A Collection of Memories

Recounting my steps, Reliving the journeys.......

Friday, November 9, 2012

Mongolia, Land of Genghis Khan

One of the most beautiful country I have ever visited. There is just so many dimensions to it. Wildlife, lakes, deserts, ancient cities the list just go on and on..... 

This time I was better prepared having bought a DSLR just a week before the trip. I brought with me the D80, 18-135 kit lens, 70-300 VR and the Sigma 10-20 UWA. I also brought along the manfrotto MF3, kangrinpoche ballhead and a couple of filters.

This was a long trip and we were going to spend three weeks exploring this beautiful land. One week each at the ancient city of Karakoram, Lake Khuvsgul and Gobi Desert. We found a driver and guide from the internet and made all the arrangements online. Other than the days in Ulan Bator and the last day of the trip before we flew out. We stayed in ger camps during the trip. We had also made sure that we had a 4X4 land cruiser for the entire trip having read that driving across the Mongolian Steppes was going to be a tough journey. When possible we took domestic flights to save time. Lots of the planning was done online and with help from Chambar and Ganzorig.

First leg of the trip was to explore the ancient city of karakoram. I was looking forward to my first experience of sleeping in a mongolian ger. 



At the start of the long drive to Karakoram from Ulan Bator. A typical dirt road on the mongolian stepps.







Horses and sheeps are grazing everywhere along the stepps. Locals are very warm and friendly and won't hesitate inviting you into their homes.

 



Our 4X4 , a much more comfy ride compared to the russian military vehicles.
 
 





Lunch stop after 3 hours of driving..
 
 





This was the reason we insisted on having a proper 4X4 !
 
 


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