Mongolia FAQ

Luxury hotels & hostels are mostly located in Ulaanbaatar city and the most common accommodations on our expeditions are a nomadic family operated ger (yurt) and ger camp (tourist yurt camp), or tent depending on travelers desire and budget.

• What is the difference between the tourist camp & family operated yurt?

Tourist yurt camp or ger camp:  little more comfortable (proper toilet, dine in a restaurant, single soft beds (from 2-5 beds in a yurt) with proper blanket, sheet and pillow. The ger camps have a hot water only at certain times but do not expect luxury)

Nomadic family operated ger: cozy and authentic (A wooden toilet, a shared long/short drop), single soft beds( from 2-5 beds in a yurt) and some nomads have a shower house with lukewarm water. Staying in the nomadic family's additional yurt is more authentic and travelers can experience more nomadic life.

None-touristy nomads: Ger homestay, depending on traveler’s interest, in some cases we offer our customers to stay with a local in their yurt at least once or twice during their trip to discover the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic herders in Mongolia and it presents the reality of nomadic life on the ground.

Outdoor camping:  close to nature

Most of visits to Mongolia is trouble free and crime rates are extremely low even in major cities, such as Ulaanbaator, Darkhan and Erdenet. But you should take sensible precautions to protect your belongings in public areas particularly in bigger markets and don’t leave your handbag or luggage unattended. There are not many things to fear and anxious about when it comes to trouble in Mongolia and what really you have to be most careful about is not getting lost when are traveling alone in the country. If you really feel unsafe, communicate your concerns to your tour guide immediately.

Mongolia has a marked extreme continental climate, with long cold winters and short hot summers. While the Average summer temperature is 20°c (65°F), summer extreme reach as high as +40°c (104°F) mostly in Gobi-desert and winter average is -20°c (-13°F).

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September when the weather is warmer and pleasant but it depends what you want to see or do in Mongolia.  For instance, July is the best month to enjoy Mongolian national festival “Naadam” and Even October is shoulder season but there is still a good chance to see “Golden eagle festival” in the western Mongolia. Exploring the country requires at least one week. However long your visit, advance planning will have the greatest benefit in making the most of your time.

There are some important indoor rules and etiquette that Mongolians have been following for centuries. These rules are quite simple and good to know before you visit a Mongolian nomadic family ger.

1. Take the first step by right leg over the threshold when entering the ger
2. Mind your head banging against the top of a doorframe
3. It is important to say “hello?” or “sain baina uu?” when you see the family at first time
4. Avoid refusing a cup of tea offered and try a little sip then you can put it back on the table
5. If the host may offers a snuff box you should hold it with your right hand and take a little snuff then give it back to him with also right hand.
6. Avoid passing between the central two columns
7. Do not point at their shrine or people
8. Avoid touching Mongolian’s head
9. Point your leg to the main door when you lie down on a bed
10. It is not polite to ask their number of livestock and better to ask how many different types of animals the family has instead

Visiting Mongolia is relatively safe for health. There are only few infectious diseases that might be caused by insect bites or working around or play with animals. Prevention is the key to staying healthy while traveling abroad. So you should take your doctor’s advice what vaccines and medications you need on the basis of where you are traveling to and how long you are staying before you leave.

This is a list of suggested items, which you should feel free to adapt to suit your needs.

Backpack & daypack, warm sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, waterproof bag cover, travel pouch/money belt/, headlamp/flashlight, watch, power bank + charger, batteries, travel adapter, personal medications, blister pads, waterproof hiking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, woolen jumper/fleece, T-shirts, long sleeve shirts, lightweight trousers, shorts, thin & warm socks, sun hat, sandals, sunglasses, sun block, lip balm, sewing kit, ear plugs, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, reseal plastic bags, luggage tags, travel lock, emergency numbers, medical insurance card, toiletries.

Travel insurance is not covered in our tour price. It is advisable to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, personal accident, serious injury and others in avoiding any travel risk liable but not certain to occur.

Please inform us in advance about your insurance provider details and an emergency contact person for quick access in the event of any emergency.

Tourist Application Requirements for a Mongolian Visa

 By mutual agreements with several countries about Mongolian visa obtaining, nationals of some countries do not need a visa to visit Mongolia for a stay of up to 30 days. The first important step to travel to Mongolia is to check your country from the table very below. Since if your country is in the list, you are no need to obtain Mongolian visa within its mentioned duration.

Please keep in mind that even if you are staying less than 30 days, you must:

• Hold a completed application form;
• Hold a passport valid for at least six months before your intended travel to Mongolia;
• Hold proof of hotel booking or accommodation confirmation;
• Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to bank statements for the recent six months (if necessary);
• Hold proof of visa fee payment; The fee is non-refundable.
• A copy of flight/train tickets;
• Passport-type photo sized 3.5×4.5cm (the size of the photo is mandatory);

NOTICE*_ ALL DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE HARD COPIES/PRINTED OUT. THE EMBASSY WILL NOT ACCEPT SOFT COPIES.

If you will be staying longer than 30 days, please refer to the requirements below.

• With a regular tourist visa you may stay up to 30 days in Mongolia. It may be extended for a further 30 days at the Immigration Agency of Mongolia if you apply for an extension not less than 4 days before the duration of your visa expires.

LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE CITIZENS ARE EXEMPT FROM VISA REQUIREMENTS

(AS OF SEPTEMBER 2019)

Please find out more information about Mongolian Visa from the link below!

https://mongolianembassy.sg/visa-requirements/

Even Mongolian dishes contain lots of meat and dairies we usually offer vegetarian foods and can arrange foods for vegans too depending on their diet. So, if you have any special requirements on your diet, please let us know in advance so that we can make special food arrangements for you.

Riding a horse in Mongolia can be challenging if you are not good rider but it is fine you can learn easily how to ride and control your horse.

Here are some basic instructions:

• Approach the horse always from the left side, newer from the right side
• Do not take your hand bag or camera with you during the ride
• Always ask your horse guide to help you in mounting or dismount your horse
• Keep holding your rein on your hand while riding
• Avoid to make strange sounds or loud noises that horses get may shy
• Say “Tchu” in case if your horse doesn’t want to move forward
• Newer dress or undress while riding
• Learning how to control your horse is very important technique/You should control your horse by using the rein from bridle your horse must not control you
• Avoid to direct your horse to plastic litters and sharp coloured items for preventing the horse get shy