In the shamanistic tradition of the taiga in northern Mongolian province of Khovsgol, a lonely tree like the one in this photo is believed to possess magical power or spirit. People do respect and fear it at the same time. Most of the locals are not dare to get nearby, to camp under, or to cut a lonely tree, as it’s always deemed sacred. The Mongolian shamanistic tradition actually dictates people to respect the Nature, and it somehow shapes the subconscious attitude of the ordinary Mongolians towards their environment.

Khovsgol, Mongolia, 2009