Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Close to my heart

In the vast steppes of western Mongolia, I crossed paths with Elik, a proud Kazakh horseman, riding his motorbike across the rugged landscape. He wore a long jacket made from the fur of every horse he had ever owned. "That way, I have them close to my heart," he said with a smile, gazing out at the horizon, a reflection of his deep connection to his heritage.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Mongolia
Camera: LEICA SL3
Copyright: © thibault gerbaldi