Dates
September 1st - 10th, 2020 (Approximate)
Cost
TBD
Team Members
5-10
Difficulty
Semi-Difficult
The Giving Lens is headed to Mongolia! This is a new destination for us as a travel photography workshop but one that has been on our minds for many years. We’re so excited to say it’s now a reality! Mongolia is a land of desert, mountains, steppes, huge blue skies, lakes, and sweeping countryside. It’s been isolated by land, by Soviets, and by history by since the fall of communism its doors are open and travellers are finding it is more than worth the trek.
We will arrive to Ulaanbaatar where we will explore the biggest city in Mongolia, and some areas around it. This is where we will partner with a local NGO protecting vulnerable children, Beautiful Hearts. We will document some of BH’s centers (while protecting the children’s identities) as well as teach photography to the staff and to the kids themselves for ongoing use (mostly as a creative outlet, expression, and photography as a sort of therapy). We may also visit a 2nd NGO in Ulaanbaatar – tbd!
From Ulaanbaatar we will fly to western Mongolia. This is the region of the nomadic/rural Kazakh people, and also traditional Eagle hunters. In this region we will explore the place and its people. While in the region we will respectfully and responsibly visit some local families – including eagle hunters! – and witness some rural sustainability projects, sleep in traditional gers (like a yurt), and take in the countryside (think: mountains, valleys, peaks, rivers, lakes, and more. We may visit some eco-projects, skills-training, or other unique projects happening in this corner of Mongolia – not to mention just take in the landscapes.
It’s going to be one of our most epic trips to date. You in?
Note: Please note that this trip DOES include the flight from Ulaanbaatar to Western Mongolia and back, but to balance our costs it won’t include meals in Ulaanbaatar (approx 4 lunches and 5 dinners). It will include meals once we have left the capital city!
What is included?
What is Not included?
All Ground Transportation
From the moment you arrive to when you depart, we have you covered. Taxis, buses, tours, you name it. Specific to Mongolia, the flight to and from Ulaanbaatar to Western Mongolia is Included.
Flights
We’re open to people from every corner of the world. This means we cannot possibly offer a flight that would suit everyone. If you can get yourself here, we’ll take care of the rest! **Just for Mongolia, the national flight from Ulaanbaatar to Western Mongolia IS included**
All Accommodation and *Most* Meals
Rooms are double rooms with twin beds, paired by gender, and accommodation is always clean, comfortable, and safe. Meals in Ulaanbaatar are not included but all other meals are! This is just to help us keep the price reasonable!
Insurance
We require every participant to have adequate travel insurance, and to carry copies of this insurance at all times.
All Entry Fees and Guides
Entry fees, shooting permits, guides, passes, etc. If the team is going to shoot there, we’ll get you in. We’ll even be sure to tip any guides on behalf of the whole team.
Passport and Visa
Each participant is required to ensure their passport is valid for the time of travel, and to research, learn, and meet all the requirements of an entry visa specific to their country. If there are fees associated with the entry visa, they’re not included.
Photo Instruction
You’ll have 2 leaders available all day long to field as many questions as you can muster, provide one-on-one help, and offer group topics and instruction as required by the scene at hand.
Alcohol and Souvenirs
We do not provide alcohol for our participants, so that’s up to you. As well, as much as we really really like you, we can’t buy your gifts for you. Souvenirs are on you!
A Donation to the NGO
While there are a lot of factors involved that determine the exact amount – which we’re happy to be completely transparent about – you can rest assured we make a substantial donation to our NGO partner post-trip.
Internet
Some hotels have wifi, others do not, or sometimes it simply doesn’t work. When wifi is available for purchase, it’s up to you if it’s worthwhile. Some participant opt to purchase a local SIM card and data plan – a great option that we don’t cover.