Mongolia

EXTRAORDINARY Mongolia A once in a lifetime photographic journey

This journey into the heart of Mongolia and its nomadic traditions is offered in conjunction with Extraordinary Exposures (www.extraordinaryexposures.com) and takes place during the highly photogenic Nadam summer festival.

After arrival in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar, we will travel across majestic steppes to Karakorum, the thirteenth century capital of the Mongol Empire. We will be hosted here at the exclusive Vogue-acclaimed Genghis Khan Polo and Riding Club while attending colorful festivities including competitions in archery, wrestling, and horsemanship that date back to the time of Genghis Khan. Our journey will continue to Mongolia’s far west and the land of the Kazakh eagle hunters where we will have exclusive access to eagle hunting families and private photographic sessions in which Kazakhs release their golden eagles from horseback and the tops of cliffs. We then fly back to Ulaanbaatar for final photographic sessions in the city’s vibrant markets. This tour will be as luxurious as Mongolia allows.

Extraordinary Exposures’ founder, Tom Hoops, who will accompany the expedition, will offer photographic training and mentoring throughout the trip. The tour will also be accompanied by Rare Journeys co-founders Ian Baker and Cristy Elmendorp. To ensure quality, this exclusive journey is limited to only seven participants.

TRIP ITINERARY

July 5, Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

The contrast between Mongolia’s ancient traditions and emergence as a 21st century democracy is highly visible in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar where traditional gers and Buddhist monasteries coexist with modern high-rises. Upon arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by our local Mongol hosts and transferred to a comfortable, centrally located hotel within easy walking distance of shops and museums. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner in traditional Mongolian surroundings. Overnight at White House Hotel.

July 6, Ulaanbaatar / Gorkhi Terelj National Park

This day will begin with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia. Woven throughout Mongolia’s nomadic culture is a rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage that also includes ancient Shamanic traditions. 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. Within the monastery grounds, you will hear deep-toned horns that call lamas.

July 7, Karakorum

Today, we will depart Ulaanbaatar and drive for approximately five hours across grassland steppes and rolling mountains to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire that once spread to the eastern frontiers of Europe. In the legendary Orkhon Valley, we will be welcomed at the highly exclusive and luxurious Genghis Khan Polo & Riding Club that will host us during the period of the annual Nadam festival.

July 8, Orkhon Valley

We will spend today on foot and on horseback exploring the flowering meadows and communities of the legendary Orkhon Valley as our Mongol hosts introduce us to pastoral life on the steppes. To ease sore muscles, the Genghis Khan Polo & Riding Club offers full spa facilities and traditional Mongolian massage as well as renowned cuisine prepared by Paris-trained Mongolian chefs.

July 9, Karakorum/ Naadam Festival

Today, we will drive to nearby Karakorum to attend the local Naadam Festival, consisting of horseracing and wrestling and archery competitions as well as lavish feasting and family reunions. Karakorum was the center of the Mongol Empire during the 13th century and one of the most important trading posts along the Silk Route that connected the Oriental world with the West. Even though Kublai Khan abandoned the once bustling city, Karakorum retains its symbolic importance as the heart of Mongolian civilization. Overnight at Genghis Khan Polo & Riding Camp.

July 10, Orkhon Valley/ Erdene Zuu Monastery

July 11, Ulaanbaatar

Today, we will leave the Orkhon valley and drive back across the steppes to Ulaanbaatar, with a picnic lunch along the way. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the White House Hotel.

July 12, Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii

After breakfast, we will drive past ancient Mongolian burial mounds towards the Tsengel Khairkhan mountains, visiting an Uriankhai family along the way. This minority tribe of Mongolia has preserved its ancient traditions, including the construction of formidable compound bows whose advanced designs were a significant asset to Genghis Khan and his descendants during the years of Mongol conquest. We will also visit with Kazakh families who have preserved the ancient art of eagle hunting and spend time with them in the surrounding hills for exceptional photo opportunities. We will camp near their home and, at night, enjoy listening to traditional Kazakh music and local lore.

July 14, Tsengel Khairkhan Mountains

Today will be spent with our Kazakh hosts as we accompany them on foot and on horseback into the surrounding hills for further photo opportunities amidst the dramatic setting of the Tsengel Khairkhan mountains. Overnight camp.

July 15, Ulgii to Ulaanbaatar

After an early morning breakfast, we will drive to the airport for the morning flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. Dinner and overnight at White House Hotel.

Our final day in Mongolia will be free for exploring the city’s traditional markets and cashmere factories. In the evening, we will enjoy a cultural performance featuring traditional Mongolian music followed by a farewell dinner. Overnight at White House Hotel.

July 17, Departure

Today, after last minute shopping and sightseeing, we will transfer to the airport for departure.

TRIP LEADERS

This once in a lifetime journey and will be led by Tom Hoops along with explorer Ian baker and film maker Cristy Elemdorp.

Tom Hoops

Tom is an international portrait and commercial photographer working primarily between London and Asia. He has been published in a variety of publications and regularly shoots covers and editorials for Travel + Leisure magazine in South East Asia. Tom has been described as a Quentin Tarentino of photography. More of his work can be seen at www.tomhoops.com.

Ian Baker

A regular contributor to National Geographic Ian Baker is an expert in Asian travel. He is the author of seven books on Himalayan culture, including a collaboration with the H.H. the Dalai Lama on a work illustrating Tibetan yoga and meditation practices.

Ianʼs book, The Heart of the World: A Journey to the Last Secret Place, has been translated into multiple languages and chronicles his National Geographic sponsored expedition into the worldʼs deepest gorge and his teamʼs documentation of a waterfall that had been the source of myth and speculation among geographers for more than a century. Profiled by National Geographic as one of seven “explorers for the millennium”, Ian has contributed articles to National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, and Explorers Journal and lectures widely in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Cristy Elmendorp

A former script writer and television host born in Java, was educated Netherlands and the United Kingdom and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Cristy worked for humanitarian aid organization in southern Thailand for several years and later co-founded Visual Works, producing nulti-media presentations for the Thai travel industry.  As director of Rare Journeys Films, Cristy produces educational and travel documentaries.

For further inquiries about Extraordinary Mongolia please contact contact@extraordinaryexposures.com

More Details to come soon.

To pre register your interest, drop us an email now.Extraordinary Exposures

Tuareg for the best part of their lives live a completely nomadic existence. Their numbers are highest in Algeria, Mali and Niger. They have inhabited the Sahara for thousands of years and to this day still practice trades and farming methods passed down through centuries of kinship

More concise information and reading material on the history of the Tuareg can be found below:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuareg

Recommended reading on Tuareg:

www.amazon.com/Sahara-Man-Travelling-Jeremy-Keenan/dp/0719561612/ref=pd_sim_b_4

Education on deserts and the envoirment in which they exist:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHUxq1H4JDI

A tradition that began in 1825 by Immigrant Chinese, the festival features facial piercings, fire walking and firecrackers. It is one of the regions most bizarre and colourful events, a must for photographers wishing to capture something different.

In this trip we will be covering all the major temple processions giving you the chance to photograph one of the most unusual festivals in the world.

This trip is for all levels, beginner to pro.

Two days in Chelsea, two great models, 6 students, make up artists and wardrobe.

One day shoot and one edit and post process.

“Two days workshop with Tom was an absolute eye-opener. It really takes you to a next level. If you’re an aspiring photographer and you want a taste of how the pro’s work you just found the right thing. Classes in small groups are informal and laid back yet very informative. Tom’s willingness to share information is admirable. Highly recommended” Dawid Czaja

Shots from our workshop participants:

“Extraordinary Exposure’s workshop really pushed me creatively and inspired me to produce work I didn’t know I was capable of.  The workshop was very easy going and great fun and I feel like a whole new world has opened up for me. I can’t wait to come back for more!” Natasha Hirst

See you in 2011!