Know anything about Mongolia?

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jfischer

Squeeker

Joined: July 30, 2005
Posts: 11

Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 14, 2006 - 10:35 AM
Post subject: Know anything about Mongolia?

I'm considering a two week trip to Mongolia for the May holiday. I've heard the weather is still pretty cold and uncomfortable this time of year. Also, my outdoorsman skills are a little rusty, how proficient do I need to be? It seems pretty undeveloped once you get out of Ulan Bataar. Is it unwise to do this trip alone? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

--Justin

nicosan

Newbie

Joined: Apr 05, 2006
Posts: 3

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 06, 2006 - 09:37 AM

I spent 3 weeks in Mongolia working
Here what I learned from foreign guides and from observations.
The best way to get around mongolia is horse riding with a group or guide, therefore living the nomadic life of the people. You can get a chance of meeting nomadic mongols and be invited in their yurt for horse milk. Mongols are very friendly people due to their customs.
Distance from village to village can be quite long, so ride (bike or horse) or drive .
English speaking are only found in toursit camps outside Ulan Bataar, if lucky to find one(person).
I did not check on other kind of accomodations beside yurt camp.

I went on 2 times at the same period, June, and the first time I was told that it was still snowing in May and June was still cold (8 to 12C). The second time (June again) I was able to walk in shorts and Tshirt.
However, you will need warm clothes as nights are pretty cold and wood heating is provided in yurts.

Nico

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Apr 06, 2006 - 03:10 PM

Try this one www.geomandal-nomads.mn

If you contact them, tell them you were referred by Rio, they are my client.

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Apr 06, 2006 - 07:51 PM

Btw, I know Tseren Travel, like u said, a Dutch company hehe

Rio
Post Boaster

Joined: Dec 04, 2004
Posts: 4724

Posted: Apr 06, 2006 - 07:52 PM

Geomandal will treat you good btw, do not worry.

GK05

Talker

Joined: Sep 01, 2005
Posts: 82

Status: Offline

Posted: Apr 16, 2006 - 11:20 PM

Horse riding is probably the best thing about Mongolia. Lot's of beautiful landscapes too, almosty no people. You don't need to be very proficient in outdoor trekking. Usually, you stay in camps, which are the traditional gers...one or two beds, a heater...that's it...not cheap if organized through an agency...cheaper if you have a tent yourself. If can be quite cold at night. Also, food is not cheap (and very often not good) in the countryside. UB itself is ok for 1-2 days, not so much to see.