Milky Way & Pallas's Cat Photography Expedition
About This Tour
Discover Mongolia through your lens on this 11-day photography expedition. Capture the Milky Way above the Gobi Desert’s sweeping dunes and Flaming Cliffs, seek the elusive Pallas’s cat and her kittens in the wild, and experience the vibrant traditions of Naadam. From sunrise camel photography to colorful traditional costumes, horse racing and archery, this journey brings together Mongolia’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage, with comfortable accommodation and expert local guidance.
Key Info
Physical Level
Easy
Activities
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Day 1
2 July 2027
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening and a tour briefing. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Dinner
- 2
Day 2
3 July 2027
Ulaanbaatar – Dalanzadgad – Khongor Sand Dunes
Take a morning domestic flight to Dalanzadgad, the gateway to the South Gobi. Upon arrival, travel by Toyota Land Cruiser 200 to the magnificent Khongor Sand Dunes, one of Mongolia's most spectacular desert landscapes. After settling into your comfortable ger camp with private en-suite bathroom facilities, photograph the dunes during the golden hour before preparing for the night's main photography session. Night Photography Session • Milky Way over the Khongor Sand Dunes • Star trails • Desert night landscapes • Creative astrophotography Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 3
Day 3
4 July 2027
Khongor Sand Dunes
Wake before sunrise to photograph Bactrian camels crossing the dunes in the beautiful morning light. Spend the day exploring the surrounding desert or relaxing before another evening photography session. Night Photography Session • Milky Way • Sand dune silhouettes • Long-exposure night landscapes Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4
Day 4
5 July 2027
Khongor Sand Dunes – Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Travel to the legendary Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), internationally renowned for its dramatic red sandstone formations and dinosaur fossil discoveries. Photograph the spectacular cliffs at sunset before beginning another night under Mongolia's exceptionally dark skies. Night Photography Session • Milky Way above the Flaming Cliffs • Red sandstone formations • Star trails • Gobi night landscapes Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Deluxe en-suite ger camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 5
Day 5
6 July 2027
Bayanzag – Dalanzadgad – Ulaanbaatar
Enjoy a relaxed morning before returning to Dalanzadgad for your domestic flight back to Ulaanbaatar. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinne
- 6
Day 6
7 July 2027
Pallas's Cat Photography
Depart early for one of Mongolia's best habitats for the elusive Pallas's Cat (Manul). Spend the entire day photographing this remarkable wild feline, with special emphasis on capturing images of a mother with her kittens in their natural environment. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 7
Day 7
8 July 2027
Pallas's Cat Photography
A second full day dedicated to photographing Pallas's Cat, allowing additional opportunities to capture different behaviours, lighting conditions, and family interactions. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 8
Day 8
9 July 2027
Mongolian Traditional Costume Festival
Photograph Mongolia's vibrant Traditional Costume Festival, showcasing colorful ethnic attire, cultural performances, and authentic street photography opportunities. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 9
Day 9
10 July 2027
Naadam Horse Racing Festival
Travel to the countryside early in the morning to photograph Mongolia's legendary Naadam horse races. Capture the excitement of young jockeys, racing horses across the vast steppe, and the unique atmosphere surrounding Mongolia's most celebrated sporting tradition. Return to Ulaanbaatar in the evening. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 10
Day 10
11 July 2027
Naadam Opening Ceremony & Archery Competition
Experience the grand opening ceremony of Mongolia's National Naadam Festival. Photograph: • Opening Ceremony • Traditional Mongolian Wrestling • Archery Competition • Traditional costumes • Cultural performances Conclude the expedition with a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 11
Day 11
12 July 2027
Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your international departure flight. Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: none
Meals: Breakfast
Prices & Inclusions
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 4 traveler | $2,800 |
| 2 travelers | $1,940 |
| 12 travelers | $2,450 |
Includes
- Domestic flights Ulaanbaatar - Dalanzadgad - Ulaanbaatar
- All accommodation (hotel and ger camp)
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Private 4x4 vehicle with driver
- English-speaking local guide
- Airport transfers
Not Includes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses and tips
- Alcoholic drinks
Map & Destinations
Destinations
- Ulaanbaatar
- Dalanzadgad
Tour Highlights
- This exclusive photography expedition has been specially designed for photographers seeking Mongolia's most iconic natural and cultural subjects. The tour combines spectacular Milky Way photography beneath the pristine skies of the Gobi Desert, an exceptional opportunity to photograph the elusive Pallas's Cat (Manul) with her kittens in the wild, and Mongolia's world-famous Naadam Festival. Participants will enjoy premium accommodations, professional English-speaking guides, comfortable transportation, and carefully planned photography sessions timed for the best natural light.
Tour Videos
Enquire About This Tour
Send us your details and our travel specialists will get back to you within 24 hours.
More
Northern Mongolia Winter Photo Tour
Experience one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist festivals, then travel through the historic Orkhon Valley and the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi Desert. The Danshig Religious Festival is an annual two-day event held at Khui Doloon Khudag near Ulaanbaatar. Sacred Tsam masked dances, Buddhist ceremonies, traditional music, and cultural performances offer a glimpse into Mongolia’s living Buddhist traditions. Rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, Tsam is a ritual dance performed by monks in elaborate masks and colorful costumes. Chanting and carefully choreographed movements bring Buddhist deities and protective figures to life. After the festival, look for wild takhi horses in Hustai National Park, visit Erdene Zuu Monastery near the ruins of ancient Karakorum, and explore the Gobi’s red sandstone cliffs, golden dunes, and narrow canyons. Along the way, meet a camel-herding family and discover how they live in the desert.
From $3,500 pp
Mongolia Overland Expedition 2027
The ultimate Mongolian overland adventure crossing vast steppes, dramatic deserts, and towering mountain ranges.
From $2,990 pp
Naadam Festival & Gobi Desert Adventure 2027
Combine Mongolia's most famous celebration with a desert adventure.
From $2,990 pp