Travel Guide

On this mind-blowing trip you will be visiting some of the most recommended and least travelled places, that few travellers are privileged enough to see.

The Gobi desert, one of the world’s great deserts, covers much of the southern part of Mongolia. Unlike the Sahara there are few sand dunes in the Gobi; rather you’ll find large barren expenses of gravel plains and rocky outcrops.

The climate here is extreme. Temperatures reach +40° C. in summer, and -40 in winter. Precipitation averages less than 100 mm per year, while some areas only get rain once every two or three years.

Strong winds up to 140 km/h make travel dangerous in spring and fall. Great Gobi National Park is one of the largest World Biospheres, with an area larger than Switzerland.

It contains the last remaining wild Bacterian (two-humped) camels, wild ass, and a small population of Gobi bears, the only desert-inhabiting bear.

Transport

There are internal flight to Gobi takes about 1 hour and half from Ulaanbaatar only. Also you can be arranged jeeps and 4WD mini vans to get there. But it has to be overnight trip sleeping in some  ger camps and small excursions could be done along the way. We arrange wide range of transports and excursions.

Accommodation

We use comfortable 4  star hotels in Ulaanbaatar, capital city and good service Ger camps throughout countryside.

(Basically, they provide lodging, food, hot shower, toilet facility and other services like massase, if it is health spa ger camp. There are categories like- luxury,- high standart- meduim and very basic according to their offer and facilities) Also please see “gallery”

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Food

The hierarchy of foods in the Mongolian diet

The meat-dependent diet arises from the need for hearty food to stave off the cold and long winters. Traditionally nomadic herders, Mongolians have for centuries been dependent on mostly animal products for their dietary staples.

Mongolians traditionally have turned to foods that are high in protein and minerals, relying less on more seasonable foods like vegetables and fruits. This means a diet heavy on meat and dairy products, the latter when sour in the summer time thought to clean the stomach. It isn’t just about meat though. Mongolians do also eat cereal, barley and natural fruits and plants native to the country.

Out of necessity Mongolians have found creative and ingenious ways to use the milk of all five of the domestic animals in the country: sheep, cattle, goats, camels and horses.

Orom is the cream that forms on top of boiled milk; aaruul are dried curds and can be seen baking in the sun on top of gers in the summer; eetsgii is the dried cheese; airag is fermented milk of mares (female horses); nermel, is the home-brewed vodka that packs a punch; tarag, is the sour yogurt; shar tos, melted butter from curds and orom, and tsagaan toss, boiled orom mixed with sometimes flour, natural fruits or eezgii.

The method of drying the dairy products is common in preparing them. The Mongolians prepare enough dairy products for the long winter and spring.

While in the countryside we serve you western and eastern European and Mongolian type of food.’

Tips for riding camel

1. Because of the height of a camel, it is very difficult to mount a camel when he is standing. This has to be done only when the camel is sitting. There is a ledge attached to the saddle horn of a camel. This ledge is to help you to get on the camel. Place one leg into the ledge and then put another across the camel’s hump. Take precaution not to hurt the camel while doing this. The best way is to do this mounting process in one go. Do not take breaks while mounting.  This will prevent you from falling down while mounting.
2. The scariest part is when you mount the camel and are sitting on the camel is when it is time for him to stand. Many people are scared of this part and avoid camel riding only because of this reason. If you are not sitting properly you can fall from his hump injuring yourself. To avoid any embarrassing incident you need to have a firm grip of your knees on the saddle horn.  While getting up, when the camel leans forward, you should lean backwards and if he is leaning backwards, remember to lean forward. This will stop you from falling and losing your grip.
3. Once you have mounted the camel and after he gets up, next thing is to know how to sit on a camel.  You have to know his disposition and the way a camel walks. Although the camel’s movements are very slow, you can be pitched forward at about 45 degree angle. This can be stressful sometimes. But if you allow yourself to be a little flexible, you will enjoy the ride.
4. Once you are mounted, hold the reins confidently and draw your knees to a 90 degree bend. This will help you in balancing yourself even if there is a constant movement on a large angle of degree.
5. Never try to dominate on a camel after mounting. Sit confidently but without troubling the animal. The camel might take his own time to get accustomed to you
6. Getting off from the camel is very similar to mounting. Again, the deadliest part can be when a camel sits. Follow the same instructions of leaning to the opposite side on which the camel leans.

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*How is the weather in Mongolia?

Spring: April – June Summer:

June – September

Fall: Sep – October

Winter: October – March

Summer is little more crowded (not so crowded that it would spoil your trip).The weather in Fall is usually change from bright sun to thunderstorm and back again several times in a day. Autumn is another good time to visit, when the leaves are turning color. Winter is cold, though blue skies are the norm. Month Temperature Precipitation in avarage June +18.0 C; 48.5 mm July +24.0 C; 72.6 mm August + 20.0 C; 47.8 mm September + 15.5 C; 24.4 mm

* How to get to Mongolia?

Gateways to Mongolia are Beijing, Moscow, Osaka and Seoul. Mongolian International Airlines (MIAT), Korean Airline and Air China operate Boeing and Airbus planes on flights to Ulaanbaatar.

*Do I need Mongolian Visa? What is duration of validity of the Mongolian visa or visa fee?

Single entry/exit and transit visas are valid for entry within 90 days from the date of issue. Multiple entry visa is valid for a period of 6 months. Mongolian Embassy and Honored Consuls in foreign countries will issue a visa. If there is not any Embassy Consular Office and also Honored Consul in your country (or country, where you are available to apply) you can get a visa at the immigration office of Mongolian border. In this case, you have to inform us at least one week before your arrival. We will fix official documents and also visa request letter to the Border Immigration Office. If Embassy Consuls and Honored Consul request an invitation letter for a visa we will provide with it.

List of countries without visa fee

1. India – All type of passports need a visa, no visa applications, photos and fees required

2. USA- USA- no visa for all type of passport holders, including A, H, J visas within 90 days. Visit more than 90 days need visa, service charge – $131, no visa fee required

List of countries and regions with non-visa regime for all types of passport holders

-Hong Kong – 14 days for all type of passports. There is no visa fee for diplomatic and official passports. Ordinary passport holders pay visa fee if they travel for more than 14 days.

-Israel – 30 days for all type of passports

-Kazakhstan – 90 days for all type of passports

-Malaysia – 1 month for all type of passports

-Philippines – 21 days for all type of passports

-Singapore – 14 days for all type of passports

*Is there any online Mongolian visa application?

Yes, please visit to following official websitehttp://www.mfat.gov.mn/images/dwfile/VISAAPPLICATIONFORMMONGOL.pdf ”

*How long does it take to obtain a visa?

Usually it takes 2-5 working days. It is impossible to give a firm answer. Most applications are assessed initially within 24 hours upon their receipt.

*Are there any health requirements? Do I need immunizations to enter Mongolia?

There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Mongolia. You should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend that you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.

We also recommend:

• That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to us at the time of your booking.

• A dental check-up prior to travelling.

• That you know your blood group in case of emergency. To be on the safe side you can also check onwww.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk.

*Top five tips for staying healthy:

• Ensure you have the correct vaccinations before you travel and that you have an adequate supply of any prescription medication to take with you.

• Remember – high factor is recommended.

• Make sure you drink plenty of (clean) water – dehydration is very common when travelling – but avoid ice cubes as they may be made from un-purified water.

• Wash your hands regularly. You can buy antibacterial dry hand gel or take some wet- wipes.

• Use insect repellent and long sleeves to avoid getting bitten, even in non-malarial areas.

*Equipment & Luggage:

Travelling in Mongolia is a relatively easy pastime and therefore you should bring whatever you feel comfortable with. However, as a guide we suggest a packing list like this:

Kit List:

• 4 x Light cotton shirts or T-shirts, short sleeved and long.

• 2 x Lightweight jumpers or sweatshirts

• Good quality fleece or warm jumper

• 2/3 pairs of cotton trousers. If preferred, women can wear sensible dresses and skirts.

• Set of thermals

• Set of waterproofs

• Swim suit or trunks

• Sun hat or cap

• Pair of comfortable hiking boots/shoes

• Pair of recreational shoes

• Pair of flip flops – useful for showers

• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheep (cotton, fleece or silk)

• Towel, travel soap and toiletries

• Water bottle

• Socks, thick ones for walking as well as light weight ones for evenings etc. towel, travel soap and toiletries

• Torch (a headtorch keeps your hands free)

• Plug adapter (see ‘Film and Photography’ section)

• Rucksack, duffel bag or soft case (no hard suitcases please)

• Additional snack supplements – see food section. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions.

Optional Extras:

• Ear plugs (if sharing a room / camping)

• Alarm clock

• 3-4 plastic carrier bags are very useful for dirty washing, dirty shoes and rubbish

• Binoculars

• Small packs of tissues

• Money belt or secure pouch for money and passport etc.

• A bandanna or large handkerchief is useful for dusty tracks, as are eye patches if light affects your sleep!

• Sewing kit

• Sunglasses NB: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses. You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!

• Writing materials

• Swiss Army knife

• Calculator (for currency conversion)

• A trekking pole

*Hand Luggage:

Although it is very rare that luggage goes missing it has been known to happen and so it’s a good idea to carry a spare t-shirt, toothbrush, wash kit, spare underwear and any other essentials in your hand luggage so that you can at least freshen up while waiting for your bags to catch you up. If you wear your sturdy shoes/boots it will also reduce weight in your luggage and keep them safe.

*Cultural Sensitivity:

On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour leader will be able to advise you accordingly.

*Why should I bring a electric converter?

Throughout Mongolia, 220 volt/50 cycle is used. Appliances designed to operate at 110 volts will need a Converter. Two-phase and three-phase sockets are commonly used in hotels. You may also need an adapter plug in order to use your electrical appliances. In case you forget it, try to ask the room service.

*How about the money stuff?

It is of course, entirely up to you how much you choose to bring, but £200 (or equivalent) per person should be more than enough to cover all your incidental expenses, bottled beer /cokes, laundry in guesthouses, presents, etc. Bring US dollar travellers’ cheques and US dollars in cash. Travellers Cheques offer a safe means of carrying money around although are sometimes difficult to exchange and incur a fee for the process. Credit cards are handy at some hotels and at airline offices in Ulaan Baatar, but you won’t be able to buy anything on credit outside the capital. US dollars dated before 2002 are unacceptable. Newer notes offer the best means of currency within the country for flexibility and ease. In Mongolia the unit of currency is the Tugrik. NB – please do not change more than you think you will need as in some cases you will not be able to change it back into hard currency.

*What suggestions do you have for the first-timers?

Join a group and visit the most popular places before you explore this special world by your own. With a mind of adventures and good will, expecting minor changes or not smooth minutes due to cultural or material differences, relax yourself and enjoy your trip. The Mongolian people are friendly to foreign visitors, your guides would be trained, experienced and your most reliable help. Follow his /her directions and your trip will be smooth and most enjoyable.

*What are the ger and ger camp like?

White felt tent, known as a GER and seen all over Mongolia, is probably the most identifiable symbol of the country. The word YOURT is a Turkic word introduced by the Russians. Ger is one of the Mongolian Nomad traditional accommodation which can be assembled in one to three hours depending on the size. Mostly 5 or more gers in together and restaurant, toilet and shower buildings in separate, that is a picture of ger camp in the countryside. Gers can be surprisingly comfortable, supplied with electricity, stove, beds basicly. Toilets and showers are in the separate building.

*What is it the Mongolian food and do we have it throughout the trip?

An old Mongolian saying goes something like: ‘Breakfast, keep for yourself; lunch, share with your friends; dinner, give to your enemies’. The biggest and most important meals for Mongolians are breakfast and lunch, which will usually consist of boiled mutton with lots of fat and flour and maybe some dairy products or rice.

The Mongolians are big tea drinkers and the classic drink is süütei tsai (salty tea). Men who refuse to drink arkhi (vodka) are considered less manly, while herders make their own unique home brew airag, which is fermented horse’s milk with an alcoholic content of about 3%. Many Mongolians distil it further to produce shimiin arkhi, which boosts the alcohol content to around 12%. Mongolia is a meat-eating country, but vegetarians can be accommodated on our trips with advance notice.

The variety of restaurants in Ulaanbaatar continues to expand, and currently includes French, Korean, Mexican, Thai, Russian, Italian and Indian. Meals in the Ger camps and at our backcountry campsites are prepared for you by cooking and trekking staff, and are as varied as possible given their remote locations but still offer a great spread of food. Please let us know your requirements as soon as possible so we can make any arrangements to cater for your needs.

Food to consider bringing:

• Flavoured salt is useful for spicing up bland food

• Nutri-grain bars are a good stand-by option.

• Ground Coffee Bags (Lyons) are a treat and easy to pack

• Condensed milk in a tube – very useful for adding to coffee

• A wee dram should you not prefer local vodka or fermented horses milk.

*Treats:

In many of the regions Nomadic Trails travels through edible treats are often very hard to come by. We have found it is therefore a good idea if we all bring something a little bit special from home to share out at picnics, on long jeep drives or while having a drink in the evening. Favourite treats are Wurther’s Originals, dried fruit and mixed nuts, marmite, special fudge or toffee and boiled travel sweets. We even had a homemade fruitcake once – which with a bottle of Whisky in it was very welcome indeed. It is no problem if you forget but if you can it is certain to be well appreciated.

*Guide Books and Maps:

You might like to read up on Mongolia’s interesting history and sites prior to your tour. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, Odyssey Guides, The Rough Guide and Footprint Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the areas you visit. Good books and maps of Mongolia are available at Stanfords in Covent Garden, London or online at www.stanfords.co.uk.

Also amazing recommended “Horse Boy” by Rupert Isaacson. Nomadic Trails has done logistic and Tulga, our director and tour leader had lead this trip.

*Time:

Mongolia is 8hrs ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com

*Keeping in Touch: The time may arise on your trip when you need to contact someone at home (or vice versa). This can always be done via a message to our office in London. Your own mobile phone may work in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) if it is roaming facility enabled. Contact your network provider to check. Coverage is generally restricted to large towns. E-mail is available in the capital but once out in the countryside the email and phone facilities are very limited but in a every villages we can have mobile phone signals.

*Flexibility: Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to adverse weather conditions, road closures, unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible but please note that Mongolia does not always run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Please remember your sense of humour! – You will enjoy your tour much more.Lastly, your tour leader tries to be conscious of everybody’s views, but sometimes they will have to make an unpopular decision and your flexibility will be appreciated. Please bear in mind that the tour leader does have your best interests at heart.

*Final Recommendations: We recommend that you leave copies of your documentation with a close relative (ideally someone who has knowledge of your medical history).

You should include copies of the following:

• Full itinerary

• Passports

• Travellers Cheques

• Insurance Certificates

• Credit Card details (in case they need to be stopped or cancelled).

*Do’s and Don’ts DON’T

• let a post or fence come between you if you are walking with Mongolians

• whistle inside a ger or house belonging to a Mongolian

• let your feet point in the direction of the altar (which will be on the north side) when sitting in a ger

• let people walk over your outstretched legs

• tread on the threshold of the ger when you walk over it

• lean against a support column, a piece of furniture, or a wall of the ger (they represent stability and a link with heaven)

• stamp out a fire or put water or any rubbish on it; fire is sacred

• walk in front of an older person

• turn your back to the altar and religious objects at the back of the ger

• touch other people’s hats

• have long conversations in your own language in front of hosts who don’t understand it

• point a knife in the direction of anyone, or touch the hearth with it (the hearth symbolizes ties with ancestors)

• pass anything to a Mongolian with just two fingers

• take food from a plate with your left hand

• spill milk inside a ger

• wave your sleeve, as it is a mark of protest, or extend the little finger of your right hand, as this is a sign of disrespect

• Hold a cup by the bottom, and not by the top rim

DO

• keep your hat on when entering a ger if you are wearing one, but lift it as a sign of greeting

• Keep your sleeves rolled down, if you have any (or pretend to, if you have short sleeves); try not to expose your wrists

• receive things with your right hand or both hands and ensure that your sleeves are rolled down

• ensure you remove your gloves when shaking hands if you are wearing them

• walk around inside the ger in a clockwise direction

• receive food, a gift, or anything similar from a Mongolian with both hands or with your right hand, supported at the wrist or elbow

• take at least a sip or nibble of the delicacies offered

• pick up things with an open hand, palm facing upwards

• grab the hand of a Mongolian if you have accidentally kicked their feet

• sit cross-legged with your feet underneath you

• leave a small gift, other than money, for your hosts

• Sleep with your feet pointing towards the door

• Leave weapons outside

It took me 2 weeks to physically recover from our trip, the memories will stay for ever.

Thank you so much for looking after us and showing us your amazing country, thank you for always doing it with a smile and bringing much laughter.

It was a very special trip that will have always have it’s own place in my memory and

my heart

JULIE BEECHER

Thanks for everything!

Wonderful experience!

Michael Hudson

The recce to Mongolia was an unforgettable experience.

The vast open Steppe, the friendly local people, the history, the horse race, the tiny, tough ponies and the food – especially the authentic fare we were able to sample like goat, curd cakes and airac!

An ideal trip for those wanting their first taste of a horse trekking adventure.

Didi Goodenough

Mongolia is for those who really want to get away from it all rather than just talking about it…..we covered mile upon mile of the most stunning wilderness scenery, with strictly no mobile phone or email reception to interrupt the reverie for the best part of two weeks.

Bliss. We hardly stuck to the itinerary, but it didn’t matter one jot in a place like Mongolia.

The highlights? Camping at some or other place, the land underfoot was carpetted with edelweiss, with a stunning sunset, campfire….and a bush shower!!! The perfect night in Mongolia.

Nicolette Krajewski

Tom, Tulga and his team were excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly, and anxious to share their knowledge. The organisation appeared seamless – accommodation, food, vehicles, horses, camels all appeared on time and as expected. Forget boiled greasy mutton and no vegetables – we ate very well indeed with plenty of salads.

The cook team would erect their tent at lunchtime in the middle of nowhere and produce a three course meal in no time at all! Even the dreaded fermented mare’s milk proved drinkable. Sharing eclipse glasses with the local population was an unforgettable experience and we hope it was for them, because otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to see it from beginning to end. And the greatest impression of all was the vast beautiful emptiness of the country…

Janet Locke

We learned a lot about Mongolia – and how nice Mongolian people are! It was a great holiday and we loved it all. The ger camps were better than I had expected and the facilities were better too than I’d imagined, having stayed in yurts previously in Kyrghizstan. We were very comfortable in all the ger camps…

We were hugely impressed by Tulga’s team when we were at the eclipse ger camp and when we were camping – I’ve never seen such excellent wilderness loos (with seats!) and his showers were a thing to marvel at.

Peter & Jenny Alderson

The itinerary went through a number of iterations before the tour and it was an excellent introduction to a fascinating country…

To experience Mongolia, horse ride over the Mongolian steppes and live in gers – it could not have been a better introduction to such a fantastic landscape and people.

Roger & Lyndsey Jones

My trip to Mongolia was amazing. The landscape was beautiful and I felt that I was on top of the world most of the time. The people were so warm and genuine. This was my first trip abroad on my own and Tulga and Dowa, our guides, and Nagi, our driver, made me feel so safe and secure that all my anxieties disappeared as soon as I met them.

It was a pleasure to see how the nomads live and to be invited into their lives for a short time. Mongolia is so beautiful and peaceful – I can’t wait to go back again.

Lisa Fry

Just to say the time spent with you in Mongolia was fantastic.

I can never express the gratitude I feel for such an outstanding and exciting time,

it will take a while for me to adjust to ordinary life in the UK. I couldn’t stop talking!

Jenny Smith

I loved my holiday it was wonderful, and I keep telling everyone to go to Mongolia. Naadam in Bulgan was amazing experience!

Patricia Bernard

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Mr. Tulga