Harking back to the dayswhen warriors roamed the vast steppes, Mongolia’s rambunctious, carnival-esque Naadam Festival is a celebration of the country’s unique sports and culture.
Naadam roughly translates as the ‘Manly Games’ (although, women can now take part too) and focuses on three skills that are vital in Mongolian nomadic life – wrestling, archery and horse racing. Each sport is fiercely contested and participants are expected to compete in traditional dress.
The festival is also a chance for nomadic people to get together and socialise. A cavalcade of parades and dances and drinking surround each contest.
The multi-day celebrations are held in July every year and can be experienced across Mongolia. The largest gathering is in the capital, Ulaanbataar, but the events in the countryside are just as lively and colourful and a lot more intimate. Here are 6 unmissable experiences…
1. See a horse race
Young jockey racing during the Naadam Festival (Shutterstock)
There’s a local saying that Mongolia is a nation born on horseback. The native horses here are hardy and strong, a breed that has changed little since the times of Genghis Khan, who founded the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. They outnumber humans, can cope with extreme temperatures and graze and search for their own food. The mare’s milk is processed into the national beverage, airag.
Every child that grows up in the countryside learns to ride when they are three, and most of the jockeys in the horse races held during the Naadam Festival are under ten. The races are long and the children are lighter. Mongolian racing is more about the ability of the horse, although that is not to say the young jockeys are not skilful or tough.
The cultural significance of horses is celebrated during Naadam as well. The young jockeys sing a giingo, a mantra to Khayankhyarvaa, the god of horses, before and after each race. There is also an ancient Mongolian myth that says you can change your luck by touching the dust and sweat swirled up by a horses as it races.
2. Cheer on wrestlers
Wrestling during the Naadam Festival (Shutterstock)
Mongolian wrestling is considered the most important of the ‘three manly arts’. Matches are broadcast on national TV and every Mongolian family hopes that their son will become a famous wrestler. It is one of the oldest arts, too. Cave paintings in Bayankhongor Province, dating back to Neolithic times, depict two men grappling, surrounded by a crowd. Genghis Khan regarded it as an essential tool in keeping his army in good shape and combat ready.
The locals call it bökh, which means durability, an apt name considering there is no time limit to each match. Victory is seemingly simple enough. The first person to touch the ground with anything other than their feet loses the match. But some matches, especially in the high altitude of the mountains, can go on for hours.
Another unusual feature of Mongolian wrestling is that there are no weight classes. It’s not rare to see a wrestler grappling with someone twice his size. The costume is distinctive too. Each combatant must wear a four-sided hat, shoulder vest and snug shorts. During Naadam, cloaks and traditional boots are also worn.
3. Watch an archery contest
Archery contest during Naadam Festival (Shutterstock)
Archery has always played an important part in Mongolian life, as nomads used bows and arrows for hunting, and Mongolian warriors used them as weapons. The warriors were feared crossed the steppes and beyond.
The archery contests held during the Naadam Festival are open to male, female and child archers and across three categories – Khalkh, Buriad and Uriankhai. Each category uses different bows and arrows and distance to the target and is a test of strength, vision and concentration. Like the wrestling, competitors must wear traditional costumes.
4. Catch a knuckle bone shooting match
Knuckle bone shooting game, Naadam Festival (Shutterstock)
Wandering around the festival, you may come across groups of men flicking domino-like marble tablets on a smooth wooden surface towards a target of sheep knuckle-bones. This is Knuckle Bone Shooting, a team game that has become so popular it is considered by many as the fourth main sport of the festival.
It is another game with a long and storied history that dates back to times when the Mongolians revered certain parts of their livestocks’ bones, using them in religious rites, plays and traditional games.
5. Attend a concert
Cultural parade during the Naadam Festival (Shutterstock)
The Naadam Festival is not just about sport. It’s the biggest event on Mongolia’s culture calendar, with a packed programme of parades, concerts and theatre.
The festival begins with the Ceremony of Nine White Banners, another tradition that dates back to Genghis Khan which was revived in the 1990s to celebrate the country’s return to democracy. Each ‘banner’ is made up of the tail hair of a thousand stallions from each of the provinces in the country and is a symbol of power and strength.
There’s also a traditional costume festival, Deeltei Mongol, a horse-headed fiddle festival, Morin Khuur, and nightly performance of Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi, a traditional Mongolian opera. Add in a jazz festival, and there is plenty to keep you entertained.
6. Sample traditional cuisine
Deeltei Mongol festival (Shutterstock)
Of course, there are many other impromptu celebrations during Naadam, usually centred around food and drink, and involving the thousands of nomadic people who flock to ‘civilisation’ to party and let their hair down.
Party staples include khuushuur, deep-fried dumplings that are perfect for lining your stomach, and airag, fermented mare’s milk.
Knocking back an airag or three is a real highlight for locals during Naadam. It is only available from June to September and the 5% alcoholic content of the beverage helps facilitate a rowdy and noisy atmosphere at the games.
Mongolia has long been an off-the-beaten-track destination on Wanderlust’s radar. Best known for its nomadic culture, grass-covered steppes, and for having more horses than people, it calls out to those seeking culture, nature and adventure. But if that wasn’t enough to seize your attention, it’s now become easier than ever before to travel to this emerging country. Here is why you should take a trip to the ‘Land of the Eternal Blue Sky’ in 2023.
Travel to Mongolia visa-free
Explore the Gobi Desert on your visa-free trip (Shutterstock)
That is, if you’re travelling from one of the 61 countries on Mongolia’s visa-free list. Several western nations have been recently added to the temporary visa exemption, which will run until December 2025, allowing visitors to have up to 30 days travelling in Mongolia. Many European countries are included on the list, such as the UK, Switzerland, France, Denmark, and Spain, as well as the South Pacific countries of Australia and New Zealand (US citizens were already allegeable for 90-days of visa-free travel). This temporary exemption is part of efforts by the Mongolian government to invite more tourists to experience Mongolia, so if you’ve ever wanted to ride the Trans-Mongolian Railway, tour the Gobi Desert, or roam the capital of Ulaanbaatar, now is the time.
Celebrate 100 years of Naadam
Opening ceremony (Alamy)
The hottest cultural festival in Mongolia’s calendar turned a century in 2022, although the origins of the festival date back much longer than that to the days of Genghis Khan. Naadamis Mongolia’s answer to the Olympic games, with participants competing in three traditional events: archery, wrestling and horseracing. The games take place during July, and while the main sporting competitions and celebrations – including the opening ceremony and closing ceremony – take place in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, many towns and villages in the countryside often hold their own, smaller events.
Learn Mongolia’s history at a new museum
Chinggis Khan Museum is the largest of its kind (Imaginechina Limited/Alamy)
The end of 2022 saw the opening of the Chinggis Khan Museum, the largest museum of its kind. With more than 12,000 artefacts spanning centuries, the museum’s permanent and temporary collections transport visitors back in time to understand three main periods of Mongolian of history: the ancient kingdoms of the time before Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire, and the Great Khan dynasty. The museum has been built where the old Natural History Museum once stood, with nine floors of exhibition space and immersive experiences.
Stay in a new eco retreat
Yeruu Lodge is set in the Mongolian wilderness (Alexander Demyanov/Shutterstock)
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opening of a new eco-friendly camp set in a valley along the Yeruu River. Many activities can be planned alongside your stay to help you make the most of the natural surroundings, including horseriding, kayaking and yoga. Yeruu Lodge not only pays attention to the needs of its guests, but also its environment and community. All produce used in the on-site restaurant are locally sourced, and all food waste is made into compost for growing the camp’s own fruit, vegetables, herbs and berries. Plastic, glass and metal is recycled and solar panels provide electricity throughout the camp. The community have been part of the workforce building the accommodation – which is based on traditional Mongolian Gers – and local artists will be supported as part of planned performances, helping visitors be immersed in the culture.
Please check official festival websites for date changes, ticket booking and event cancellations before travelling.
World festivals in January
5 January-late February: Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, China (Shutterstock)
Harbin’s annual festival is officially the biggest winter festival in the world. Located in China’s most northerly province, it’s typically always cold in Harbin, and the city’s seriously-chill temps have earned it the self-explanatory title of ‘Ice City’.
Expect jaw-dropping ice installations and snow statues galore, lit up with rainbow lights as evening descends. These include Harbin’s full Ice & Snow World, and even a giant Buddha made of snow. Be warned, only true winter fans should attend: temperatures average at -7°C during the day, but sink to -20°C at night.
The festival runs from the beginning of January until the end of February.
8-14 January: International Kite Festival, India
Gujarat’s Kite Festival (Shutterstock)
Each year, the westernmost state of Gujarat Uttarayan celebrates an important day in the Indian Calendar, when winter transitions into summer. Residents spend months preparing grand, colourful and decorative kites. It’s a sight to behold.
The festival’s been one of the biggest and most important in India since its inception in 1989. As such, the state’s largest city, Ahmedabad, always celebrates in style, becoming a buzzing epicentre for cultural events in the weeks leading up to the kite display.
As the festival is held outside, visitors will be able to see kites flying from dawn till dusk.
27 January: Wakakusa Yamayaki, Japan
Wakakusa Yamayaki (Shutterstock)
On the fourth Saturday every January (weather permitting), residents of Nara gather at dusk to light a bonfire, in the mountains of Wakakusa Yamayaki, in the east of Nara Park.
The bonfire is lit in ceremonious fashion, and local temples take part in the procession. As the mountain’s grass is set ablaze, people watch from a distance, and as Wakakusa Yamayaki burns into the night, an impressive firework display frames the fires.
Why? There are a few theories. One dates the practice back to the days when Nara’s temples were conflicted over boundaries, while another suggests the grass was traditionally set on fire to drive away any wild boars in the area.
30 January: Up Helly Aa, Scotland
Up Helly Aa in Lerwick, Scotland (Shutterstock)
If you need a reason to visit chilly Scotland in the dead of winter, here it is. The fiery chaos depicted in this image is exactly what to expect from Up Helly Aa: a series of 12 fire-focused festivals that take place in numerous locations across Scotland’s Shetland Islands.
Lerwick, the Shetlands’ main port town, hosts the biggest and best-known on the last Tuesday of January each year. Volunteers from all over the Shetlands come together to arrange gallery exhibitions, a strictly-organised procession and countless flaming torches – all led by a townsperson chosen as the ‘guizer jarl’.
Preparations for the next festival begin as early as the previous February, all to ensure a dramatic, traditional and poignant show, designed to mark the end of the winter yule season.
The Lantern Festival changes location every year in Taiwan (Shutterstock)
Tainan will be hosting Taiwan’s famous Lantern Festival in 2024. The city has been selected due to it celebrating its 400th anniversary with the festival considered to be Tainan’s first major event in many years. Which is why it’s been included in our 2024 Editors’ Hot List.
The event marks the end of the Lunar New Year, and sees thousands of glowing lanterns being released in to the night sky across the country on the 24 February.
Every year has a specific theme. In 2024, the theme ‘Glorious Tainan’ will focus on the city’s ancient history. Lanterns will be displayed throughout the city and designated areas during the festival period.
4-11 February: Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan
Sapporo Snow Festival outside of Sapporo’s Chocolate Factory, Japan (Shutterstock)
Sapporo’s Snow Festival is one of the biggest of its kind. It has been running for over 70 years, and every year, millions descend on Hokkaido’s capital to admire the winter wonderlands set up in Odori Park, Susukino, and dotted across the city.
It was first held in 1950 with snowball fights, snow sculptures and a carnival. Despite its simplicity, more than 50,000 people showed up, encouraging the festival to become an annual event.
There’s a real international feel to the festival: ice sculptors from around the globe attend to compete in the International Snow Sculpture Contest. It’s fascinating to watch the frozen masterpieces being constructed right in front of your eyes.
5-14 February: Oruro Carnival, Bolivia
Dancers on the streets of Bolivia during Oruro (Shutterstock)
Witness a cavalcade of parades, folk dancing and live performances at Carnaval de Oruro, Bolivia’s world-renowned carnival.
The festivities began as a religious festival in the 1700s. Today, the celebrations still have a religious element thanks to the country’s largely Catholic population. Oruro begins before Lent with a ritual dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria. It’s so powerful, in fact, that it’s one of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
9-17 February: Rio Carnival, Brazil
Rio Samba School performs during Carnival, Brazil (Shutterstock)
Is there a more famous, electric and colourful carnival in the world? We’d argue not, and go as far to say that Rio de Janeiro‘s pre-Lent celebrations can’t be challenged.
Summing up Brazil’s party spirit in a nutshell, you can expect exuberant parades, gloriously loud music and a rainbow of colours in the form of costumes, decorations and feathers. There’s even a purpose-built Sambadrome, where Samba Schools perform and compete, but even a stadium can’t contain the excitement.
13 February: Mardi Gras, New Orleans, USA
Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Shutterstock)
Mardi Gras festivities take place on Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday in the Christian calendar. Fat Tuesday is typically the feasting before the ‘fasting’ of Lent begins.
In New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardi Gras celebrations usually go on for two weeks before Fat Tuesday even arrives, culminating in a series of neon-coloured parades through the city. The carnival-esque party has become synonymous with New Orleans, and is a must-see if you’re visiting the United States.
16 February-3 March: Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras celebrations in Sydney are an important part of the city’s heritage (Alamy)
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is the largest and oldest Pride festival in the southern hemisphere, with amazing exhibitions, drag performances, the Mardi Gras Fair, and much more.
The Mardi Gras parade is the pinnacle of the celebrations, when tens-of-thousands of participants take to Oxford Road to march along with enormous floats that represent ‘every corner of the community’.
The first Mardi Gras march took place in 1978, and became a major civil rights milestone for not only the country, but the world.
World festivals in March
1-2 March: Yap Day, Micronesia
A traditional thatched house on Yap Island, Micronesia (Shutterstock)
Yap State, one of Micronesia’s four states, marks Yap Day each year as an official holiday. It is, at its core, a true celebration of Yap culture. So, you can expect traditional dancing, coconut husking competitions, crafts and weaving activities, and plenty of friendly rivalry between Yap’s proud and talented villages.
Yap State welcomes visitors to witness their celebrations and immerse themselves in the local culture, so don’t be shy to book a guided tour or get involved.
24-25 March: Holi Festival, India
Holi Festival, India (Shutterstock)
Holi Festival is celebrated throughout India during the beginning of spring. The ‘festival of colours’ celebrates Lord Vishnu, and triumph in the face of evil, as well as a plentiful harvest, as a way to give thanks.
Revelry can usually be expected in Rajasthan and Mumbai, and all over the country and beyond, in Australia, Mauritius and the United Kingdom.
For the most authentic experience, book your travel to Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. This is where Lord Vishnu is thought to have spent his childhood, giving the colour-bursting celebrations throughout the city a special significance.
21-25 March: Paro Tshechu, Bhutan
Dance of the Black Hats at Paro Tshechu (Shutterstock)
Bhutan is known for its festivals, but its biggest and most popular festival takes place in spring, on the 10th day of the second Bhutanese lunar month (usually March or April). Paro Tshechu dates back to 1644 when, after the construction of the mighty Paro Dzong (the festival venue), a grand celebration commenced with masked dances, music and traditional songs.
These days, the festival is in memory of Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. On the fifth and final day, the festival begins with the unwinding of a thangka (embroidered painting seen at all festivals) of Guru Rinpoche on the wall of the Dzong. It is believed that simply seeing this sacred artwork will cleanse one’s sins. Following the unwinding of a thangka, there are spectacular masked dances that re-enact the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche.
24-30 March: Semana Santa, Guatemala
Locals re-enacting biblical scenes in Antigua, Guatemala from Holy Week (Shutterstock)
Over half a century old, the religious tradition of Semana Santa takes place during Guatemala’s Holy Week, the week before Easter. Antigua in particular comes alive during the celebrations, with processions, re-enactments of scenes from the Bible and the creation of colourful, sawdust carpets.
Semana Santa is also recognised all over Spain, and is usually celebrated in cities across the country, particularly in the region in Andalucia.
World festivals in April
13-15 April: Songkran, Thailand
Water-splashing during the Songkran Festival in Thailand (Dreamstime)
The Water-Splashing Festival, Songkran, marks the beginning of Buddhist New Year all over Thailand. Images of Buddha are bathed in water, and younger Thai people show respect to monks and elders by sprinkling water over their hands.
Despite this traditional element to the festival, people tend to know Songkran for one thing and one thing only: getting completely drenched! As the years go on, the festival morphs into all-our water war, with locals and tourists being blasted by high powered super-soakers.
13 April: Lao New Year, Luang Prabang, Laos
Locals in the procession at Lao New Year (Shutterstock)
Lao New Year, sometimes known locally as Songkran or Bun Pi Mai, too, celebrates the Buddhist New Year over the course of three days. Just about everywhere in Laos – from Luang Prabang to Vientiane – offers their own version of the festivities.
In Luang Prabang, parties and processions can go on for up to 10 days, so it’s certainly a lively time to visit. Rest assured, the water-based action will be slightly less intense than its Thai counterpart. Still, you can expect to need super soakers and a change of clothes!
10-27 April: Al Ula Skies Festival, Saudi Arabia
Al Ula Skies Festival (Shutterstock)
There may be bigger Hot Air Balloon Festivals (see October for the biggest in the world), but Al Ula’s other-worldly landscape makes this event particularly captivating.
During the festival, more than 200 colourful balloons fly over the UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient city of Hegra, creating a magical view for those both in the air and on the ground. But that’s not all. The fortnight-long celebration also has immersive events which celebrate the magical desert landscape, including stargazing experiences and more.
World festivals in May
5 May: Cinco de Mayo, Mexico
A street in Puebla, the Mexican state best known for its Cinco de Mayo celebrations (Shutterstock)
Cinco de Mayo doesn’t necessarily bring to mind a 1800s conflict, but beyond the brightly-coloured parties, it’s actually a reminder of the Mexican victory over French colonialists in the 1832 Battle of Puebla.
No wonder, then, that the state of Puebla in central Mexico, is known for being the ultimate place to visit on the 5 May. Historical re-enactments –with residents dressing as French and Mexican soldiers – and group meals are common. Events have not yet been planned for 2022.
Cinco de Mayo is also recognised in the United States and Canada. This usually involves a feast of Mexican cuisine and dancing to Mexican music.
9 May: Procession of the Holy Blood, Belgium
Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Belgium (Shutterstock)
Forty days after Easter on Ascension Day, the street of Bruges are filled with – quite literally – a procession of the Holy Blood. Religious leaders and locals – up to 3,000 – walk through the streets holding a vial of blood, said to be Jesus Christ’s blood. Some are dressed in robes; others costumed to represent scenes from the Bible.
It may seem rather unusual, but the people of Bruges have been doing this since the 13th century. It’s so important that the Procession of the Holy Blood has UNESCO World Heritage status, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
World festivals in June
24 June: Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco, Peru
Inti Raymi Festival, Cusco, Peru (Shutterstock)
Inti Raymi was and is a traditional Inca religious festival, a way to worship the sun god, Inti. Not only did the date, slap-bang in the middle of June, mark the end of winter, but also the winter solstice: the beginning of the days getting brighter and longer again.
During the reign of the Inca Empire in Cusco, it was undoubtedly their biggest and most significant religious celebration. Hundreds of years later, indigenous communities living in Cusco and throughout the Andes still celebrate Inti Raymi with music and colourful costumes. Cusco also hosts a theatrical performance – or re-enactment – of an Inca Inti Raymi celebration, which welcomes travellers.
27-30 June: Haro Wine Festival, Spain
Batalla de Vino Festival in La Rioja, Spain (Shutterstock)
Batalla de Vino, a.k.a. Wine Battle, is as sticky as it sounds. The residents of the La Rioja town of Haro get together around the day of their patron saint, Saint Pedro, to pelt each other with wine.
The dress code is simple: wear a white t-shirt that you fully expect to become grape-purple by the end of battle. Following mass led by the town’s mayor, fill up your water pistols and buckets with La Rioja red, and prepare to get spraying.
World festivals in July
1-31 July: Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, Japan
Float parading through Kyoto, Japan from Gion Matsuri (Shutterstock)
Undeniably the biggest festival in Kyoto and Japan, Gion Matsuri is steeped in history. Gion Matsuri first began in the year 839 during a plague. Kyoto residents tried their best to appease their gods by offering up a child messenger.
These days, a young lad is chosen to sit on a decadent parade float (one of many), without his feet touching the ground, for four days before the first procession ends on 17 July. The second parade takes place on 24 July, but the whole month is filled with vibrancy, all-night parties and delicious street food.
Naturally, Gion is one of the busiest times to visit Kyoto, so to fully experience the city and the festival, you’ll need to book your trip several months in advance – and possibly prepare for slightly higher hotel prices.
5-14 July: Calgary Stampede, Canada
Calgary Stampede in 2004, Calgary, Canada (Shutterstock)
They don’t call Calgary the Stampede City for nothing! Each July, one million visitors flock to the Alberta city for a hugely impressive, no-expense-spared multi-day rodeo, complete with stage shows, parades, competitions, festivals and concerts.
Highlights include chuckwagon races and a funfair. Yep, there’s also an abundance of fairground rides, with your usual waltzers, rollercoasters, Big Wheels and deliciously unhealthy fried doughnuts.
11-15 July: Naadam Festival, Mongolia
Naadam Festival, Mongolia (Shutterstock)
Drinking, gossiping and dancing aren’t usually a core component of a sporting festival. But in Mongolia, the Naadam Festival or ‘Manly Games’ – testing the country’s greatest wrestling, archery and horse racing champions – wouldn’t be the same without a tipple or two.
Ulaanbataar, Mongolia’s capital, is probably the biggest celebration, but across the country you’ll find smaller versions of the same event. All are quite traditional, and the competitors will all be wearing traditional Mongolian dress. It’s likely you’ll attend with a guide, and visitors are welcomed by locals.
Dates TBC: Boryeong Mud Festival, South Korea
Boryeong Mud Festival in action of Daecheon Beach, Boryeong, South Korea (Shutterstock)
Slipping, sliding, swimming, throwing, wearing, wrestling – whatever you like to do with your mud, you can do in Boryeong, South Korea, during the annual Mud Fest (Be careful with the throwing, though).
Going strong since 1999, there’s no real backstory behind this one. It’s just fun, and the parties surrounding the mud-based activities prove it. Better yet? Apparently, the mud in Boryeong is high in minerals, and can do wonders for plumping and brightening your skin. No wonder thousands from all over South Korea, Europe and the Americas flock to take part.
World festivals in August
Late July-early August: Feria de Flores Festival, Medellin, Colombia
Floral displays during Medellin’s famed flower festival (Shutterstock)
August in Colombia, weather-wise, is a bit hit and miss. One thing Medellin has in August that makes up for its (at times) overcast appearance is the spectacular 10-day celebration of nature, known as Feria de Flores(Festival of the Flowers).
Expect locally-grown, intricate and beautiful floral arrangements and floats for the festival’s star show: the Parade of Silleteros. It seems a shame to judge them, but indeed they’re all competing to be named the most impressive arrangement. There are numerous categories each arrangement can enter into – even one for kids!
August dates TBC: Guca Trumpet Festival, Serbia
Trumpet performers in Guca, Serbia (Shutterstock)
The Guča Trumpet Festival, known sometimes as Dragačevski Sabo, is probably a little less well-known that the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.
Nevertheless, the small Serbian town of Guča comes alive for three days in mid-August for its annual festival, showcasing the best in brass music performances. Hundreds of thousands attend each year.
17-18 August: Mount Hagen Show, Papua New Guinea
Tribes participating in the Mount Hagen Show, Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)
Every August, the city of Mount Hagen in the western province of Papua New Guinea comes alive for two days of performances, feasts and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.
The show reflects Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural landscapes, with more than 80 groups coming to Mount Hagen to dance and sing in their traditional colourful headdresses, face and body paint.
Of course, Papua New Guinea is a challenging destination and truly off the well-trodden trail. As such, only very experienced travellers should plan to visit, keeping a close eye on the FCO’s Official Travel Advice before going, too.
World festivals in September
1 September: Regata Storica, Venice, Italy
Regata Storica (Shutterstock)
Venice is famous as a bustling tourist hot spot, for its rainbow-coloured sister islands, and the ebb and flow of lazy (also: expensive) gondola rides along its azure waterways.
On the first Sunday of September, the city roars into a different kind of action: rowers surround the island and rowing fans gather in the city, to watch the annual races and enjoy the bright introductory parade along the canals.
26-29 September: Hermanus Whale Watching Festival, South Africa
A southern right whale off the coast of Hermanus, South Africa (Shutterstock)
Should you ever find yourself in the South African coastal town of Hermanus, let’s hope your visit coincides with the annual Whale Watching Festival in late September.
Locals and visits alike gather together to witness the migration of Southern Right Whales, and celebrate this natural wonder with talks, events and exhibits. Of course, much of the conversations are about our oceans, and how to protect them and the creatures living in them.
September-October: Golden Eagle Festival, Mongolia
During the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia (Shutterstock)
Another competitive festival in Mongolia, though this time without all the arrows buzzing around. Instead, it’ll be golden eagles flying in high during this two-day tradition held in different locations in the Bayan-Ulgii province across September and October.
Eagle hunters – not actual hunters, but those adept at falconry (training the eagles themselves to hunt) – from across Bayan-Ölgii, the most westerly region of Mongolia, come together to test their skill, by comparing the birds’ accuracy.
In such a remote part of the world, you’ll be able to witness the Golden Eagle Festival as part of a tailor-made tour to Mongolia. Exodus Traveloffer an excellent one.
World festivals in October
5-13 October: Balloon Fiesta, Albuquerque, USA
Balloons ascend above Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA (Shutterstock)
Every year, more than 500 hot air balloons soar into the clear-blue skies above Rio Grande Valley in Alburquerque, New Mexico. The Mass Ascension, as its known, is quite an unforgettable sight: an explosion of rainbow colours, funky patterns and awe-inspiring design. It’s known to be the largest hot hair balloon festival in the world.
Events also take place at night, and you don’t need to have your own hot air balloon to join in. You can buy a ticket, rock up and simply enjoy the view.
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival isn’t necessarily a straightforward celebration of all things vegetarian. It’s also known as The Nine Emperor Gods Festival, and it’s actually one of the most bustling – and some might say brash – festivals in Thailand.
It’s raucous, busy and a little bit ‘out there’ for a religious festival. Participants follow strict diets, give up sex and avoid alcohol for the duration, and wear white outfits to denote their purity. Then, it all kicks off: chants, firecrackers and some strange stunts from performers. You may spot someone walking on nails or even piercing their cheeks with their swords. Needless to say, this festival is best witnessed from a distance.
18 October: Lord of the Miracles, Peru
Lord of the Miracles procession in Lima, Peru (Shutterstock)
Lima residents parade through the capital in honour of Señor de los Milagros, quite literally translated to Lord of the Miracles. Everyone wears purple to signify their loyalty and devotion to the Lord (some throughout the entire month of October).
There are usually thousands taking part in the procession, which follows the painting of Señor de los Milagros carefully propped on a large float, all singing religious songs and saying prayers.
Undeniably, it’s one of South America’s biggest festivals. Again, if you’re not one of the locals, one best seen from the sidelines.
World festivals in November
1 November: All Saints Day Kite Festival, Guatemala
A kite on display in Guatemala during the festival (Shutterstock)
A version of Día de los Muertos(often given a slightly different name), or the Day of All Souls, is celebrated throughout Central America. If not, the Day of All Saints (usually 1 or 2 November) acts as an opportunity for communities to gather in cemeteries, decorate their altars, and remember their lost loved ones.
In Guatemala’s Sacatepéquez cemetery, Day of the Dead is marked with the All Saints Day Kite Festival, also known as Barriletes Gigantes. Locals and visitors alike design and create large kites out of natural materials – and when we say large, we’ve seen some 20m wide.
1-2 November: Día de los Muertos, Mexico
Women painted with sugar skulls on their faces for Día de los Muertos, Mexico (Shutterstock)
On 2 November, Mexico celebrates Día de los Muertos – commonly called Day of the Dead in the English-speaking world – to pay tribute to, remember and also welcome the spirits of the dead.
Celebrations take place all over Mexico usually from 31 October-2 November, but there are a few regions where locals and visitors alike truly revel in the spirit of the holiday. Michoacán, Oaxaca and Mexico City are three must-visit destinations for those hoping to have the full experience.
5 November: Burning Barrels at Ottery St Mary, Devon, UK
Ottery St Mary, Devon during the burning of the Tar Barrels (Shutterstock)
The village of Ottery St Mary in Devon is known for its Tar Barrels, but no one really knows where the tradition of burning them on a November night came from. The festival’s official website reckons it began shortly after Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot was foiled.
So, on 5 November, residents grab the large Tar Barrels and carry them, fully aflame, through the streets. Certainly, carrying the barrels (as opposed to rolling them) makes this a particularly unique UK experience.
11 November: Black Necked Crane Festival, Bhutan
A performance during the Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan (Shutterstock)
We must admit: a festival dedicated to an endangered bird is right up our alley. The fact its in rural Bhutan makes it even more appealing. The black necked crane is a vulnerable Asian bird, a species incredibly important to the Bhutanese people. Particularly in winter.
So, locals gather at Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley to celebrate the bird’s arrival each November, having waited for its return since March. They sing folk songs, perform cultural dances, and enjoy a number of performances, themed around the environment and protection of the crane.
World festivals in December
1-10 December: Hornbill Festival, India
A tribal dance performed for Hornbill Festival in Kohima, Nagaland (Shutterstock)
Nagaland, an Indian state, is quite unique as the home to many differing tribes. Each tribe has their own cultural celebration, or agricultural festival. Hornbill, named after the bird, is the ultimate festival: the coming together of these neighbouring tribes to celebrate their unique heritage, with the support of local organisations and councils.
The tribes spend 10 days in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima, and partake in a variety of activities. There’s everything from craft events, scultpure displays, food markets, stalls selling herbal products, traditional music, sporting events, fashion shows, tribal ceremonies and performances. Locals even crown Miss Nagaland in a beauty pageant.
December 2024 to January 2025: Junkanoo, Bahamas
Gospel singers perform during Junkanoo, in Nassau, Bahamas (Shutterstock)
Junkanoo is the national festival of the Bahamas. Legend states the festival takes root from West Africa, though no one really knows its true origins. Today, the festival is a cavalcade of sound and colour.
Expert good vibes all around and a roaring party, with residents and visitors wearing bold, bright costumes. Musicians play brass instruments, drums and whistles. There’s a big parade, and groups of performers gather together for the chance to win a cash prize.
Feel a sense of tranquillity as you hover above the calm, crystal clear waters of Holandsfjorden fjord and take in the outstanding natural scenery or Norway.
Located just above the Arctic Circle, Svart is the world’s first energy-positive hotel which opened in 2021. The circular property has a 360-degree view of the Svartisen glacier, and aims to reduce its yearly energy consumption by 85% compared to other modern hotels, by using solar energy.
The beautiful beach-front suites at Jetwing Surf (Jetwing Surf)
Experience a piece of eco-luxury on the beaches of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s south-eastern coast. The hotel’s construction and design has been inspired by nature with structures made from wood, palm leaves and dried iluk grass, built to create as little disturbance to the surrounding vegetation as possible.
Where feasible, natural ventilation and lighting is used and waste water is biologically treated to protect the natural habitat.
Get back to nature in more ways than one at this luxury tented camp in the Makalai Conservancy. The camp does everything it can to reduce its carbon footprint including using solar panels for 30% of its energy consumption.
The property also has a heater pump system to reduce electrical power by 80%, and a bio-gas system to turn food and natural waste into natural gas to cook with. Used water is filtered and cleaned so it can be fed back into the camp’s waterhole for the animals.
The four resorts in Palawan live by a green ethos, which includes buying their products and employing staff locally, giving guests the opportunities to experience nature and the area’s culture, and building new sustainability programmes every year.
As well as green design and architecture, the resorts offer sustainable menus and plenty of nature-based activities in their verdant environment.
Hidden in the tropical rainforests and surrounded by gorgeous beaches, this Thailand resort is the ideal combination of eco-friendly and luxury.
Soneva is committed to sustainability across all its resorts, but at Soneva Kiri it has developed a Carbon Calculator to monitor the full footprint of its operations; from energy consumption to freight, food, paper, waste and water. They even have their own organic garden, reducing their impact on the environment by not importing produce over a long distance.
Kachi is the first permanent lodge of its kind in Saral de Uyuni, Bolivia’s otherworldly salt flats. Sitting at the foot of the Tunupa volcano, it offers a sleek, solar-powered spin on glamping, all set at a breathless altitude (3,600m).
Here, its six white domes seemingly float on the horizon. Lanterns keep you warm at night, and local cuisine comes courtesy of the chefs from La Paz’s much-lauded Gustu restaurant, which also serves as a foundation to give under-privileged youths a start.
Three Camel Lodge (Nomadic Expeditions, Michael Kleinberg)
In the light of the Gobi Desert, the Three Camel Lodge appears like a mirage, nestled between the Bayanzag cliffs and the Altai Mountains. A cluster of comfortable, eco-conscious gers: round, felt tents, decorated warmly in the Mongolian tradition, with local materials and hand-painted interiors.
Yes, it looks sensational, but most importantly it’s socially responsible – the solar-powered ger camp has banned plastic use, protects wildlife and uses profits to support struggling nomads in winter.
Set deep in the Central Highlands’ rainforest, no roads lead to this eco-lodge, so if you decide against navigating the Pacuare River’s rushing rapids, you can cross the river by a hanging gondola instead.
It’s typically known for high-octane adventures, natural beauty and exotic animal sightings, but commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the lodge.
Clean energy is the big focus, with electricity generated by a turbine in a nearby stream. There are no buffets here – you pre-order the superb meals so that nothing is wasted. No trees were felled to house the bungalows, which are lit up with lanterns, creating a natural warmth. You can then wash off the day with the solar-heated water – or take a dip in the infinity pool, framed by rainforest and the sounds of nature.
With its handful of hand-carved teak houses and bamboo ‘tents’ set among the treetops, Bambu Indah is super-stylish yet sustainable – and won’t blow your budget.
After a dawn yoga session, bathe in the freshwater pools and breakfast on organic ingredients – the restaurant has even replaced plates with bamboo leaves, and straws with papaya stems.
With its hulking gorges, thundering waterfalls and rolling hills strewn with wildflowers and wallabies, Karijini National Park is one epic spot for hiking, climbing and canyoning.
What’s more, this eco retreat (based in the park) treads lightly on the landscape, thanks to its solar power, lack of air conditioning and non-permanent (yet beautifully furnished) tented suites.
Owned and operated by a local Amerindian community, Rewa Lodge in Guyana has garnered many accolades among lovers of wild places. It first opened in 2003, when manager (and community chief) Rudy led the charge to open an eco lodge to benefit the local community and wildlife.
Rewa Lodge is an example of true grassroots tourism, with the community running it and directly benefitting. Rudy took our editor-in-chief Lyn Hughes to the nearby village, where a newly consecrated church, a health centre, nursery school and primary school were all funded through the lodge.
Ecuador’s extraordinary Mashpi Lodge is an eco-wonder set deep in the amazing Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest. At night, you can sleep well, knowing that not a single tree was removed during its construction.
During all hours, you’ll be treated to uninterrupted views of rainforest from your room, and the hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and jungle frogs that call this jungle home.
August is an extremely popular month to travel, especially to Europe, when temperatures soar. Prices tend to skyrocket, too, as the school holiday rush means that families nab flights to make the most of their fixed six weeks off.
Of course, there are brilliant places to visit all over the world during August. Whether you’re after a hot island holiday, a life-changing wildlife experience or an unexpected long-term adventure on the road less travelled, we’ve got you covered.
Skip ahead to your chosen travel type by clicking on one of the below, or keep scrolling for the full list:
The best August destinations for nature and ideal weather
1. Off-the-beaten-track Croatia
Sibenik, Croatia (Shutterstock)
Croatia’s hottest (and driest) month is August – with temps climbing as high as 28°C – so of course the likes of Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and other classic destinations will be packed with visitors making the most of the sun.
If you want to enjoy the sparkling weather in Croatia without the crowds, head to the Mamma Mia island of Vis. Or for a city vibe, discover all of the amazing things to do in Sibenik, or Rovinj. But hurry, these gems are starting to be discovered.
Alternatively, why not skip Plitvice and Krka and head to one of Croatia’s six lesser-visited national parks? Kornati may be tricky to visit, but it is perfect for true explorers. Paklenica National Park is another gem, ideal for hikers unafraid of a hot, hot hike.
2. Matera, Italy
Matera, Italy (Shutterstock)
Matera is one of Basilicata’s biggest draws and was named one of two 2019 European Capitals of Culture. A few days is the perfect amount of time to delve deeper into how Matera turned its reputation around from ‘Italy’s shame’ to ‘iconic cultural hot spot’.
With highs of 29°C in August, summer is the ideal time to explore its fascinating cave districts in the sun, enjoy the natural beauty of Polino National Park, Italy’s largest, and sample the region’s authentic cuisine. For a longer trip, rent a car and head towards Pompeii, Sorrento, or in the opposite direction to coastal Bari.
3. Medellin, Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (Shutterstock)
August in Colombia, weather-wise, is a bit hit and miss. Whether you’ll get sun or showers really depends on which region you’re visiting, whether you’re after a wildlife adventure in the Amazon or some time in the city.
One thing Medellin has in August that makes up for its – at times – overcast appearance? The spectacular 10-day celebration of nature, known as Feria de Flores(Festivals of the Flowers).
Every August, the city blooms with the bright colours of flowers, paraded down the streets. Hundreds of concerts, crafts sessions and floral parades take to the streets and fill the city’s best venues. It’s a must for any nature lover’s travel wish list.
4. Off-the-beaten-track Greek island hopping
Ithaca, one of our off-the-beaten-track Greek Island picks (Shutterstock)
Sunseekers won’t be surprised to see Greece on our list for August. It’s a classic summer holiday destination, whether you’ve booked with a travel agent, arranged an island-hopping boat tour or you’ve planned your trip yourself.
As with Croatia, just because it’ll be busy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks. After all, there’s a reason it’s so rammed.
Simply take the road (or waterway) less travelled to one of Greece’s secret islands, for an unforgettable beachside break with a difference. It’ll be incredibly warm, whichever island you choose. Average highs in August are 31°C, so make sure you’re prepared.
When you think of Tallinn, you may find the peach-coloured Alexander Nevsky Cathedral springs to mind, surrounded by droplets of crisp white snow.
We don’t blame you. Though freezing, Estonia and its neighbours Latvia and Lithuania make fine winter breaks. But they shouldn’t be overlooked in summer.
Walking through Tallinn’s comprehensive Old Town and soaking up the atmosphere in Freedom Square is just as satisfying in the sun. With plenty of steep hills to climb, to get to the best views of the city, it’s almost easier without all the ice…
The best longer-term travel experiences to take on in August
6. Guyana & The Guianas
The rainforest of French Guiana (Shutterstock)
South America’s smallest wonders Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname are prime for visitors at the end of August. It’s the perfect time to witness the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls in Guyana, follow in Papillon’s footsteps in French Guiana, and sample Suriname’s tasty, speciality rums.
Firstly, the weather’s always warm, but it’s dry season on the Guianan coast during August, andFrench Guiana tends to be drier and warmer in August – as does Suriname.
All three countries are sandwiched between Venezuela and Brazil, so we’d say you’re best off lengthening your trip and visiting all three at once. At least you’ll have the benefit of being as far off the beaten track in South America as possible.
You can’t really go wrong in Mongolia at this time of year. Expect vibrant steppes rich in shades of green during August, and just-right temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
If you head to the mountains, you’ll probably find it’s slightly colder than everywhere else – arguably better conditions for longer treks, which won’t require sweating it out in the heat. Wild camping and cycling are other must-do activities in August – as is heading to the Gobi Desert in the south.
It’s also prime time to visit Lake Khövsgöl in northern Mongolia, near the Russian border. The country’s biggest and most beautiful freshwater lake dazzles in the sunlight, and seems to stretch for miles on end.
8. Northern Kyrgyzstan
Burana Tower in Chuy Valley, northern Kyrgyzstan (Shutterstock)
August lands firmly in the middle of Kyrgyzstan’s peak season (May to October), so certain areas will be packed with visitors and locals (here’s looking at you, Lake Issyk-Kul).
However, it is a good time to take on the epic hikes that Central Tien Shan (the ‘Celestial Mountains’ in Chinese) has to offer. The highest peak reaches 7,439m, so this is no casual climb. You’ll need to be an experienced walker, with a high-level of fitness to make the most of it.
9. Jodhpur, India
Jodhpur, India (Shutterstock)
The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is a travel photographer (and Instagram lover’s) dream come true. A seemingly endless maze of blue houses, winding alleys, and colourful doors awaits.
Of course, there’s much more to it than that. Expect history and art in the renowned, 15th century Mehrangarh Fort. Admire the ornate decoration of Jaswant Thada. Get out into nature at the impressive Mandore Sculpture Garden, get active with water activities in Lake Kaylana, or picnic at the 12th century Balsamand Lake.
Visit in August particularly for bearable heat (lows of 26°C and highs of 34°C), and the good chance that you’ll find some savvy accommodation deals. August is off-season, so though you won’t find yourself a lone visitor at any stage, it’s likely you may experience a tiny bit less of the typical bustle.
10. Langkawi, Malaysia
The stunning views of Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi, Malaysia (Shutterstock)
There’s so much to explore in Malaysia, it almost seems unfair to single out the archipelago of Langkawi. Though we suppose, with more time, there’s nothing to stop you heading further afield…
But with suitably warm temps (often around 28°C to 31°C), incredibly natural beauty to marvel, cable cars and boat trips galore, and unusual wildlife sightings practically guaranteed – it’s an appealing all-rounder for a sunny getaway without the ‘packaged holiday’ feel.
The best August destinations for arts & culture
11. Edinburgh, Scotland
A sign for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, in 2018 (Shutterstock)
In August, you won’t struggle to find a variety of culture and entertainment festivals in most of the major British and European cities. For the best of the best in summer fun, you need to head to the Scottish capital.
Not only does the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival and its world-class comedy and theatre take over the architecturally-stunning city for the entire month of August, but you’ll also find a host of other big name festivals.
Expect arts exhibitions, orchestras and dances at the Edinburgh International Festival, performances at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Festival – both throughout the month. Towards the end of August, there’s a fireworks concert in the city centre, and a mix of multicultural events at the Edinburgh Mela Festival on 31 August.
12. London, England
London, England (Shutterstock)
Every month in London has something for everyone, but August really ups the ante in terms of arts and culture offerings for travellers.
As the name suggests, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival takes over south east London. Performance art takes place indoors and outdoors – expect everything from laser shows and colourful powder fights to stilt walkers and acrobats abseiling down historic buildings.
For classic music fans, BBC Proms has performances running throughout August.
As the month draws to a close, embrace the colourful madness of the iconic Notting Hill Carnival. The London Craft Beer Festival takes place in the middle of the month at Tobacco Dock, a former warehouse in Wapping.
And for those foodie travellers, the many street food markets dotted across London will delight in warmer months – go beyond Borough Market and try visiting Mercato Metropolitanoin Elephant and Castle, or Boxpark in Shorditch.
13. Papua New Guinea
Mount Hagen Cultural Show in Mount Hagen township, Papua New Guinea (Shutterstock)
The city of Mount Hagen in the western province of Papua New Guinea comes alive in the middle of August for days-long performances, feasts and musical festivities hosted by locals during the Mount Hagen Cultural Show.
Drier than June and the coolest month of the year overall, the weather also makes a compelling argument for August as the best time to explore Papua New Guinea’s exotic cities and towns.
Of course, Papua New Guinea is a challenging destination and truly off the well-trodden trail. As such, only very experienced travellers should plan to visit, keeping a close eye on the FCO’s Official Travel Advice before going, too.
14. Guča, Serbia
Guča, Serbia’s famous Trumpet Festival (Shutterstock)
The Guča Trumpet Festival, known sometimes as Dragačevski Sabo, is probably a little less well-known than the likes of the Edinburgh Fringe and Notting Hill Carnival.
Nevertheless, the small Serbian town of Guča comes alive for three days in early August for its annual festival, showcasing the best in brass music performances. Hundreds of thousands attend each year.
15. Tunisia
The Roman ruins of Dougga in Tunisia (Shutterstock)
Tunisia’s perhaps not the first place you’d think of for a short break with a focus on the arts. However, August provides a few opportunities to see a different side to this North African country.
Established in 1964, the International Festival of Carthage, is held every July and August, offering live music, theatre, opera and even a bit of ballet.
Dougga International Festival is another opportunity to experience live music – this time in the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman city of Dougga. The festival ends in the first week of August.
The best places to visit for wildlife watching in August
16. Discover birds and monkeys in northern Ecuador
Squirrel monkey in the Ecuadorian jungle (Shutterstock)
Ecuador is on South America’s west coast. A delightful combination of the Andes, Amazon and the Galápagos Islands (just to name a few), it’s home to many unique and colourful wildlife species. No surprise then, that it’s become one of our top August wildlife trips.
Head to the northern part of the country to give yourself the best chance of seeing the cheeky-looking squirrel monkey, a marmoset or tamarin in the wild.
Birders in Ecuador have the opportunity to see around 1,600 species in total. Undeniably, it’s one of the planet’s best birdwatching countries. Staying in the north, you’ll see rare macaws, the sleek Andean condor, hummingbirds aplenty and brightly-patterned toucans (again, to name a few). Get your binoculars ready…
Polar bears in the Canadian Arctic sunset (Shutterstock)
Summers in the Canadian Arctic are, unsurprisingly, rather short. They’re also the best time to get out on the water in a Zodiac and do a bit of polar bear-spotting from your expedition boat.
As we all know, polar bears are best admired from a distance. They’re nowhere near as cuddly as as they look. But you may have a chance of getting a little closer than usual, as the Zodiacs can get quite close.
17. Whale watching in San Juan Islands, Washington State
Whale-spotting from San Juan Islands (Shutterstock)
Hop on a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to reach four of the 172 San Juan Islands. The weather here is mild most of the year, but the sunniest time to come is during August – coincidently also the best time to see killer whales. This is one of the top places in the world to see the black and white beauties.
San Juan is the most popular islands, with its Whale Museum and plenty of outdoor activities. If you want a more peaceful, wild experience, head to lesser-visited Orcas Island and take on the 6km climb up Mount Constitution. If you’re lucky, you can spot Vancouver from the top on a clear day.
19. Watch macaws in Manu National Park, Peru
Macaws in Manu National Park, Peru (Shutterstock)
Visit the south-east region of Peru in August and you’ll find yourself stunned by the natural prowess of Manu National Park. Also classed as a Biosphere Reserve, you’ll be awed by its lush Amazonian jungle, and the striking Andean Highlands.
It’s the perfect place for the avid birdwatcher to see the wow-worthy macaw in its natural habitat. These beautiful parrots – often a mix of red, yellow, blue and green feathers – are best spotted collecting clay at ‘clay banks’ or ‘clay licks’ around the park, to feed on later. It’s quite an incredible sight.
August is typically the beginning of the season for the most sightings, with September and October also thought to be ideal months.
20. Meet orangutans in Borneo
A young orangutan in Borneo (Dreamstime)
Borneo’s orangutans basked in the spotlight when Dame Judi Dench visited an orangutan sanctuary during filming of her documentary, Wild Borneo Adventure, for ITV.
August is one of the best times for us non-knighted folk to head to this South-East Asian island paradise to try for a wild sighting.
Danum Valley in Sabah (in the northern part of the island) offers 400 sq km of rainforest reserve for wild orangutans to swing in. Travel along the Kinabatangan River, too, to try and see these magnificent creatures in their homes.
21. See grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park
Grizzly on the move in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA (Shutterstock)
Unlike polar bears, we think it’s fair to say that grizzlies do look a little bit mean. They’re quite elusive, too: there are only around 150 bears living within the Yellowstone Natonal Park itself, or around 700 in the Greater Yellowstone Area.
To see one roaming, you’ll need proper viewing kit. Wake before sunrise or wait until sunset and use dusk and dawn to to scour the area with your telescope and/or binoculars.
Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley are two of your best sighting spots, but Dunraven Pass, Swan Lake Flats and Gardiners Hole are also good places to try.
A snow leopard stands on a cliff edge (Shutterstock)
Native to the steep, rocky highlands of Central Asia, snow leopards have been found in 12 countries, including India, Pakistan and Mongolia.
China is thought to house the most snow leopards as its western, mountainousHimalayan region forms the perfect habitat for these majestic cats. If you watched Wild China with Ray Mears, you’ll have seen Ray spot two snow leopards when staying with yak herders in China’s Qinghai plateau. In China, they typically live between 3,000m and 5,400m above sea level; however further north, in cooler climates like central Russia, they can live as low as 1,000 metres.
The species is endangered, however, and it’s increasingly difficult to see one in the wild – it also doesn’t help that they reside in inhospitable, jagged highlands that are challenging for humans to reach.
Your best bet at spotting one is probably in Hemis National Park in Ladakh, India. There are conservation efforts in Ladakh offering snow leopard treks, with the proceeds going towards protecting the animals.
Go towards the end of winter or beginning of spring. A large amount of snowfall and a scarceness of prey encourages the leopards to descend to the valley floor, which makes it a bit easier to spot them.
2. Their tails double up as scarves
A snow leopard brandishing its large, bushy tail (Shutterstock)
Snow leopards are perfectly adapted to their harsh environment, from the ears on their heads to their bushy tails.
Compared to their large cat cousins, snow leopards have small ears, flatter against the head, to minimise heat loss. They also have differently shaped skulls, allowing for larger nasal openings. This is so they can take in more air to ensure adequate amounts of oxygen at higher altitudes.
Their long tails are thick with stored fat and covered with dense fur. This assists with balance on steep and rocky terrain, and allows them to be used as scarfs. The leopards use their tails to keep their faces warm while they sleep.
Snow leopards are often seen chewing their tails… Scientists aren’t sure exactly why they do this; it’s speculated that they’re just playing.
3. Snow… tigers?
A snow leopard (Shutterstock)
Snow leopardsare actually more closely related to tigers than to common leopards. The two large cats are members of the Panthera genus, and diverged from one another over two million years ago.
Lions, jaguars and leopards also belong to the Panthera genus, but share more similarities with each other than with tigers or snow leopards.
Other types of leopard, the clouded leopard and the sunda clouded leopard, belong to a separate genus, the Neofelis genus.
4. There are around 4,500 to 7,000 left in the wild
A snow leopardess with a cub (Shutterstock)
There are estimated to be between 4,500 and 7,000 snow leopards in the wild. Scientists disagree as to whether they are endangered or not. In either scenario, they are certainly vulnerable.
Many of the threats facing the species are not being tackled. Around 450 snow leopards are killed every year, some by poachers, but mostly by farmers protecting their livestock.
The leopard’s habitat is increasingly encroached upon to make space for farmland. As opportunistic predators, the leopards will eat livestock and are often killed by farmers protecting their herds.
On top of that, the Himalayas are experiencing warming at three times the global average, causing major disruption to the big cats’ home.
5. They have bright blue eyes
A snow leopard’s bright blue eyes (Shutterstock)
Unusually for large cats, snow leopards have blue, green or grey eyes, opposed to yellow or orange. Experts think that this may be to help them blend into their environment.
6. Snow leopards can’t roar
Snow leopard cubs (Shutterstock)
Snow leopards are many things. They can leap up to 50ft, they have large paws, allowing them to walk on thick snow, and they are well camouflaged. They cannot, however, roar…
Big cats have a particular ligament in their vocal cords. This ligament can stretch and flex, creating the powerful, deep roaring sound we all know and love.
While snow leopards possess this ligament, they lack a layer of fatty tissue, and so they cannot manipulate them to make a roar. Snow leopards’ underdeveloped vocal cords resemble those of a house cat, so they can still hiss at you.
7. Snow leopards are crepuscular (duhh)
A snow leopard making its way down a hillside (Shutterstock)
Good news for wildlife photographers! The snow leopard is most active in the early mornings and evenings, during dusk and dawn. Just as the light is looking particularly gorgeous.
Many other familiar mammals share this behavioural pattern, including lions, ocelots and the American woodcock.
Interestingly, if snow leopards exist in a habitat close to humans, they will switch to nocturnal behaviour.
If you’re taking part in our two-week Wanderlust Writing Challenge, then we hope this reading list of past features will inspire your entry. Firstly, the daily writing prompt should help get pen to paper (perhaps literally, perhaps figuratively).
However, few things will help you along the creative path more than consuming great travel writing. To be a good writer, you should also be an avid reader. So, take note of the way the authors craft their pieces, start their stories, share their experiences with fellow travellers and the local communities they meet, and how they take you on the journey with them.
Here are 9 must reads for the Wanderlust Writing Challenge…
A new hotel in Mauritius is encouraging visitors to get out of their rooms and spend time with local artisans, fisherfolk and farmers, discovering a side to the honeymoon paradise that few witness…
The night was dark and I was faced with a tough choice: ginger, passion fruit, vanilla, rosemary, lemon, banana, cinnamon or coffee.
“Or one of each,” winked Mirella Armance, playfully bumping her hips against mine as she walked me along the line of her crystal-decanted homemade rums. “The only fruit you can’t use is pineapples,” she said, pouring a sailor’s-size measure into my glass and ushering me into her dining room…
While making Joanna Lumley’s Silk Road Adventure for ITV, the author and TV producer Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent meets a memorable couple in the remote Svaneti region of Georgia’s Caucasus Mountains…
It’s lunchtime in Svaneti and already things have taken an alcoholic turn. “To our ancestors!” says Valeri, our host, raising yet anotherchacha-filled glass. “Gaumarjos!” I reply, grimacing as the home-made brandy ignites the back of my throat.
By the time we’ve toasted our families, St George, each other, good health, absent friends and the brother he lost fighting for Abkhazia, Valeri has offered me three hectares, a few cows and a house in the village.
“Bring your husband and make babies!” he cries, raising another glass…
Experience true remoteness in the Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia, with natural splendour, nomadic hospitality and swirling, luminous skies…
It was early evening in the Chigertei Valley when I found myself standing on a weathered buttress, cheering the sudden onset of clouds.
A fresh weather-front was barrelling in over the Altai massif, and now the clouds were pluming at the mountaintops, some of them wispy and translucent, others dark and throwing shadows, draping columns of rain. By now I understood what this foreshadowed.
Soon, the cloud-cover would fracture the dusk light, and sunbeams would daub chiaroscuro patterns on the land, transmuting the grasslands into prairies of gold. Far away, on the valley floor, smoke spiralled from yurt chimneys; a pair of boy-herders chivvied their sheep alongside a stream…
Unspoilt Amazon rainforest, one of the world’s tallest waterfalls and a haven for giant species – we visit a land where community-benefitting projects are thriving and wildlife is flourishing…
We heard them before we saw them. Strange chattering, barks and snuffling noises that I couldn’t place as I scanned the bird-rich waters of the lake that surrounded us.
For a moment, I thought back to the stories I had been told of spirits in Guyana’s lakes and forests. Then we saw the bobbing heads of a family of giant river otters looking at us, shouting half indignantly as if questioning our presence…
Liberia’s coastline hides some of the most spectacular stretches of sand on the planet, let alone West Africa. But can it overcome a traumatic past to attract the travellers it deserves – and needs?
Liberian journalist Carielle Doe fondly recalls childhood memories of 1980s beach holidays in her homeland. “When I was little, I’d go to Hotel Africa at the weekend. People of means would lounge at the pool, and I remember playing in the water,” she told me.
Nowadays, the five-star Hotel Africa resort, built in 1979, is a wreck. It sustained damage by rebel fighters during the First Liberian Civil War (1989 to 1996) and was later looted. I entered the lobby’s carcass to find a cantilevered staircase dangling like a shattered spinal-cord while broken tiles and glass crunched underfoot.
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Amid Kyrgyzstan’s vast valleys and astonishing mountain peaks, the horse and the helicopter are kings. Lyn Hughes ventures deep into this fascinating country to experience life as a modern nomad…
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On a journey into China’s distant centre, adventurer Leon McCarron encounters enthusiastic villagers, an unusual rice wine drinking ritual and a long tale about a scarf-wearing chicken…
No,” said Mr Hou. “You’ve misunderstood.” I tried again. “So the scarf stays on the chicken for three days?”
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Meet the people who live among the giant heads of Rapa Nui – they’re even more fascinating than their archaeological heritage…
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The airport is Easter Island’s lifeline – prior to its opening in 1961, the residents lived in virtual seclusion. Supplies came once a year by Chilean naval ship, while visitors were a rarity.
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‘Sea women’ have been freediving for shellfish off the coast of Osatsu for thousands of years, but the future of Japan’s ama divers is looking uncertain as a new generation fails to follow in their wake…
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Sayuri Nakamura is 67 years old. Her friend, Shigeyo Nakayama, who soon followed, is 71. They are ama (‘sea women’), Japan’s famed all-female shell divers, a tradition that dates back several thousand years. Yet most are now aged between 60 and 80 years old and, with numbers declining, it may soon be time to bid sayonara to a cultural practice shared with South Korea’s haenyeo diving women…
Three generations of a Kazakh herder family, in Gants Mod Valley (Marcus Westberg)
Staff members with the 360 Degrees Mongolia Travel Company prepare the breakfast table for a luxury tented camp, in the Altai Mountains outside of Khovd (Marcus Westberg)
A girl shows off her political t-shirt, in the Khar Us Nuur region, not far from Khovd town (Marcus Westberg)
Kazakh herders load their ger camp onto a truck on the floodplain of the Chikhertei Valley, West Mongolia (Marcus Westberg)
A girl poses with her horse in the Chikhertei Valley. She told us her name was Aisaule, meaning ‘Moonlight’ (Marcus Westberg)
A young horse racer charges for the finish line at the end of a 10km race across the plains, as part of local Naadam celebrations near Chandmani (Marcus Westberg)
A man takes snuff, traditionally taken by Mongolian men to mark special occasions, during the Naadam celebrations in Chandmani (Marcus Westberg)
Mongolian wrestlers, in ceremonial regalia, wait to fight as part of the Naadam celebrations in Chandmani village (Marcus Westberg)
A young herder takes a novel approach to corralling his goats back from the pastures, near the base of the Jargalant Khairkhan Uul Mountain, in Khar Us Nuur National Park (Marcus Westberg)
Khuanitkhan, one of the famous eagle hunters of the Mongolian Altai region, stands with his golden eagle (Marcus Westberg)
It was early evening in the Chigertei Valley when I found myself standing on a weathered buttress, cheering the sudden onset of clouds.
A fresh weather-front was barrelling in over the Altai massif, and now the clouds were pluming at the mountaintops, some of them wispy and translucent, others dark and throwing shadows, draping columns of rain. By now I understood what this foreshadowed.
The incredible sky of the Altai massif (Marcus Westberg)
Soon, the cloud-cover would fracture the dusk light, and sunbeams would daub chiaroscuro patterns on the land, transmuting the grasslands into prairies of gold. Far away, on the valley floor, smoke spiralled from yurt chimneys; a pair of boy-herders chivvied their sheep alongside a stream. But these were pinpricks of humanity on a floodplain big enough to swallow Manhattan. Up here, I felt certain, the only sentient beings sharing this vantage with me were the snow leopards padding unseen on the ridgelines, and the raptors wheeling in the sky.
If you had questioned me on the Heathrow tarmac about my reasons for visiting Western Mongolia, I’m not sure I’d have been able to answer without sounding absurdly gauzy or grandiose. A couple of weeks before my trip, the world marked the 50th anniversary of the first Apollo moon landing. Neil Armstrong famously described the lunar surface as a “magnificent desolation.”
That phrase approximated the palliative I sought: somewhere remote and unmarked, where humanity’s incursion felt transitory, and no-one understood the phrase ‘Instagrammability’. Short of paying Musk or Branson several million dollars to visit outer space, West Mongolia, where the Altai Mountains provide a sublime backdrop to the most sparsely populated country in the world, seemed as good a bet as any.
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia (Shutterstock)
But before flying westwards, photographer Marcus and I had arrived in Ulaanbaatar. Here, shanties of gers, Mongolia’s ubiquitous yurts, proliferated under the fumes of coal-plant smokestacks while new skyscrapers, assembled from the profits of the extractive industries, principally copper, glistened on the skyline.
On the advice of Jan Wigsten, a Swedish-born doyen of adventure travel in Mongolia, we’d opted to spend our week in the Khovd aimag (province), abutting the Chinese border. Jan said the mountainous west promised something more untouched than the better-known tourist spots around Ulaanbaatar, albeit one mostly populated by ethnic Kazakhs, herders who had migrated across the Altai Mountains over the course of the 19th century.
“It isn’t really site-specific,” Jan had told me. “It’s just a wonderful place to get lost in the great Mongolian void.” Void, meaning ‘vacancy; empty space.’ It wouldn’t take long to realise that Jan was rather underselling it.
Provincial life
Mongol horses grazing in a valley between Khovd and Delüün (Marcus Westberg)
The sharp-nosed Embraer aircraft touched down in Khovd, the provincial capital, in the early afternoon. There to greet us were driver Nurbat, and Berdigul, a grandmotherly figure in a pink cardigan, who also happened to be a polyglot, and a sage and patient guide.
Our ultimate destination was Delüün, a four-hour drive over pastel steppelands, first on the smooth new road built by the Chinese as part of their Belt and Road initiative, later on the unsealed tyre tracks that wove towards the main Altai massif.
Driver Nurbat enjoys some traditional Kazakh hospitality (Marcus Westberg)
Dwarfed by its environs, overlooked by the magnificent saddle of Ikh Yamaat (also known as ‘Big Goat’ mountain), Delüün appeared like a tiny outpost in the vastness of a wide plain. But it turned out to be a supine town of 4,000 people, its dust-blown aspect enlivened by bright metal roofs in blue, pink and green. The high-street consisted of two shops, and a low-ceilinged restaurant where we would end up eating half our bodyweight in mutton dumplings.
We stayed in a wide, crumbly building where the friendly owner, Yelik, a national park ranger, had converted parts of the upstairs into guestrooms with gaudy throws and golden wallpaper. “And we have a Russian sauna!” Yelik said, pointing at an outhouse as we collected the bags from the car.
Following the herd
A Bactrian camel herd near Delüün, with Ikh Yamaat Mountain behind (Marcus Westberg)
Over the coming days, we typically set out after an early breakfast, and barrelled into one of the broad valleys radiating out from Deüün. There was seldom much of a firm plan or definite destination. Nurbat seemed to just direct the Landcruiser at a compass point and drive, sending ground squirrels and marmots scurrying for their burrows.
Our main zone of exploration was the Chigertei National Park, a lattice of floodplains spilling down from the main Altai watershed. As we grew accustomed to the rhythms of the valleys, we learned that the best time to visit local Kazakh encampments was in the mid-afternoon, after the bustle of the morning and before the women went out in the evening to milk their yak and goat herds.
A boy inside a Kazakh yurt with typical sweets and snacks on the floor (Marcus Westberg)
Encounters with local herders followed a ritualistic pattern. The first, at an agglomeration of gers at the head of Gants Mod Valley, set the tone. We drove up, and our approach sent children scampering ahead to notify the adults. Nurbat hopped out, sparked one of his slender Korean cigarettes and instantly lubricated proceedings, because Nurbat seemed to have some connection – either social or familial – to everyone.
After some handshakes, we were invited into a Kazakh ger, larger than its Mongolian counterpart, and more ornamental, with vibrant embroidery draping the walls, and talismans made of eagle owl feathers hanging from the ceiling. The women festooned the floor with sweets and aarul, a sun-dried curd, as three or four generations gathered to drink bowls of buttery tea.
Then Nurbat and Berdigul were drawn into a protracted discussion about the latest news, while Berdigul offered commentary on the side in a hushed tone.
“They are asking, ‘How was the winter.’” “He is asking, ‘How are the sheep?’” “She is asking why Nurbat missed their daughter’s wedding.” (Poor Nurbat always seemed to be getting into trouble for things like this.)
This went on at least ten minutes before our hosts even broached the subject of what the two lanky white men waving clownishly at the baby were doing way out here.
A curd snack dries on the roof of a truck (Marcus Westberg)
The nomadic pastoralism of the local Kazakh herders is arguably the most authentic vestige of a lifestyle once practised in various iterations from here to Hungary. The Stalinist famines and coercive industrialisation that benighted Kazakhstan in the mid-20th century meant that nothing like it survived in their homeland.
Sure, most gers now had a solar panel or car battery to power a single bulb, and the camels, two-humped Bactrians once employed to transport camps and commodities, had been supplanted by trucks; now the camels ambled about the plains in semiretirement, mostly farmed for their wool. But in the main the local habit of moving livestock with the seasons, at once impermanent and deeply venerable, had changed little since the days of the Great Khans.
Often, on Berdigul’s bidding, we pulled over to find petroglyphs of animals carved onto a slate outcropping, or engravings of ibex on shafts of rock, so-called ‘deer stones’, lodged upright in the ground. Burial mounds, scattered with boulders and yak-skull votives, marked the graves of Bronze Age chieftains.
A family pack their gers onto a truck (Marcus Westberg)
Despite all the evidence of current and former human presence, the valleys still permitted moments of exquisite isolation. Bundling along the remoter tracks, your gaze might be drawn to a distant ger, or a solitary truck dragging a halo of dust. But then the plains would empty again, and the sense of being the only people for miles around made your heart soar.
Under certain conditions, Mongolia’s outback felt less like solid earth than it did a series of moods, like the ripples of a cuttlefish’s skin-pigments transposed onto land. Marooned far from the moderating effect of any ocean, the country has a similar latitude to London but an average temperature more akin to Anchorage. Combined with the elevation – Delüün was 2,000m above sea-level, the surrounding mountains double that – the geography provoked temperamental high-pressure systems and swirling, luminous skies.
To the skies
The Chigertei River (Marcus Westberg)
For this week in August, the weather was a relentless incantation. At times, the clouds would close ranks, grow monotonous. At others, the sky would clear entirely, washing out the mountains in glare.
These were the moments to rest your eyelids, because you soon came to understand that it was only a matter of time before whatever old gods held dominion over this place would re-stir the atmosphere to conjure something new. Sometimes, I would turn to Berdigul to express my amazement, and she would smile and shrug, as if to imply that this kind of phantasmagoria was the most normal thing in the world.
On our third afternoon, we went walking on the windward wall of the main Chigertei plain. Down below, a braided river glimmered in the low sun, and stick figures could be seen, legs apart, swinging body-length scythes to collect tall grass for the winter hay stocks. Towards the neck of the valley, patches of larch forest mosaicked the inclines. A day earlier, at the national park office in Delüün, Yelik had shown me footage of wolverines taken by camera traps in these forests. Nearby, the same technology was being used to monitor snow leopards up on the high ridges.
The woodland, when we delved into it, felt pre-human. There was no sign of wood-chopping up here; tree-cover is so sparse in the Altai that herders rely on a more readily available resource – their livestock’s dried dung – for fuel.
I was just pondering this pleasing idiosyncrasy when a sudden flurry of movement erupted behind us, and a black kite harrumphed into the sky, where it circled above the trees to shriek its displeasure. We found its meal, a marmot’s head, sitting half-eaten on a stone. We soon left, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that we had trespassed somewhere sacred, best left undisturbed.
Khuanitkhan, a Kazakh eagle hunter, shows off his golden eagle near the head of Chigertei (Marcus Westberg)
The next day we got much closer to a bird of prey, though this one was larger, and its ankle was roped to a gauntleted hand. Thickset, leather- jacketed, and with the face of a boxer,
Khuanitkhan had suspended the day’s hay collection to show us his golden eagle. Like some other Kazakh herders, he used her to hunt foxes in the winter. It’s an age-old practice that has achieved recognition thanks to documentaries like The Eagle Huntress, and the BBC’s Human Planet, and which is now being re-popularised, in part because of its potential as a magnet for cultural tourism. Over 1,000 people, many of them curious visitors, attended the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ulgii last October.
Constructing a Kazakh ger in the Chigertei Valley (Marcus Westberg)
Slipping a hood back over her head, Khuanitkhan invited me to don the glove. Fearful of causing offence, I agreed, but I felt saddened by the feel of the talons pummelling the thick leather. It was clear from the way she kept unfurling her wings that she was desperate to fly. On an island further down in the stream, a younger eagle, freshly netted, was tethered to a boulder. Now and then, Khuanitkhan’s eldest son would wade over to offer it meat, bonding the bird to its captor.
It was the one discordant note in a culture that otherwise exhibited an admirable symbiosis with the world around it. In my reverie, I had to keep reminding myself that the splendour of this place might pall in the depths of winter. Even now, it was cold in the night, and in a few short months the idyllic lakes would freeze from surface to floor. The sight of the herders’ squat winter huts, which conjured images of families hunkered inside a single room for months on end, made me shudder.
Kazakh girl Aisaule – which translates as ‘Moonlight’ – rides a horse in the Chigertei Valley (Marcus Westberg)
However, if my impressions were coloured by a westerner’s romanticism, it was only ever a reflection of the native sensibility. The people had nature-inspired names like Aisaule (meaning “Moonlight”) and Chuluunbaatar (“Stone Hero”). Nurbat, who often looked hangdog despite his ribald humour, was at his happiest when we took a detour to ‘say hello to his cows.’
As I reached the end of my time in West Mongolia, I was just grateful to be reassured that living within the boundaries set by nature is a thing not entirely beyond our ken, at least until China’s steamrollers pressed on to Delüün. Over the course of the week, I hardly saw a shred of litter, or any other tourists, or experienced any grief whatever. No-one responded to our intrusion into this remote world with anything other than warmth and generosity.
Snapper Marcus shows travel images to a family (Henry Wismayer)
On our last day, taking the long-route back to Khovd along a steep-sided gorge, we dropped in to a ger camp one final time. Inside, over tea, I watched a ten-year-old boy in a Superman cap look through photos on Marcus’ phone. Face glowing from its proximity to the screen, he chirruped with delight at images of Maasai tribesmen in Kenya, and walruses in the Arctic. A picture of a Botswanan bull-elephant made him jump from his seat.
“He has never seen these things before,” Berdigul said. For the first time in ages, I understood the feeling well.
It’s an unprecedented time of uncertainty. The whole world is unwell, and we are losing so many lives across the globe. I, as an NHS doctor, am proud to be fighting the coronavirus pandemic from the frontline and I believe that we will be able to overcome this crisis.
People are leading a completely different lifestyle now, as instructed by the world’s governments and higher authorities. Being an avid traveller and photographer, I too have embraced this change, but I feel rejuvenated as I travel down memory lane, remembering some of the most enjoyable times of my life.
Here are just a few of my favourite travel photographs…
Kolkata, India
Durga Puja, Kolkata, India (Prabir Mitra)
Durga Puja, the Hindu festival celebrating the goddess Durga, is an annual extravaganza of thousands of Bengalis. It’s best celebrated in Kolkata, India.
It has to be experienced in real life. No written accounts nor photographs can possibly do justice to the level of frenzy that goes on during the festival.
Though it is meant to be a religious festival at its core, in reality it actually is a celebration of colours, food, music, and incredible volumes of works-of-art, that are put up in temporary pandals.
A street in Kolkata, India (Prabir Mitra)
Kolkata’s street scenes never cease to amuse me. It is a city that I know inside and out, yet every time I go out with my camera, I find something new to shoot.
This photograph was taken at one of the busiest localities in south Kolkata. I was fascinated to observe the contrast between the chess players and the speeding buses that were zooming past these people, who remained unperturbed.
I saw a variety of board games in the middle of the pavement, which was dividing two lanes of extremely busy traffic. Random people were coming in and started playing, sometimes without even talking between themselves!
Varanasi, India
Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, India (Prabir Mitra)
Varanasi is a place where myths are entwined with daily lives of the vast number of residents and tourists who come from all across the globe.
The ghats (or banks) of the Ganges River (also called Ganga) serve as a lifeline to innumerable people and is also a photographer’s paradise. The Ganga is considered as a goddess, and every evening priests offer aarti – a ritual which is done as a part of worshipping her.
The Himalayas
A chorten in Himachal Pradesh, India (Prabir Mitra)
The very name Kunzum Pass has a great significance in my life.
About three decades back, during our first trek to the exquisite Chandra Taal (the Moon Lake), I developed acute mountain sickness while crossing the 4,590m-tall Kunzum Pass and was saved by my wife.
After recovering, I wanted to trek along the route again to ensure I could do it. During our second trip, we were more cautious and our guide circumambulated all the prayer stupas or chortens along our route.
One such chorten caught my attention – the magical light and out of this world location made it something really special.
The trek to Everest Base Camp, Tibet (Prabir Mitra)
For a long time, I wanted to trek with my wife up to the Everest Base Camp North Face in Tibet.
I clearly remember the arduous path leading to the destination. At the beginning of the trek, I looked back at the point beyond which wheels would not dare.
It was at that point I saw three trekkers slowly making their way up the mountains – I felt so humbled by nature at that time, the human perspective amidst the vastness of nature made me thoughtful.
Altai Mountains, Mongolia
An eagle huntress in Mongolia (Prabir Mitra)
I wanted to witness the Mongolian Kazakh eagle hunters – a small community who live in the remote Altai Mountains of Mongolia.
In a remote village named Jalan Aash our host, the veteran eagle hunter, took us to meet his friend Asker, who is a proud father of Aigirm, a 12-year-old girl, who is a budding eagle huntress.
She has been training under the auspices of Dalai Khan, and hopes to keep this tradition alive.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, Turkey (Prabir Mitra)
– Prabir Mitra, NHS doctor and travel photographer
The Arctic Circle
A Sami reindeer herder in the Arctic Circle, Norway (Prabir Mitra)
69°26’55N 25°21’30E: deep inside the Arctic Circle, near the border of Finland.
After spending several hours on a snowmobile and then on a reindeer pulled sledge, we found ourselves far off from civilisation, within the heartland of the Sami reindeer herders.
It was a relatively mild day of -19°C in the morning when we started, but the weather changed in no time and suddenly, we were in the middle of a blizzard. It was almost a test of our endurance. I was worrying about my children and my wife, as well as about my camera.
Despite the protective gears, I struggled to keep my fingers mobile enough to manoeuvre my camera for long, as I was bumping up and down on my sledge.
Norfolk, UK
Snettisham Knots, Norfolk, UK (Prabir Mitra)
It is widely believed that travel photography can start at your doorstep. I knew that the RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve draws birdwatchers and photographers from across the country.
I, being only a few miles away from Snettisham, did not want to miss the rare life experience of photographing the ‘Snettisham Knots’ – thousands of migratory birds that come to create magic in the wide expanses of the northern Norfolk coast.
Berlin, Germany
Facing WWII in Berlin, Germany (Prabir Mitra)
Every time I visit Berlin, I find time to visit places in the city which remind one about the dreaded WWII.
During one of my visits, I was awestruck by a series of life-size paintings which were on display near the historic Brandenburg Gate. I could almost see my expression reflected in the faces of the visitors at that time.