Travel Guide February 26, 2025

A Journey Through Northern Mongolia — Bulgan, Selenge, and Beyond

A multi-day, multi-location photography expedition with 20 participants, exploring the hidden beauty of Bulgan and Selenge provinces, Eg and Tarvagatai rivers, and nomadic culture.

In July 2024, Photolink Tours organized a special photography expedition through the spectacular landscapes of Northern Mongolia. The journey brought together 20 passionate participants, including travelers, guides, photographers, and even a chef, to capture the untouched beauty of Bulgan and Selenge provinces, while experiencing authentic nomadic life.
We began our trip in Ulaanbaatar, attending an exhibition and meeting fellow photographers before boarding an overnight train to Erdenet city, where our off-road adventure officially started.

✨ Highlights of the Journey
📍 Erdenet City & 7NUGA Resort
After arriving by train, we spent the first day relaxing and networking with local photographers at the scenic 7NUGA resort, surrounded by forests and rivers. The warm hospitality and the cultural exchange enriched the beginning of our expedition.
📍 Bulgan Province | Eg & Tarvagatai River
The next few days were filled with back-to-back adventures into the wild. Traveling by UAZ Hunter, Purgon, and Lexus 470 vehicles, we ventured deep into the untouched valleys, crossing Eg and Tarvagatai rivers — perfect spots for landscape and wildlife photography. We camped under the stars, capturing golden sunrises and the soft evening glow on the rivers.
📍 Khangal, Khyalganat & Selenge Region
We visited multiple soums, including Khangal, Khyalganat, Selenge, and Khutag-Undur, each offering unique photo opportunities from nomadic families, riverside life, to endless steppe horizons. The vibrant greens of summer and the dynamic weather patterns created dramatic lighting, ideal for landscape compositions.
📍 Nomadic Family Stay
One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was our stay with a local nomadic family. Here, we experienced traditional Mongolian hospitality, documented daily herding life, and shared special moments over homemade meals.
📍 Terelj National Park Finale
Upon returning to Ulaanbaatar, we spent a final day visiting Terelj National Park — a perfect conclusion with its massive rock formations and gentle green valleys, offering a last round of images before heading back home.

✨ Key Stats:
Duration: 7 days
Total participants: 20 (12 visitors, 4 driver-guides, 1 videographer, 1 chef)
Vehicles: UAZ Hunter, UAZ Purgon, Toyota Lexus 470 (x2)
Route: Ulaanbaatar → Erdenet → Bulgan (Eg, Tarvagatai Rivers) → Selenge → Terelj

Reflections
This expedition was more than just a photography tour — it was a heartfelt exploration of Northern Mongolia’s untouched beauty, deep nomadic roots, and ever-changing light. Each participant left with stunning images and unforgettable stories.