Itinerary

Mongolia is vast, and the lack of roads or their poor condition makes the country feel even larger. For this expedition, we selected only the northern part of Mongolia, as it is designed to be a relatively short trip (exploring all of Mongolia would require at least a month) and thematically focused. In addition to experiencing the local landscapes, the goal is to reach the Tsaatan people – reindeer herders, the last nomads of Mongolia.

Although we’re only covering part of the country, the planned route is approximately 2,300 km. A draft of the planned route is marked on the maps below on our web page.

We will primarily travel on dirt roads, gravel paths (normal local roads in Mongolia), and off-road trails through steppes and mountain taiga. Expect a challenging journey with long drives in dust and mud on exceptionally poor, bumpy roads, as well as off-road drives designed to be enjoyable for drivers.

We won’t outline a day-by-day program  (though everything is meticulously planned). Based on our prior visits to Mongolia and in cooperation with a local agency, we have developed a program that includes:

• A short time for walk in central Ulaanbaatar
• Visits to two Buddhist monasteries: Amarbayasgalant and Erdene-Zu (Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongolian Empire)
• Khovsgol Lake, known as Mongolia’s Baikal (a national park)
• Extensive off-road driving
• Two overnight stays in yurts (or rather yurt-like cabins prepared for tourists)
• A demonstration of Mongolian throat singing
• A visit to reindeer herders – the last nomads of the taiga from the Tsaatan tribe (see more in the articles below):
  National Geographic Article on Tsaatan
  F7 Article on Tsaatan

Important:
Reaching the Tsaatan is only possible on horseback. Depending on where the Tsaatan camp is located, it will take 3–7 hours on horseback each way, divided over two days. This will be a slow, leisurely ride. However, participants who have never ridden a horse are required to take a few riding lessons before the trip! While it’s possible to stay at the base camp for those unable to ride, everyone who can physically ride a horse should participate. Reaching the Tsaatan is one of the most magical experiences and the main highlight of this expedition.

Food and Meal

Food outside the capital is quite modest, with many products we’re accustomed to being unavailable. Fruits are a rarity, and meat often comes in the form of live animals 😉. As mentioned earlier, we will rarely visit restaurants. Most meals will be prepared by ourselves in the field. If you have the opportunity to bring a few freeze-dried meals with you, it’s definitely worth it.

Alcohol is available in every city.

The expedition includes two hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar (at the start and end of the trip). The rest of the nights will be spent wildcamping in tents, except for two nights in simple yurt-like cabins. During camping, there will be no toilets or running water, though water will be available in abundance (from rivers, lakes, or our reserves). A portable shower cabin, pressure shower will also be available and the possibility to warm up wate

STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR
Ulaanbaatar is the start and end of the tour. You have to reach there by 24 Aug Morning.

Return flight can be on 6 September.

We will be traveling in rented off-road vehicles. These will be older models of Toyota Land Cruiser (76, 100, 105). A very detailed rental agreement (in English) is attached. The terms are very reasonable, and there is partial insurance. With the assistance of a local guide (which will be provided), breakdowns and damages in the field are resolved on an ongoing basis. However, tires, windows, and any damages caused by the driver are not covered by the insurance.
A deposit of $1,000 per vehicle is required on spot (paid by cash).

Our team will also be accompanied by a technical support vehicle with a local guide and a mechanic, who will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the rented cars.
The cost of renting the vehicles is included in the expedition fee.

Including the package cost

1. Preparation of the expedition
2. Guidance by two English Speaking guides.
3. English-speaking local guide and mechanic (2 people)
4. Vehicle, fuel, and all expenses for the aforementioned team
5. Rental of an off-road vehicle
6. Rental of horses for participants, support staff, and packhorses, as well as handlers for the horses
7. Two  hotel nights un UB (4* class)
8. Two  nights in yurts, including dinner
9. Two  dinners in a restaurant in Ulaanbaatar
10. All required permits, park fees, and road fees
11. Admission fees for the attractions visited
12. Camping equipment (except sleeping bags and sleeping pads)
13. Airport transfers to and from Ulaanbaatar
14. Fees for performance by a local music group)
15. Souvenir T-shirts, stickers, and gadgets

Not including the cost

1. Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
2. Flights to the destination / start point of the trip
3. Fuel for the vehicle
4. Meals outside the above mentioned
5. Toll Tax & state taxes if any
6. Any damage to your vehicle, fines etc…
7. Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
8. Entrance fee for monuments, guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
9. Any activity apart from mentioned ones.
10. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
11. Any activity apart from those mentioned.
12. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
13. Travel insurance.
14. Anything not mentioned in inclusions
15. GST ( 5% ) & TCS as per slab will be extra on billing.

• A passport valid for at least 180 days from the date of entry is required.
• As citizens of Iran, please check if you need a visa to Mongolia.
• A valid driver’s license (international license recommended) is required for driving and car rentals.

Make photocopies of your passport and important documents and keep them in a separate location from the originals.

• Good humor, resilience to the hardships of travel, curiosity about the world
• A sleeping bag (at least for comfort temperatures down to -10°C) and a sleeping mat/foam pad
• A flashlight (headlamp), sunglasses, mosquito repellent (although they are usually gone in the autumn)
• Clothing for all weather conditions, but with an emphasis on colder weather (it may be below freezing at night). Definitely bring down jackets, hats, fleece gloves, waterproof and windproof jackets. It will be the end of summer, and while it may still be hot in the capital, in the mountains, we may experience a weather breakdown, including snow, storms, and heavy rain.
• Sandals are likely unnecessary, but sturdy boots are recommended. There may be a lot of mud!
• A 12V car splitter and a USB charger for the car
• Dry shampoo, wet wipes, antibacterial gel
• For safe horseback riding, we recommend bringing a helmet (although locals do not use such things and it is not obligatory)

Currently, no vaccinations are required to cross the border into Mongolia.
It is advisable to consider standard vaccinations – the so-called universal ones, including hepatitis A and B, tetanus with diphtheria and polio, meningococcal disease, typhoid, and meningitis.
If you can, please bring your own small first aid kits. Useful supplies for the first aid kit include:

• Repellents
• Disinfectants and bandages
• Pain relievers and fever reducers
• Anti-diarrheal medications (!), electrolytes, and vitamins
• Eye drops
  Please bring a sufficient supply of any medications you take regularly (as prescribed by your doctor).
  It can be assumed that proper healthcare in Mongolia is only available in the capital. Outside of the capital, we will be on our own, and in a crisis situation, it will take up to 2 days to reach medical care!