Mongolia, a land of vast steppes and rugged beauty, is home to a unique way of life centered around the winter migration of nomadic herders. As temperatures plummet, these resilient people lead their livestock across the frozen landscape in search of fresh grazing grounds.
Battling fierce snowstorms and bitter cold, the herders demonstrate remarkable skill and endurance, upholding ancient traditions passed down through generations. The winter migration is a time of hardship and harmony, forging strong bonds within the nomadic community. It is a timeless spectacle that embodies the indomitable spirit of Mongolia’s nomads and their profound connection to the land.
I found myself immersed in a world untouched by time. My journey with the Mongolian nomads began as a photographer and a desire to witness a way of life so deeply rooted in tradition by photographing the daily life, the herders, the animals and the landscape. As I joined the nomads on their winter migration, walking alongside them for 150 kilometers through the rugged terrain, I quickly learned the resilience and determination required to survive in such harsh conditions. The biting cold and relentless winds tested my endurance and my equipment, but the warmth of the nomads’ spirits and the beauty of the landscape kept me going.
One day, as we trudged through a particularly unforgiving snowstorm, I found myself in awe of the nomads’ unwavering determination. Despite the harsh conditions, they moved with purpose and grace, their faces weathered but filled with a quiet strength that spoke volumes. We had to push the animals forward for hours and hours. It was about -30 degrees and almost dark when we arrived at the camp. The next day we were told that 150 animals had died in the cold. A harsh environment.
About Josef Buergi
Born in 1965 in Stans, Switzerland, Josef Buergi started around 2000 with photography. He studied engineering at the Bale Institute of Technology and works now full-time as a project and team leader for the local government. As a pure autodidact, he developed the knowledge by himself but also by studying the masters. His music photography, together with travel, have become two of his life’s passions.
His photography focuses on music, culture, landscapes, and wildlife; images that reflect a spatial and temporal journey through life. He seeks the quiet moments and the light in whatever context he finds himself. He is an eclectic photographer who enjoys diversity in his imagery. Hence his images range from travel to landscapes and portraits. He believes that photography can capture those inimitable moments and empower us to make a positive change in our world. Through his travels, he has developed his photographic style. [Official Website]
