With that in mind, we wanted to give you a list of the top ten places in Mongolia for landscape photography.
The list is compiled by our photo tour partner and consultant Bayar, one of the best photographers in Mongolia.
1. The Altai 5 Bogd National Park
The Altai 5 Bogd National Park
The Altai 5 Bogd, or 5 Peaks of Altai National Park covers the massive Mongol Altai mountain range. The range is Mongolia’s largest and longest mountain range with some 1800km. Altai 5 Bogd is the highest part of range with about 3500m above sea level.
Besides the impressive range, you can also take pictures of the Tsagaan-Gol river. It’s known as the White River, as the summer heat melts the glaciers and turns the color of the water white.
It would be a great disaster not to mention that the range is home to the beautiful eagles of Mongolia and the Mongolian eagle hunters.
2. Kharkhiraa Turgen Mountains
Kharkhiraa Turgen mountains
Kharkhiraa Turgen mountains are the famous twin mountains of Mongolia. The two peaks are similar in height (around four kilometers) and are separated by a beautiful passage. There are also some stunning lakes and a gorgeous waterfall.
The mountains and the passage are truly worth experiencing when you’re visiting Mongolia. The striking beauty of this location is a must-see for the world traveler.
3. Khoton Lake
Khoton Lake
The picturesque Khoton Lake is not one you can afford to miss when in the Bayan-Ulgii province. It’s located at the previously mentioned Altai 5 Bogd national park.
The joint forces of the mesmerizing, clear water from the freshwater lake and stunning mountain ranges results in some truly spectacular pictures.
4. Khermen Tsav
Khermen Tsav
Khermen Tsav is a mesmerizing reddish canyon in the Mongolian Gobi desert, in the southern part of Mongolia. It stretches some 15 to 20 km, and it was formed millions of years ago under the ocean that once covered the area. The now desolate area of today offers some of the most amazing views in Mongolia.
5. Tsambagarav Mountain
The Tsambagarav Mountain
The Tsambagarav Mountain (peak is 4175m) is a sacred mountain to Mongolians. It’s the centerpiece of a well-kept national park that bears the same name.
The snow-capped mountain stands in stark contrast to the green steps below, offering one of the most beautiful images of what Mongolia.
6. Khongor Sand Dunes
Khongor sand dunes
There’s not much that one can say about the spectacular Khongor dunes of the Gobi desert. They are the highest and largest sand dunes in Mongolia, with some areas reaching 300m in height. One must experience them and forever be in awe of Mother Nature.
7. Khetsuu Khad ( Khyargas Lake's main attraction)
Khetsuu Khad
Khetsuu Khad is the centerpiece of the great Khyargas Lake of Mongolia. The enormous white rock sticks out of the limitless and clear blue water. The beauty in this unique contrast offers a breathtaking and memorable experience to its visitors.
8. Eej Khairkhan
Eej Khairkhan
In the province of Govi-Altai, in the middle of Govi, lies the lonely Mount Eej Khairkhan.
The sacred mountain is a granite formation that towers above a desolate landscape. It bears unique and fascinating rock formations that make great photo ops.
9. Burkhan Buudai
The Burkhan Buudai mountain
Again in the Govi-Altai province, another mountain mesmerizes the viewer. The Burkhan Buudai mountain is another massive rock formation that offers the viewer a stunning glimpse of the real Mongolia.
10. Lake Khuvsgul
Lake Khuvsgul
Lake Khuvsgul is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia and the second-largest freshwater lake in all of Asia, after the famous Baikal in Russia. It offers its visitors a chance to take some unique photos. Only here can you take pictures of beautiful mountains, stunning blue waters, and reindeer.
So, there you have them – the top ten places for landscape photography in Mongolia according to the renowned photographer Bayar. Each is breathtaking in its own right and definitely worth experiencing.
If this is something that you might enjoy seeing and experiencing, you should take a closer look at our photo tours.
