for Epson, Lexar, Apple, Roland, Dynalite Strobe systems, Photoflex, Luminos, Kodak, LowePro, and Nikon, to beta test their digital cameras and digital imaging products. Articles about his work have appeared in nearly every major photography and digital imaging periodical. His work is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History.
Website: http://www.versacephotography.com
Itinerary
A Photographic Journey to the Gobi and Lake Hovsgol
June 23 – July 7, 2008
This itinerary provides photographers a quintessential glimpse of Mongolian life and landscapes.
Of all the world’s arid lands, the Gobi (which means simply “desert”) has about it the greatest air of mystery, perhaps because it lies at the heart of Asia’s remotest hinterland between the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan Plateau to the south.
Man and Camels; Photo by P. Oxford
The great Gobi exerts a kind of magnetic pull on anyone drawn to harsh, wild places and the endemic plants and animals that inhabit them. It is said that “only in wide open spaces do we ever truly have vision,” and the majestic nature of the Gobi is sure to inspire us with its diversity of landscapes, plants and wildlife, incredibly clear and starry skies, and dramatic sunrises and sunsets.
After exploring the marvels of the Gobi, head north to the far reaches of Mongolia near the Siberian border to experience a local festival organized by the Tsaatan, one of the world’s last reindeer herding nomadic tribes. The festival will be held nearby Lake Hovsgol, the spiritual heart of the Mongolian people, which scientists believe is the cleanest fresh-water lake on the planet.
Day 1, June 23
Arrival in Mongolia
The contrast between ancient traditions and the dawning of a 21st century democracy is most visible in Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the Ulaanbaatar Hotel, one of Mongolia’s most historical landmarks, located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening. (Ulaanbaatar Hotel; B, L, D)
Old and New in Ulaanbaatar; Photo by B. Balik
Day 2, June 24
Ulaanbaatar
Start your journey visiting to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven through Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan-Buddhist tradition with ancient Shamanist practices still evident. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s. Gandan Monastery continued to operate as a “showpiece” for government officials.
The monastery is an excellent place to take photos of contemporary religious life in Mongolia.
Afterwards, visit the National History museum for an overview of Mongolia’s history and culture. In the evening, enjoy a performance featuring traditional Mongolian dancers and hoomi (throat) singers, followed by dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Ulaanbaatar Hotel; B, L, D )
Day 3, June 25
Bayankhongor / Ikh Bogd Mountain
In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly over vast steppe to Bayankhongor province (1.5 hours), one of the semi-desert province of Mongolia. Upon arrival, drive approximately 3 hrs. towards Ikh Bogd Mountain. Along the way, stop at Orog Lake for photos. Ikh Bogd mountain is known for its beauty and multi-colored rocks. Spend the night at a ger camp near the mountain. (Ger Camp; B, L, D )
Day 4, June 26
Bichigt Valley
After breakfast, drive to Bichigt Valley (1 hour). This site is rich with petroglyphs, which scientists believe are some of the best in Central Asia. The long valley has carvings dating to the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods. The site provides photographers and excellent opportunity to capture Mongolia’s ancient past. Return to ger camp in the evening. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Gobi-Altai Mountains Range; Photo by B. Balik
Day 5, June 27
Dulaan Bogd Mountain
Drive approx. 2 1/2 hrs. towards Hongoryn Els Sand Dune, which run 60 miles alongside the Gobi-Altai Mountain range. These dunes, reaching upwards of 2,500 feet, are the Gobi’s most magnificent sand dunes and due to their isolation, the secret of this area’s beauty has been kept safe for thousands of years. Overnight in a tent camp. The guide will set up tent camp for the group. Our high quality three-person tents, outfitted with sleeping bags and thick, inflatable mattresses, are based on double occupancy. (Tent Camp; B, L, D)
Day 6, June 28
Hongoryn Els Sand Dune
After breakfast, continue driving towards Hongoryn Els dunes (3 hours). Along the way, stop to visit a local camel herding family. Photographers have the opportunity to learn more about nomadic life and experience the warm hospitality offered to passing travelers in the form of food, shelter, and friendship. Overnight at ger camp near Hongoryn Els. (Ger Camp; B, L, D)
Day 7, June 29
Flaming Cliffs / Three Camel Lodge
Spend the morning exploring Hongoryn Els and taking pictures of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, drive eastwards towards the Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia’s premiere expedition camp. In the late afternoon visit the Flaming Cliffs, named for the red-orange sandstone which glows brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. It was here, in 1922, that Dr. Roy Chapman Andrews and his exploration team from the American Museum of Natural History found the first nest of dinosaur eggs the world had ever seen. Enjoy the spectacular scenery at sunset. Overnight at Three Camel Lodge.
(Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Hongoryn Els; Photo by B. Balik
Day 8, June 30
Dungenee Valley
Wake to the sight of the sun rising over the vast Gobi landscape. After breakfast, drive to Dungenee Valley, a scenic site excellent for viewing wildlife. Spend the full day at the Dungenee Valley. A pack lunch will be provided. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight. (Three Camel Lodge; B, L, D)
Day 9, July 1
Ulaanbaatar
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival in the city, transfer to your hotel. Explore Ulaanbaatar at your leisure or with your guide in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at a fine local restaurant. (Ulaanbaatar Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 10, July 2
Hovsgol
In the morning, visit the Fine Arts Museum. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flight to Muron, the capital of Hovsgol province (1.5 hours). Drive 1 hr. to a ger camp located nearby the Uushisgyn Deer Stones, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Central Asia. Erected approximately 3,000 years ago by Turkic-Mongol tribes and characterized by carvings of deer in a “flying gallop”, the images inscribed on Deer Stones provide a unique perspective on Mongolian history and culture. Overnight in gers. ( Ger Camp; B, L, D )
Day 11, July 3
Lake Hovsgol
After exploring the area, drive to Lake Hovsgol, approx. 3 hrs. En route, stop at Lake Irkhel, a small lake in the midst of the steppe that is popular for a variety of birds. Continue overland to Lake Hovsgol, passing through Mongolian steppe and forested mountains. Mongolia’s largest lake by water volume, Lake Hovsgol extends 85 miles in length, and 18 miles in width, and is fed by over 90 streams and rivers. Water exits the lake only through one river, the Egiin, whose waters eventually reach Lake Baikal in neighboring Siberia. This crystal-clear alpine lake, known as Mongolia’s “dark blue pearl” remains untouched by industry and is situated among the most pristine forests, mountains and meadows in the world. Bird life and wildflowers abound and you will have ample time to discover the lake’s secrets in the following days.
Tsaatan girl on reindeer at winter camp; Photo by P. Oxford
Day 12, July 4
Tsaatan Festival
Spend the day at the Tsaatan Festival. Tsaatans, members of the Turkic-speaking Tuvinian ethnic group known as Dukha, herd domesticated reindeer in Hovsgol province. They are the only reindeer-herding nomads in Mongolia. Tsaatan families use reindeer for transportation and milk, and live in teepes similar to those once used by Native Americans.
The festival will highlight Tsaatan folk song and dance, and will serve as an excellent opportunity for foreigners and Mongolians alike to learn more about Tsaatan culture and customs. Overnight at ger camp (Ger Camp; B, L, D )
Day 13, July 5
Lake Hovsgol
Spend the day at Lake Hovsgol. There will be opportunities to ride horses, hike, or kayak on the lake. Overnight in gers.
(Ger Camp; B, L, D )
Nomad Near Lake Hovsgol
Day 14, July 6
Morun / Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, return to Morun for your return flight to Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a fine local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. (Ulaanbaatar Hotel; B, L, D)
Day 15, July 7
Departure
Transfer to airport for departure. (B)
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
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