Gyoku Block

Mongolian Altai Tour – October 2024

Gobi Desert Winter Camel Festival Tour – January 2025

“I took two trips with Claire, Altai and Gobi. I’ve been attracted to Mongolia as being a horse lover and always wanted to experience the life of the last nomadic people on earth. They are the heart of Mongolia surviving on the harsh land with their animals, and because I was visiting with Claire, I felt like I was accepted by them instantly. Because of her genuine love and passion towards those eagle hunters and camel herders, my experience from both trips was no comparison to the ordinary package tours. Touching people’s lives at a personal level is what Claire offers (not to mention riding a horse and a camel and many great photography moments). She usually attracts people with genuine love and good heart and she leads a small group so bonding with fellow travelers is an added bonus. So, thank you Claire and I look very much forward to go on another trip with you next year!!”

Sandy Davies

Northern Mongolian Taiga Tour – February 2025

“Claire made my visit to Mongolia a great success, fulfilling a long term dream! The planning was excellent and communication honest, friendly and clear. Thanks to this even when faced with tricky travel conditions in extremely cold temperatures, everything worked out! We had adventures, culture, nature and special experiences which don’t come with run of the mill travel. Claire’s trips are something very special and bespoke. I warmly and wholeheartedly recommend talking to Claire to find out what your next adventure will be!”

Scott Cook

Mongolian Altai Tour – October 2025

“My trip to Mongolia with Claire was one of the best experiences of my life. Period. And I don’t say that lightly. From a photography standpoint, and likely the reason you’re considering booking with her, it was extraordinary. I created some of the best images of my life on this trip, and Claire gives you endless opportunities to do just that. But while photography was my reason for going, it wasn’t the most rewarding part of the journey. Not even close.

For one, the access she has to the local families is worth the trip alone. The intimate time we spent with the people we met and stayed with was deeply moving. Claire has built relationships with some of the kindest, most generous and hospitable people in the world. Sharing meals, fresh tea, stories, and laughter around humble tables is something I’ll carry with me forever. It’s an experience unlike any other…genuine, heartfelt, and soul fulfilling.

Perhaps even more meaningful, though, were the bonds formed with the other travelers. Strangers from every corner of the globe who quickly became dear friends. Experiencing a journey like this together for two weeks forges a connection that’s truly unbreakable. I’m so grateful for these incredible people, and I know I have home-cooked meals, warm beds and joyful reunions in my near future…be it in Australia, Philadelphia, or Libya.

And that is the real value of traveling with Claire: the connections she creates. Both with the families who welcome you and the fellow travelers with whom you share the incredible moments along the way. It’s hard to put into words, but all I can say is this: run, don’t walk, to book a trip with Claire.

All that said, Claire is an expert traveler who understands logistics inside and out. Everything was absolutely seamless. More importantly, she is simply a joy to be around. Selfless, caring, and humble. I would travel with her again in a heartbeat and can’t wait to book my next adventure. Yes, for the photos, but even more so for the friendships and lifelong memories.

Thank you, Claire. For everything.”

Carole Metz

Mongolia Gobi Desert – January 2026

“This tour was truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. I never felt like a tourist. I felt like a guest.
Every detail was carefully planned. Claire is an inspiring guide, photographer and quickly became a friend. I cannot recommend her tours highly enough if you are looking for a unique and meaningful experience.”

Photo credit: Scott Cook

Sara Cifuentes

Mongolian Altai Tour – October 2025

“I was in my early 20s when I watched the documentary The Story of the Weeping Camel, and I was forever changed.  I wanted to see the landscape, the people, and experience a country, which I knew was like no other. Wanting to visit Mongolia became an obsession; however, not being a very traveled country at the time, it seemed almost like an unattainable dream. I did not want to do a typical tour; I wanted an unforgettable experience. As years went by, I was no longer convinced I would one day visit this beautiful nation, I did not seem to know how to make it happen. But I came across a NYT article about the eagle hunters in Mongolia. I searched for the photographer’s name, and I instantly started following her in social media.  Her images transported me and gave wings to my dream, once again.  A few years later she advertised a photographer’s tour in the Altai Mountains, and I reached out to her immediately. From that point on, it was smooth sailing.

Claire, the author of that amazing NYT article, afforded me one of the most amazing and unforgettable experiences in my life. She has build amazing and strong bonds with every single one of the families with whom we interacted. And it is thanks to these special bonds, that people joining Claire’s tours get to have an authentic and unique experience.  Also, not only she is very experienced in what she does, but she is extremely easy going, flexible, empathetic, fun, super funny and most important of all, she is very easy to . She is that easy going!

I will say, it was advertised as a photographer’s tour, but non-photographers are welcome. I was one of them, I did not even own a camera before embarking on this trip, but somehow, the photos I took came out incredible. I cannot take credit, simply put, Mongolian landscapes and its people are very easy to photograph. There is too much beauty to capture in one place. So, even if you are not a photographer but want to have the experience of a lifetime, join Claire in one of her trips, you will not be disappointed.

This trip has been life changing, so much so that I am already planning my return!”

Ryan Whalen

Mongolian Altai Tour – October 2024

“While traveling so far from home can be daunting, especially as remote as Western Mongolia, never once did I feel uncomfortable during this workshop or as though it could have been planned better.  I have been to workshops around the world where things are repetitive, poorly planned, or stressful – none of these feelings arose during Claire’s workshop. It was detailed, action packed, fun, safe, and life-changing. This workshop was the perfect mix between busy and also letting things naturally happen with the families who hosted us- allowing for some great documentary compositions, scenes, and authentic nomadic experiences. I did not feel rushed, overwhelmed, nor unprepared whatsoever.  

The pre-meetings, detailed list of what to bring, and guidance made it the perfect workshop, but also a vacation! It was the most authentic trip I have ever been on. I captured literally every composition I dreamed of in the 10+ months leading up to the journey. Not only did I return home with some of my favorite photos ever taken, I came home with a new perspective on life. This workshop improved my photography, social skills, and ability to believe in myself.

As someone who is not a professional photographer, this workshop was wonderful. While it certainly is for a professional, it also is for those seeking an adventure off the beaten-path.  Having Claire with you in Mongolia is the best way to see the country.  She is fun, supportive, and really wants her students to get the shots more than herself- this was a persistent feeling throughout the entire tour which added so much value to the experience.  This was my first workshop with Claire, and is certainly not my last. I made lifelong friends from this trip, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about this itinerary – it was everything I signed up for and more. 

If you are someone with a high-end camera or a simple smartphone – this adventure is for you.”

Ben Moore

Mongolian Altai Tour – March 2025

“Traveling with Claire Thomas in the Mongolian Altai was fabulous. To be in the amazing geography with the eagle hunters and their families inspires endlessly. Claire’s enthusiasm and grace are infectious. I look forward to returning to Mongolia.”

Mahaut

Mongolian Altai Tour – April 2023

“What an amazing experience! An unforgettable trip and in the best of company. A truly immersive experience with lifetime memories and the photos to go with them. I loved it and would highly recommend for those seeking a unique and authentic off the beaten track experience.”

Gareth

Egypt – Greater Cairo City Tour – November 2023

“This tour was just what I was looking for: packed with activities, but not to the point of manic exhaustion, which allowed me to savour the best highlights of what Cairo and Egypt has to offer.

This was not about getting everything done in one visit (which, let’s face it, is impossible in such a culturally rich and diverse country), but rather about getting enough done well, maximising the opportunity to experience a truly immersive and enriching trip. Claire knows how to put together a varied tour that is both fun and relaxed. Highlights for me were the obligatory but nonetheless spectacular visit to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, together with the new, partly opened Grand Egyptian Museum and the Tutankhamen exhibit in the original Egyptian Museum in central Cairo.

I was especially fascinated by the tour Claire arranged to Garbage City on the outskirts of downtown Cairo in the Zabbaleen district, providing great photography opportunities and a rare insight into the community whose livelihoods are almost entirely involved with garbage collection and the impact this has on overall waste recycling in the massive city. The Rock Church hewn into the mountain there was spectacular.

Claire’s imaginative and practical approach to photography and advice on everything concerning the trip (both camera and non camera related) was always welcomed and freely and gently given.

Thank you Claire and see you again soon!”

Monika Ladosz

Egypt – Cairo to Luxor Tour – November 2023

“I joined Claire on an amazing adventure in Egypt and it was simply fantastic. She knew where to go and what to do, and very importantly knew how to navigate the cultural landscape in a way that was fun and yet nuanced. Her personable and friendly approach added an uplifting mood to the trip where everything was perfectly facilitated. The program was rich and full of once in a lifetime experiences. Egypt is an incredible place to visit, a land where 1000 year old monuments seem “new”, and with Claire it was the perfect backdrop to sharpen my photography skills and benefit from her extensive expertise on framing and lighting.

Not only did I enjoy a great vacation, but I came back with high quality pictures that well exceed the usual holiday snaps. I am selecting a few to print and hang in my home. I would highly recommend this experience.”