Page 83 - Libro 2

WORLD AFFILIATE WORLD AFFILIATE

March of 2025 saw a group of intrepid APS adventurers head into a stunning winter photo and
cultural tour of Mongolia. This landlocked country is renowned for its vast rugged expanses and
nomadic culture. Of that we saw and experienced plenty! Arriving in Ulaanbaatar our group was
greeted by a mild –5°C and a city blanketed in fresh snow. The visit coincided with Tsagaan Sar,
Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, a time when streets come alive with locals in traditional attire, exchanging
gifts and visiting family. It was a vibrant introduction to Mongolian culture.

Ulaanbaatar City

Throughout the journey, our group experienced warm hospitality in local homes, sampling
traditional dishes and observing customs such as the exchange of crisp new notes for good fortune.
The adventure continued north aboard the Trans-Mongolian railway, offering a glimpse of Mongolia’s
vast winter landscapes from cozy sleeper cabins. Mongolia
World Affiliate lakes, migrating yaks, and herds of goats unfolded against dramatic mountain backdrops. A festive World Affiliate
Land Rovers took our group further into the countryside, where scenes of horses by frozen

New Year lunch with a nomadic family, complete with local delicacies and blueberry-infused vodka,
added a memorable cultural highlight.

At Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia’s ‘Blue Pearl,’ we found a winter playground of ice sculptures and sled
rides amid the crunch of crampons on frozen surfaces. Further on, we visited Jargant River, known
as the ‘Unfrozen River’ and were enchanted with its frosted trees and mysterious, steaming waters,
where even in –26°C it didn’t freeze over.

Family Photo
Khouval
In Mongolia, herds of horses, outnumbering the human population, roam freely across the vast
steppe. Visiting a family who breeds white horses offered a unique glimpse into local traditions.
White horses are especially revered and hold deep cultural significance in Mongolian folklore.

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