Picture from Shengsi Islands
Only a handful of people are left living in Houtouwan. Like this 51 years old man, who still enjoys the view in the morning and cultivates the unused fecund land around the abandoned two-stories houses in the afternoon.
Photo from Shengsi Islands
It wasn’t easy, but I’ve finally reached the abandoned village of Houtouwan on Shengshan island. I will tell you more about this place in the following days.
Photo from Shanghai
Just arrived in Shanghai. I will get some rest and take a look at the city before I leave for Gouqi island.
Photo from Dood Tsagaan Lake
Heading back to Ulan Bator to get my next flight. Thank you Mongolia. It has been cold but heart-warming adventure!
Photo from Khövsgöl Province
Tsaatan are one of the world’s smallest ethnic groups (they’re estimated to be around 200). In addition to climate change they are also facing difficulties also due to the creation of the protected area of the Tengis Shishged national park, that is constraining their movements and activities in the area.
Photo from Khövsgöl Province
It is becoming harder for Tsaatan people to maintain their way of life. Decrease in snow level is leaving more freedom of movement to the reindeer, making more difficult for the herders to take care of them.
Photo from Khövsgöl Province
Tsaatan people are nomads reindeer herders who live in the Mongolian taiga. They move their ortz according to the migrations of the reindeer in this wild environment, which is the only one favourable to their animals.
Photo from Khövsgöl Province
We‘re there. Tsaatan people live in ortz, felt-lined tipi tent made of wood with one opening used as a door. One of these will be our home for the next three days.
Photo from Khovsgol Lake
On my way to visit the Tsaatan people in Northern Mongolia, I have to cross long snowy valleys and the big Khovsgol lake that is still frozen this time of the year.