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Our travel tips to Mongolia |
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Headings |
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Preliminary warning |
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Tourists
requiring full comfort and punctuality should take into
consideration that without being an "extreme"
adventure a voyage through Mongolia unquestionably requires open
mindedness and flexibility. The climate is harsh and the living
conditions outside the capital city are rustic. However, such
hazards are often the charm and the necessity for travelling in
the steppes.
Good
general health is necessary because local medical means are
limited, even quasi null in remote areas, and the conditions of
travelling in the countryside can be challenging even
if the tour does not require special skills and does not involve
a lot of physical efforts (by car!), better some resistance .
Do
not forget that you will visit one of the most cold, sparsely
populated, and less developped countries on the
planet.
But
Mongolia still remains a fabulous and unique
destination for all those who love wilderness, unspoiled nature
and, most importantly, simple human contacts with nomadic
herders, heirs of a secular way of life and culture, that are so
essential in our hectic age of technology.
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General advices about Mongolia |
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Sustainable development of tourism is a major challenge for Mongolia. Currently,
Mongolia mainly offers broad opportunities for tourism of adventure due
to underdevelopment of
appropriate of infrastructures listed below: -
few international flights; -
an undeveloped road network made up of battered and dirt tracks; -
slow local transport, often uncomfortable and not very reliable; -
hotels that offer modern amenities in the capital city, but provide
minimum comforts in the countryside. Mongolia’s tourism opportunities are largely disadvantaged by its rigorous climate, which allows for only
one full tourist season comprising the summer months. Tourist flows increase in July-August, especially around Naadam. The tourism industry still remains weakly developed to have a significant impact on the economy compared to the size of the country. However, in the recent five years, travel and tourism have experienced a tremendous growth more than doubling from 165,000 in 2001 to 385,989 in 2006.
Overall, the level and quality of tourist facilities and services as well as the choice and availability of goods in the stores have dramatically improved in Ulaanbaatar in the last few years. However, life still goes
in another time in the countryside. Lodging options in the countryside are limited to tents that can be installed anywhere along your route or ger camps that are located near the places of interest and operate all summer round. In Ulaanbaatar, it is possible to stay in apartments for a few days. Staying with a nomadic family in the countryside is possible by invitation, however, gers are often quite occupied. Nomadic families tend more and more to charge for
the nights spent in their gers. However, would you blame them? It is strongly recommended to travel with local guides in the interior of the country, especially in order to avoid losing yourself as there are no road signs whatsoever in the countryside where tracks cross each other in a random and endless way. However, local drivers and guides have a mysterious ability to orient in the middle of nowhere, choosing without any sign exactly the right one among numerous sporadic roads and trails. An interpreter is essential to help you communicate with local people. Unforeseen circumstances and mishaps due to climatic or mechanical reasons should not be excluded
at all. Generally, travel rates and prices are relatively high in Mongolia, mainly, due to the short tourist season and local difficulties of organisation. However, the price range for the same service may fluctuate within broad
limits. Compare well. Mongolia deserves responsible tourism. Travellers going to Mongolia are still pioneers on almost virgin lands in a country, which really opened to the world less than 10 years ago. They must all feel respect and responsibility towards native people with their unique nature and culture that was able to survive and cross through ages and generations as well as towards other visitors who will come after them.
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How to go in Mongolia |
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In our e-Shop
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We recommend you to book your tickets and transfers to Mongolia as earlier as possible, especially in July and August when the demand is much higher than the offer. Therefore, start planning your travel at least 6 months in advance.
o Visas
Tourist
visas are valid for 30 days and can be easily obtained from the
following embassies:
BELGIUM
- Brussels
Embassy
of Mongolia
18, Besme 1190
Brussels
Belgium
Telephone:
2 344 6974
Fax:
2 344 3215
FRANCE
- Paris
Embassy
of Mongolia
Robert
Schuman 5
92100
Boulogne Billancourt
Telephone:
01 46 05 23 18
Fax:
01 46 05 30 16
SWITZERLAND
- Geneva
Consulate
of Mongolia
4,
way of Weakened
1239
Bellevue
Telephone:
22 774 1974
Fax:
22 774 3201
List
of all the Mongolian representations in the world
o Flight
International
flights for Mongolia are made by the following companies:
MIAT
Aeroflot
Korean
airlines
Air
China
Principal
air routes are:
From
Europe: Moscow-UB by Aeroflot and MIAT / Berlin-UB by MIAT /
Frankfurt-UB by MIAT
From America - Asia - Australia: Through the Asian doors from Osaka, Beijing and Seoul to UB by MIAT, Air China and Korean Airlines
Flights are usually overbooked in July and August. Therefore, start planning your trip and making ticket reservations
at the beginning of the year at the latest.
Timetables
of domestic and international flights for Mongolia on our special
page
o Rail
You can also come to Mongolia by the famous Trans Siberian Railway. Riding by train to Ulaanbaatar takes 5 full days from Moscow and 1,5 days from Beijing. This route is an exciting and fabulous experiment and a smooth way to enter and adapt to the empire of the steppes.
Timetables
of domestic and international trains for Mongolia on our special
page
o Local
formalities
Articles prohibited for importation are illicit weapons and drugs as well as publications against Mongolia (surprising
if you find such!).
You can legally import: 600 cigarettes 2 bottles of alcohol 3
bottles of perfume
Articles prohibited for exportation are antiquities, furs, archaeological or paleonthological findings except if you obtain a licence from appropriate Mongolian authorities. Fines are significant and you may risk being
imprisoned in the event of fraud and non-compliance.
You can legally export: 2
bottles of alcohol
The airport tax at departure is USD 12.50 to be paid in cash in local currency.
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When to go in Mongolia |
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The climate of Mongolia is continental
with a very long cold and dry winter.
Although still cold, spring, in European understanding, starts at the end of May and is marvellous when the steppes explode with myriads of flowers hurrying to bloom and take advantage of the short summer sunshine and warmth.
Golden autumn is short but splendid. September is the time for Indian Summer. Nights are already cool and fresh but days are still warm and pleasant, sometimes, tree buds swell again confused by unusual heat.
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What to bring for a trip through Mongolia landscapes |
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Solid
and warm clothing is absolutely essential irrespective of the season
when you travel.
A
rain jacket is necessary in summer. You should also take with you light
clothes such as Tee-shirts, shorts, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions and
hats for hot sunny summer days. In summer, do not forget to take a
bathing suit if you do not want to miss the chance to plunge in a
transparent lake or a fresh river during hot days.
The
essential pack includes a Swiss knife, a flashlight and leak proof bags
to protect your belongings from sand or water. A pair of binoculars is
absolutely handy for observing wild animals and birds.
Batteries
and films are now easily available but it is advisable to bring with
extra supplies. An instantaneous Polaroid-style camera is a very good
"tool" for making contacts with rural residents and nomads who
will be always excited to pose for you. Photographs of their domestic
animals usually have a great success among stockbreeders. They will also
like to see photographs of your family or your country. However, it is
not advisable to show too luxurious things to simple rural people.
You
will experience unsophisticated cordial hospitality of the steppes.
Nomads do not expect anything in return but you will be certainly eager
to thank them by offering small gifts which is the traditional way.
Sometimes they will offer some to you as well. Offering money or a very
disproportionate gift will be regarded by your host as an insult.
The
usual gifts that you should consider bringing with you are Tee-shirts,
scarves and, especially useful things like fabrics for sewing, knives,
fishing tools as well as traditional souvenirs of your area or country.
Do not forget the children.
You
can buy for them cigarettes and vodka (always very appreciated but
nomads are not alcohol addicts) in local stores as well as candies (not
too much, think of children’s teeth) or food (for example, tea).
However, you are not obligated at all to act as “ humanitarian aid".
Nomads do not await charity from you. Besides not only poor families
live in the steppes. You may come across wealthy and successful herders
who have Russian jeeps and trucks at their possession.
Your
guide will provide you with practical advices upon your arrival.
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Health in Mongolia |
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Due
to its cold climate, Mongolia is a country presenting few medical risks
if you have a good constitution and minimum precautions.
Although
no vaccinations are required to enter Mongolia, it is recommended to
have anti-hepatitis, anti-tetanus and anti-typhoid vaccines.
A
useful and advisable precaution is to undergo a medical check-up,
including a visit to your dentist prior to your departure.
Typical
drugs are available in Mongolia, however, you may not always be able to
find a special prescription or you may be confused by different names
commonly used in Mongolia. Therefore, we recommend you to bring all your
regular medicaments or any drugs and treatments that you think will be
required during your trip as well as a medical kit, including at least
an antibiotic with a broad spectrum, an anti-inflammatory drug as well
as a disinfecting solution. We will provide you with a detailed
indicative list.
Most
frequent problems encountered by travellers are intestinal disorders
caused by the change in diet (more meat and diary products).
Mongolian
food is healthy and clean. Mongolia may be one of very few places on
earth where you can confidently drink water from rivers and lakes
without particular precautions.
You
may have heard before of plague warnings. Plague symptoms occasionally
occur in certain areas during the marmot-hunting season. In this case,
these areas will be quarantined and prohibited for entry or transit. To
date, there have not been any precedent of plague infection among
travellers.
There
are few dangerous plants or animals in Mongolia. Most aggressive
are mosquitoes and horseflies often present at near rivers and lakes.
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Mongolian Currency : Tögrög |
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The
Mongolian national currency is Tögrög (MNT). The average exchange rate
is MNT 1,100 per 1 US Dollar. Click
here to find out the current rate of exchange of the day.
It
is preferable to take with you cash in US Dollars (banknotes after 1988)
or Euros and to change them locally.
It
is possible to cash travellers' cheques at a number of commercial banks
in Ulaanbaatar. The largest is the Trade
and Development Bank of Mongolia. Many banks now offer Western Union
or Money Gram services if you suddenly find yourself in a
financial distress as a result of too many good things for shop for or,
unfortunately, due to loss or theft. Credit cards are acceptable at most
tourist destinations. Most banks are now open 24 hours.
Out of the capital, you will only be able to get and use local currency
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Shopping in Mongolia |
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You can bring back
from your voyage some souvenires memories which you will find to primarily buy in the capital or the souvenir shops now present in the tourist places (Kharkhorin, Terelj, etc). You will find especially
traditional clothing , local arts and crafts and more or less true antiquities. Cashmeres of very good quality and at accessible price (shops or Gobi factory in particular). Paintings and calligraphies on paper, tissue or leather penmanship of good invoice, on paper, fabric or local Local vodka, including the famous golden one !
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Safety and Security in Mongolia |
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Mongolia is a safe country with low criminality and without a risk of serious crimes against foreigners, even if the situation deteriorates in the capital.
In
downtown Ulaanbaatar, the principal danger comes from pickpocketers on
the markets and other public places. As in any other large or main city
in the world, it is advisable to take reasonable cautions and avoid
walking at night without a guide in the suburbs and dark unenlightened
areas.
Outside
the cities (and often in downtown Ulaanbaatar), you will be always
welcomed as long as you voluntarily do not offend people, their way of
life or temper. The risk of being robbed on the road is very low,
however, the human nature is unpredictable and should not be
overestimated.
There
is practically no risk of being attacked by wolves that live everywhere
on the territory of Mongolia unless you are absolutely alone and unarmed
in the middle of the steppes or woods in winter. These animals flee from
man and, unfortunately, they are right to feel themselves in danger as
they are considered by herders as the main enemies of domestic livestock.
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How to Call Mongolia ? |
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To call Mongolia from abroad, dial : 00 + 976 (country code) + 1 for Ulaan Baatar + desired call number
If you have a world account, your GSM will operates well in Mongolia : in the capital and in almost all ot the regional capitals
Apart of this, post offices are generally opened 24/24 and it is generally possible to make an international call.
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Travel in Mongolia with Children |
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A
family trip is completely possible and you can bring children to enjoy the
Mongolian steppes. In fact, such a trip depends especially on the
conscience of the parents and the personality and health of the children.
Based
on our own experience, a medium-pace, not very intensive tour (on the
average, no more than 4 hours on road per day) does not pose a
particular problem for children, starting from 7 years olds, who are
attracted by outdoor activities and are accustomed to full air.
It
is obvious that your children should have good general health and a
robust constitution for such trips. However, you should also take into
consideration that you will be miles away from the nearest medical
facilities that may or may not have the required medication or personnel
in case of emergency. It is strongly recommended to have your children
undergo a medical check-up, including a visit to the dentist prior to
your departure.
With
consideration of such risks, Mongolia is an immense playground for
children attracted by space, nature, animals and flowers.
Contacts with nomadic families whom you meet on road are simple and friendly on their own, however, they are facilitated further by the presence of children. They will definitely make little friends. If your children have horse riding skills, they should not miss the occasion to ride with the nomadic children in the infinity of endless steppes.
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Nomadic contacts |
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Overall,
Mongolians are peaceful, hospitable and friendly people.
Away
from the cities and large settled areas, you will make unforgettable
meetings with herders’ families or riders passing by. You will be
often visited by herdsmen at campsites and will be accommodated
everywhere with simple, discrete and sincere nomadic hospitality.
Although
nomads get more and more accustomed to meeting and seeing foreign
tourists passing by their gers in summer from time to time, they are
always excited and have no doubt about the authenticity and sincerity of
conversations that you will make with them. Obviously, you will need an
interpreter for communication.
A
Mongolian is not very talkative (unless he is really drunk, however,
this probably applies to any nationality!).
Glances
and especially gestures often tell more than words. It is very likely
that you will leave a little of your heart over there.
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Society/Customs and Traditions of Mongolia |
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Respecting
the customs and traditions means respecting the Mongolian people as well
as the powerful spirits and forces of Nature.
The
codes of conduct particularly in a ger are numerous, but the tolerant nature of Mongolians makes them forgive
deviations. However, serious violations certainly disturb them.
Here
some rules and advices that should be known when visiting a nomadic
family:
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do not approach a ger or a rider quickly and directly from front as this
may be associated with aggressiveness and be perceived as an intrusion;
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be wary of the dogs who do well their job of guarding the family and can
be rabic;
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never span an urga (pole lasso of the stockbreeders) and generally any
instrument or tool in or around a ger;
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place your right foot first when entering a ger, however, this tradition
is no longer strictly practised;
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do not step on the threshold of the door when entering a ger;
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do not lean against the support column of the ger;
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roll your sleeves down. It is not an obligation to take off your hat,
however, if you do it, do not deposit it in the ger because this
corresponds to the desire to remain for the night;
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head to the left side of the ger. One will invite you to sit down, ask
questions, offer to eat (often cheese in summer) and drink tea,
sometimes airag and/or homemade vodka;
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be natural and open-minded like the hospitality given to you;
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do not refuse what the host offers to you as it is a serious insult to
refuse hospitality or assistance. At least satisfy him/her by tasting
it. Take what is being offered to you with your right hand. It is even
better if you take with both hands or if your left hand supports the
right elbow, however, never use your left hand. If the host offers you vodka, drink it or soak the lips and
return the glass so that it is refilled and offered to your neighbor on
the left.
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if you step on somebody’s foot, shake immediately his/her hand;
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fire is sacred for Mongolians, thus, do not throw anything (water, waste,
etc.) there and do not point your feet in the direction of the central
stove;
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gifts are offered traditionally at the end of the visit, but they will
be opened and appreciated only after the departure of the visitor;
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Mongolians avoid conversations relating to death or diseases, accidents,
divorces….
You
will be also informed by your guide of the customs and traditions of the
rich nomadic culture that you should respect.
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Mongolian Environment |
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We
practice environmentally friendly tours with a minimum impact on
nature in order to make our contribution to preservation of these
marvellous grounds.
We
encourage you to leave campsites as clean as they were prior to your
arrival. We encourage travellers to avoid misusing water where it is
rare, to respect wild species and plants and the rules of protection in
effect and to carry biodegradable products.
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Travel guides about Mongolia |
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Lonely Planet
The most complete
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Useful links about Mongolia |
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visitors since the 15/11/99 |
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