Scenic Trip

Most arrivals in Mongolia take place in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. You might care to spin the prayer-wheels at the Gandang Monastery and admire the imposing statue of Buddha in the temple.

Soon you are on your way to the heartlands of Mongolia. North, and some at first unfamiliar sights might just become commonplace. A small herd of yak, for instance. Worth taking a look close up, if you get the chance.

In a National Park, just north of the capital you can see the famous Przwalski's horses. Once living wild in Mongolia, they are now being carefully re-introduced. The Mongolian eagle is a majestic sight with a metre-wide wingspan.

At the right time of the year, you are very likely to encounter a camel train - with just enough camel power to move a herder's belongings to next season's campsite. Note how carefully loads are distributed with plenty of protection for the animal's flanks to prevent chafing

Horses are thirsty creatures and so almost any pool in a Mongolian summer is good for a drink. At last you reach your encampment and as a working visitor, the family offering you hospitality might well appreciate a group photo of the occasion

Next morning, in a region where the death toll from parasitic infections among horses is second only to the consequences of extreme dzud conditions in wintertime, our mobile-vet arrives with one of the vehicles that makes possible the delivery of our veterinary service to several thousand herders. They then corral their horses to prepare them for treatment. Time now to meet the horses - and their owners.

As the herds come together, the herders get them into a 'cavalry' style lineout, then one herder (on left) leads them in toward the pen. The existing line then turns, keeping the line, to follow with other herder-owners watching their mounts carefully. As the horses near the pen, the line breaks but only after the herders have flanked the operation. Then in they go (right) down this reinforced trackway into the holding area.

At last, some having travelled great distances they are penned ready for the treatment that will protect against disease.
For younger, healthier horses, a mouth drench (right) is the preferred form of parasiticide. The benefits to their health are considerable, by not only killing internal parasites, but also reducing cross-infection from infected droppings - one of the main causes of the spread of parasites.

Soon the horses settle down and the foals seek their mothers milk-bar, for quenching a thirst and reassurance.
And our Operations Supervisor - Batsaa (right) - helps out by holding a foal while its mother is treated by one of the vets responsible for the treatment programme in this area, one of many he will be dealing with in the coming weeks.

The rich grasslands of northern provinces contrast starkly with southern marginal desert regions. Here the need is for water, from shallow 'pit-wells' such as CAMDA funds (left and below), where local labour is relining a disused well, using field stones Pit wells serve many remote areas. Right - a state-provided deep engineered well, but these are sparse and fewer in number.

In the arid Gobi fringe regions, shallow pit wells serve many nomadic families and their herds. Refurbished - cleared of debris, relined and fitted with a stout cap and lid - they provide long service, being looked after by local villagers.
Our well-refurbishment programme continues to support needy herders living in such harsh circumstances.