Dicing with death: Mongolia

In Mongolia former jade hunters have been reduced to a tough life since mines have been shut down. Their other source of income remains cattle farming. During the transhumance whole families have to travel in extreme conditions. A third of Mongolian population is nomad. But journeys are risky. Nomads have to cross iced rivers or narrow roads at 2000 meters high by -40°C, facing cold and blizzard. Sheep, goats and yacks have to be led and can’t slow down the flock.

This journey is punctuated by breaks during which family and animals gather, preparing for the next move, remembering old legends or dreaming of a better life by prospecting for gold.

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