Top Shots | Battle of the Birds | Guide Spotlight

Photo Competition Winners

Thanks to all our Goyo Travellers who sent in their pictures for our annual competition. After poring over the hundreds of entries, we have selected our three winners, each of them capturing scenes that evoke the essence of Mongolia, combining visual vibrancy with amateur photographic prowess. Matthew Noble wowed us with his shot of an eagle hunter and his bird framed against the open plains dotted with gers and livestock; Yigit Yenihayat snapped the dramatic scene of a wrangler as he attempts to tame a wild horse; and Eve Watson's embodies traditional nomadic hospitality as a lady serves a simple rustic traditional meal. Find out who claimed the coveted top prize, and read about the stories behind the winning photos, in our in-depth photographic report.

Every autumn, the rugged peaks of the Altai in Mongolia's far-western province of Bayan-Ulgii provide the backdrop to the spectacular eagle festivals at Lake Tolbo and Ulgii, where local hunters gather to challenge each other in games of showmanship and skill alongside their feathered companions, bedecked in the furry spoils of their many hunting forays. 2020 will welcome 3 smaller, more intimate festivals in rural locations spread out through the region - at Sagsai, Altay and Ulaanhus. We have designed a brand new group itinerary, Altai Adventure & Eagle Festival, that incorporates the first of these festivals, combined with an end-of-season trek through the russet shades of the rugged Tavanbod National park, as well as time spent living alongside eagle hunter Shokan at Lake Dayan, culminating in the eagle festival where you will be staying at our exclusive Goyo Travel pop-up festival ger camp on the Hovd River, with private performances by local musicians and a bespoke photo session with a small group of renowned eagle hunters. We also have group tours attending 2 of the other festivals, plus we offer a range of private trips which can incorporate any one of the 5 events. Head to our website or contact charlie@goyotravel.com to request more information.

Being a tour guide can be a tough, exhausting job, yet at the same time a thrilling & rewarding one which expands horizons and opens doors to career opportunities and international travel. The role of a guide is something our wonderful tour leaders take great pride in, being the flag bearers for Goyo Travel. Around the world, travellers make friends with their tour guides on a daily basis, but perhaps never find out exactly what the life of a guide is like, and what incredible stories they have. Check out the first instalment of our Guide Spotlight to find out the insightful, funny, touching, and intriguing truths from our very own Goyo Travel guides.

Taekwondo Tournament

As part of our commitment to supporting rural communities, Goyo Travel recently sponsored a local Dundgobi school's participation in a national Taekwondo competition in the capital Ulaanbaatar. Congratulations to all who took part - our team came away with 5 silver and 8 bronze medals in three different categories. You can find information about other projects that we support on our Local Projects page.