OVERVIEW 

Location: Western Mongolia

Dates: June 13- 21, 2026 *dates to be finalized and confirmed soon

Exact start/end times of day TBD.

Tour Leaders: Kris Andres, Paul Zizka and Curtis Jones*

Join renowned photographers Kris Andres, Paul Zizka and Curtis Jones for an extraordinary 9-day photography workshop in the dramatic western reaches of Mongolia. This immersive adventure will take you through the stunning landscapes of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, home to towering snow-covered mountains, majestic glaciers, and the serene beauty of Khoton Lake. Marvel at the rugged beauty of the mountain passes and explore one of the largest petroglyph galleries in Mongolia.

Our journey offers a unique opportunity to engage with Mongolia's rich cultural heritage by visiting nomadic families, including the famed Eagle Hunters. Experience their way of life and capture intimate portraits set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Altai Mountains.

This workshop is designed for photographers of all experience levels, blending both portrait and landscape photography. While there will be some smaller hikes, transportation will primarily be by vehicle, ensuring we cover the vast, breathtaking terrain comfortably. Our team of experienced Mongolian guides will ensure your comfort with well-prepared camps and delicious meals each night.

Embark on this unforgettable photographic journey and elevate your skills amidst the unparalleled beauty of western Mongolia.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 ITINERARY  

(Full itinerary to be provided to participants prior to workshop)

Day 1

The journey commences with an early morning departure from our Hotel in Ulaanbaatar, setting our course towards Chinggis Khaan International Airport for a flight to Ulgii in Western Mongolia.

Depending on the flight times that will be confirmed in early 2026 we may venture out to the our first campsites or stay in Ugli and explore the town and sights.

Day 2

Morning will bring the new adventure as we will be exploring the winding rivers and majestic mountain pass in White River valley. As we traverse through the mountains, we will want to make sure our long lenses are ready for the opportunity to capture and encounter the elusive inhabitants of these remote lands.

The chance to glimpse the enigmatic Pallas's cat, with its mesmerizing fur and distinctive ears, awaits us. Moreover, the realm of the Siberian ibex, grey wolf, elusive corsac fox, and the majestic silhouette of the cinereous vulture beckons. Yet, perhaps the most coveted encounter of all lies in the realm of possibility—the rare and elusive snow leopard.

Day 3 

At daybreak, we chase the sun's ascent over the rugged terrain near our camp, capturing its golden embrace before returning for breakfast. Throughout the day, we explore the vastness of the White River area, immortalizing its wild beauty through our lenses, from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits, as well as capturing wildlife and human elements.

We will have a couple of opportunities to engage with the Tuva family and other nomads, as our presence is always met with curiosity and kindness, integrating us into the narrative of this remote community.

Day 4

The day starts with the expedition in full adventure mode as we embark on a scenic drive to Khoton, a breathtaking alpine lake nestled at 2073 meters above sea level, where we will establish a campsite for two nights.

Surrounding us are some of Mongolia's most extensive petroglyph galleries, offering glimpses into the Neolithic and Bronze Ages through depictions of hunting scenes and diverse wildlife. Nearby, ancient burial sites stand as a testament to the region's rich history.

Day 5

We will capture the sunrise from our camp along the shores of Lake Khoton. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the area, including the petroglyphs and small forests. There will be endless opportunities for photography as we immerse ourselves in the enchanting beauty surrounding Lake Khoton.

Day 6 

Immersed in the nomadic lifestyle, we continue our expedition in the remote parts of western Mongolia documenting the intimate bond between humans and nature against the backdrop of the endless scenic beauty. We will move camps to another scenic lake site and explore the hidden remote gems of the area.

Day 7

We will explore the areas in depth and our local nomadic friends will be sharing precious time with us as we immerse ourselves in the rhythms of daily life and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

We will drive out to our final destination for the day is in Ulgii. We will enjoy our first night in our hotel in Ulgii.

Day 8 

After a restful night in our hotel in Ulgii, we catch a the flight to Ulaanbaatar. Our friends in Ulaanbaatar will greet us at the airport, and we will be transported to the comforts of our hotel in Ulaanbaatar. After checking in and getting ready, we will enjoy the sights of Ulaanbaatar.

Day 9

With one last breakfast at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar, we bid adieu to Mongolia and conclude the Wild West Mongolia workshop. Transfers will be arranged based on your flight times to Chinggis Khaan International Airport. You can either book your international flight that afternoon or make arrangements with us to fly out the next day.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• One-on-one and group photography instruction from Kris Andres, Paul Zizka, and Curtis Jones
• Airport transfers
• All accommodations
• Transportation in Toyota Land Cruisers
• All meals
• Local guide and drivers
• Flight in Mongolia from capital Ulaanbaatar to Uglii Town in Western Mongolia.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT community

What’s Not Included:

• Travel insurance
• Flights to and from Mongolia
• Alcohol
• Visa, vaccination, passport fees
• Tips for drivers
• Souvenirs
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.

 PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Full Cost: CAD $9500

Participants also on Mystic Mongolia: The Gobi Desert save $1,250 CAD (to be deducted from future installments).

Payment options: Full payment or non-refundable deposit to secure a space with equal installment payments.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500 (due upon booking)

• Payment #1: CAD $2000 - due January 15, 2025
  
• Payment #2: CAD $2000 - due June 15,  2025
• Payment #3: CAD $2000 - due November 15 2025
• Payment #4: CAD $2000 - due February 15, 2026

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 PARTICIPANTS 

• 5 minimum

• 16 maximum

We require a minimum of 5 participants in order to run this workshop. If the minimum numbers are not reached by Marc 30, 2024 the workshop may be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.

 ACCOMMODATIONS 

Note: workshop price is based on shared room occupancy. For those participating in the workshop that are not traveling with a friend, partner, or spouse, we will ensure all participants are partnered with a roommate of the same sex.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

We encourage and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 WHAT TO BRING 

A detailed packing list will be provided prior to the event. Please come prepared for a variety of weather conditions as the more comfortable you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be. A preliminary packing list includes:

• suitable and comfortable clothing, which you can layer. It will be hot during the day, but it can cool down considerably at nights - layers are important
• a fleece jacket/sweater
• a headlamp or flashlight
• your own camera equipment (preferably DSLR, which allows manual control of shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings and a range of lenses, if you have). Our recommended lenses to bring would be one wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (useful for night photography), and something in the strong portrait range (50MM-135MM). Other lenses are useful, of course, but those two lenses were our most frequented "go-to" lenses.
• a sturdy tripod
• a cable (or wireless) shutter release
• off-camera and/or studio equipment if that style of photography interests you
• sunglasses

As well, we optionally recommend:

• small first aid kit
• blister bandages
• water bottle
• bandana (keep dust out of nose and mouth, protect eyes from sweat
• air blower for sand/dust around camera/electronics
• voltage adapters
• a laptop for editing (with editing software, preferably Adobe)

 INSURANCE 

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.

By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2020.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.

 INSTRUCTORS

About Kris Andres

Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day.

About Paul Zizka

Specializing in photographing in difficult conditions and hard-to-reach places, Paul has a passion for shooting alpine sports and backcountry experiences, capturing the spirit of adventurers and finding unusual angles of common mountain subjects. As a landscape photographer, he particularly enjoys the challenge of capturing nature’s beauty at night and the unique features that come with a dark sky – stars, Northern Lights and dramatic silhouettes. Paul’s award-winning photos have been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, Maclean’s, Alpinist, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Islands, and Climbing magazine.

About Curtis Jones
Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort­ zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with world­class athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us at support@offbeatphoto.ca.