Welcome to our travel tips page. We hope you’ll find loads of useful info here to help get you prepared before setting off your tip
How can I come to Mongolia?
All direct flights come into Ulaanbaatar – most of them from Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo or Berlin. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing makes a particularly exhilarating entry into the country. There are domestic flights and trains from Ulaanbaatar to the rest of Mongolia. Many of the tours use a 4WD Japanese and Korean vehicle to transport you to your destination.
What visa requirements are there?
Some citizens (such as US and Singapore) are no need to obtain tourist visa to Mongolia within 30 days. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US. We will supply an official confirmation letter (by email or post) for your visa application once you book a trip with us.
Is Mongolia a safe destination?
Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and compared to the US and Europe, is considered a very safe destination. Mongolian people are known for their nomadic hospitality and they will make you feel very welcome.
What is the accommodation like?
If you are staying in Ulaanbaatar, you will be in a 3 or 4 star hotel. During any trips around the country, you will be camping in tents and in traditional Mongolian Ger. All accommodation offered is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.
What is tourist ger camp? Can I plug my hair dryer or electricity razor in my ger?
The tourist camps use traditional Ger (national dwelling of Mongolia) for accommodation and these sleep 2-4 people. The Ger camps also have a separate washing block that contains western style flushing toilets in cubicles and shower cubicles. There are also laundry, eating and shopping facilities and you can charge up camera batteries and plug other electric items in the camps also.
How is Mongolian food?
Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! Tourist camps provide western meals. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Where can I exchange my money?
US Dollars are often accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local currency, the Tugrik. 1USD=2850 Tugrik /March 2021/ Any bank in Mongolia even in airport will be more than happy to exchange your currency, as will most of the hotels you’ll stay in.
Can I bring traveler’s cheques?
Several banks accept and issue Travelers Check. But Credit cards are preferred over traveler’s cheques. You can also withdraw cash from any ATM in all major towns. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB card are acceptable. It is almost impossible to use your credit cards in the countryside.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa and MasterCard as methods of payment.
Do I need travel insurance and if so, what should it cover?
Although not required, we recommend that our tour participants purchase a standard travel insurance policy through your insurance company. This is an affordable and comprehensive travel protection program that covers you for unexpected events that could cause you to cancel or interrupt your vacation, unexpected delays, medical assistance, loss of or damage to baggage.
Can I join to the group tour?
Yes, you can definitely join to the group tour. We will provide you by available group tours so, always feel free to contact with us.
Do you recommend early arrival?
Yes, early arrival might be recommended if your flights take long time or due to time differences between our countries. In this case, we can book you hotel room at discounted rate.
Vegetarian possible?
You can tell it to us when you fill the Booking Form and we will inform it to the tourist ger camps.
What to pack?
Domestic flight companies accept only 10 kg luggage including carry-on too for free transfer. Extra luggage fee of them is not cheap. Pack lightly, and bring casual clothes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of walking shoes is an absolute. A sports coat and tie for man, and one or two dresses or pantsuits for women, will suit the most formal occasions to be encountered in Mongolia. Travelers should bring shirts, sweaters, and jackets that can be worn in layers to suit a range of climates. Also a pair of comfortable walking shoes, as you is going to have a lot of hiking in sightseeing. Remember, dress for comfort, not for style. Wash-and-wear clothing is preferable, although all hotels and tourist camps offer reliable laundry and dry cleaning services.
Suggested checking lists for normal sightseeing tours:
1. Passport
2. Air & all transportation tickets;
3. Voucher issued by TGM;
4. Credit cards or travelers checks besides a couple of hundred tugrug (mnt) cash. Mongolia is the country which is usually based on cash payment. Credit card payment is possible in only larger towns and countryside uses only Mongolian tugrik in cash.
5. Travel insurance docs;
6. Medical assistance programs, first aid kits if you have (Over-the-counter painkillers, Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, Over-the-counter diarrhea treatment, Band aids, Blister plasters, torres del paine horns, Knee braces, Personal medication etc.)
7. Common toiletries (Toothpaste, tooth brush, shampoo, soap will not provided from tourist ger camps. But towel will be provided.), lip balm, sanitary napkins and sun cream;
8. Small electrical converter and adapter plugs;
9. Chewing gum, mints, or throat lozenges to keep your mouth moist.
10. Reading materials, including a guidebook on the places you will see and a map; A novel could also be good when you are stuck at an airport; playing cards,
11. Suntan lotion and sun glasses in summer. Raincoat if you go in June, July, August and September for independent tour;
12. Camera & films. While print films are available almost everywhere, negative film may be difficult to find, and be sure to pack extra batteries;
Suggested extra checking lists for outdoor, trekking, horseback riding tour and biking tours:
1. Hiking or Sporting cloths (Regular synthetic underwear x 7, Long thermal underwear bottoms, Full length hiking pants, Hiking shorts, Long thermal underwear top, Long-sleeved synthetic top, Short-sleeved synthetic t-shirts x 2, Medium-weight fleece jacket, Sun hat with brim, Water and windproof parka jacket, Waterproof gloves, Synthetic hiking socks x 7, Sturdy and supportive waterproof trekking boots)
5. Billfold with Emergency Info
6. Small Swiss Army Knife
7. Lighter
8. Watch with Alarm, Night Light
Once I make my reservation, will I receive tickets for my tour?
You will receive an email confirmation (voucher) with your confirmation number. Please print this and present it to the TGM on the day.
Are there any further discounts for children, senior citizens, travel club members, multiple bookings, etc?
All of our tours are already discounted off the normal retail prices. We guarantee the lowest all-inclusive prices and when senior/child prices are available you, please send us an email with your request! For groups of 12 or more passengers we may have special group rates. Please click on the Group Service link at the bottom of the page for more information.
Can your trip itineraries accommodate disabled travelers?
Depending on the tour itinerary and their vehicles, disabled travelers may be accommodated, but it is not guaranteed with all itineraries. We encourage disabled travelers to contact us by Contact details at the bottom of this website for more specific accessibility information for our itineraries.
Will my vacation be canceled if the weather is bad?
In rare instances, severe weather may prohibit your flight or driver from safely operating your tour. In the event that your tour is cancelled due to weather, you may either reschedule for another day or receive a full refund.
Will my trip itinerary be canceled if it is undersold?
We offer guaranteed departures once you receive your confirmation. Some of our itineraries do require a minimum to operate but it is rare that they do not meet that minimum requirement. The itineraries we offer often sell out in advance.
Are the tours available in a language other than English?
Sometimes tours are available in a variety of languages. Contact us for further information if you require a non-English language tour.
What if our vehicle is delayed due to hard condition? Will our tour time be shortened?
Will your itinerary time be shortened? No. We make every attempt possible to ensure the itinerary duration described. Naturally, we cannot control any restrictions that may be imposed by attractions being visited on the itinerary.
What should I wear on my travel? Should I bring any special items?
Make sure you are dressed appropriately for the time of year. In the summertime, you should wear cool clothing and hats are a good idea. Protect yourself with sun block and drink lots of water. In the winter months, layer your clothing.
There are 4 people in my party but we want to make separate reservations with our own credit cards. How do we make sure we are on the same travel vehicle/airplane?
No problem! You will need to make 4 separate reservations. When making the reservation, please specify, in the special request box, which other passengers are in your party and that you wish to be on the same travel vehicle/airplane.
Will I be charged if I need to change my trip itinerary date or if someone in my party is unable to go on the tour?
Any cancellation is subject to a 100% per person cancellation fee if the tour is canceled within 1 days of the tour date. There is no charge except than administration charge 50 USD for changes outside of 30 days. 15-30 days prior to departure 30% of the deposit
8-14 days prior to departure 50% of the deposit
7 days until day of arrival 80% of the deposit
Are gratuities included in the tour price?
Tips / gratuities are generally not included with any tour company and are optional at your discretion.
How soon should we reserve our tours?
Tours do sell out! Some tours sell out more quickly than others, but, we do recommend booking as soon as possible so you can lock in our current prices and avoid last-minute booking fees and possibility price increasing such as fuel charge etc. Please remember that if you arrive without a tour reservation, we may be sold out and if seats are available we cannot guarantee you will receive the lowest price. If you prefer not to book in advance, you can give us a call, and we can usually accommodate some last-minute bookings.
How will i charge my camera and phone etc?
If you go in our Standard Arrangement which you stay in the tourist ger camps, you can charge the devices without any problem at there. The tourist ger camps are provide electricity 24 hours or in the evening. So there will not be any problem.
But if you go in our Budget Arrangement, there is some problem. Some of local ger guesthouses do not have electricity. Specially in the Gobi Desert. There is several ways to charge the devices. Most of the local ger guesthouses use solar charger for lighting and watch TV and charge their mobile phones. So you can ask to charge your devices from them. Also, the vehicle of your tour might got some USP charger from the car and you can ask it from your driver. TGM not ensure this kind of charger. Some of the vehicle do not have USP charger plugins. In the Central Mongolia & North Mongolia the places which population is higher than Gobi Desert and usually local ger guesthouses connected to the central electricity. So it is not big issue to charge devices except than Gobi Desert.
Would we be able to get/buy bottled water during the tour?
It is easy to get water during the trip. Almost all days, the tour routes pass a town or village on the way and you can easily buy the water from there. Water is not expensive in Mongolia and small bottled water is 0.5 usd and big one is 1 usd. If you choose our Standard Arrangement, there is water 2 bottled per person per day included already. But if you choose Budget Arrangement, there is not included the water. But if we go in wilderness adventure trip, we have no chance to get bottled water. So, we will use spring water and we boil it well and then you can drink. Mongolia is not industrialized country and not agricultural as well. So water there is very pure. Specially in the mountainous areas. If there is no spring in the route, we will carry water tank for reserve the water and then we use it.
Will I be safe on the trip?
Riding horses is dangerous and you need to understand and accept the risks involved. You will be hours or days from medical care. Falls from horses are unlikely but we want you to wear a helmet anyway, which we will provide. Prevent dehydration by drinking lots of water. Mongolia’s elevation, clear skies and just the fact that you’ll be in the sun all day mean sunblock/sunscreen is a must. Bring insect repellent but don’t worry, there is no malaria in Mongolia.
How many members do regular family have?
Average member of Mongolia is five, but sometimes as many as five generations living under the same roof. Growing up this way leaves Mongolians with little concept of privacy.
Do you have nice horses? What are they like?
Mongolian horses are smaller than most European horses but they are strong and sturdy and ideal for traveling long distances. We have a variety of horses suitable for total beginners or advanced riders. We provide Russian-style saddles which are comfortable over long distances.
What should I bring?
Please bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes. Long pants are required – jeans or other heavy pants are a good choice for being in the saddle. Bring a headlamp/torch/flashlight. Take sunblock, sunglasses, and hat. Definitely bring your camera, but don’t promise to send photos. Most people have no fixed address, and even in those who do have an address don’t have a mailbox.
What’s the weather forecast?
The weather in Mongolia is dry, sunny and beautiful. June, July and August are about 7 C at night and 25 C during the day. It rains, but it usually does not rain for a long time. The sun shines frequently in Mongolia – we average 260 sunny days per year. It will definitely be cooler and more windy up on the mountains. We use the Weather Underground web site for weather forecasts and you can check their site to see what the weather might be like when you are coming.
What about the water?
Water is provided in two ways. At the ger camp, we have a natural underground well that provides fresh drinking water that we use to cook with and boil for tea and drinking. On horse treks, we provide bottled mineral water for you to drink. You can purchase more water if you require more than is provided. Other drinks such as beer and vodka can be purchased at the camp. Hot showers can be had at the camp once a day, but hot water is limited.
What about the food?
We serve fresh, homemade Mongolian food, prepared on site in our “kitchen ger.” While the traditional Mongolian diet is largely meat and dairy, we serve plenty of vegetables, as well as rice and noodles. We are happy to cook for vegetarians with prior notice, but if you stay with a local family and eat their food, this is usually not possible as all family meals are one-pot meals. In the morning we serve a meal such as sweet rice pudding with bread and jam and hot tea. At lunchtime we serve a cold snack on the trail and at dinner we prepare a full hot meal. Meals include Mongolian specialities such as soups, dumplings, and fried meat pancakes. If we’re on the trail and ride through a village, we will stop at local shops so you can buy water, juice and snacks.
What’s the accommodation like?
We can accommodate 24 guests at our site. We have 8 traditional Mongolian gers and 6 of them are for guests with 4 single beds each. A ger is a round tent covered in felt and canvas. Blankets and sleeping bags are provided. Each ger has a stove if it gets chilly at night. We have a well-built, clean outhouse with western-style toilet seats. In the evenings we use candles for lighting. At our home it’s simple but very comfortable and very peaceful. On the trail, we provide tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Note: there is no electricity and no running water at our camp. That means that your nights will be star-filled but don’t expect a hot bath in the morning. We can boil hot water for the occasional shower, but we try to conserve natural resources so we encourage you to go easy on the water usage when showering.
I’ve never ridden a horse before – is that OK?
There are two things to consider: your experience with horses, and your fitness level. We think it is more important for you to be strong and healthy rather than have a lot of experience riding horses. You do not need to know how to ride a horse before coming to Khanttour We will teach you as you go. It helps if you are comfortable and calm around animals. Fitness is more important than specific riding experience. The more exercise you do on a regular basis, the more comfortable you will be on horseback. People who are not very fit will still have a great time, but they can expect some aches and stiffness the next day. 1 or 2 day treks are fine for anyone, but people who are not used to exercise may tire easily and become quite sore on a longer journey. If you fall into this category, but still want a long trip, we can schedule it so that we take a rest day every 3rd day.
When does the trek start?
The trek starts right after breakfast on the first day we quote you. That is why we would like you to stay with us the evening before your trek, because your trek will start immediately after breakfast the next day. This night’s accommodation is free, so please take advantage of it. We’d like to give you maximum riding time, and if we have to pick you up the first morning of your trek, you probably won’t really get organized and start riding until lunchtime.
Will I be sharing my “room”?
You will be sleeping in a ger with 4 single beds. You may be sharing. We do our best to give you privacy, but sometimes we have a lot of people and two or more parties share a ger. On the Naadam trip you will definitely be sharing. Meeting other travelers can be part of the fun!
Can I call you last minute and get on a trek?
Definitely. We have several horsemen and plenty of horses. Please call or email us to see if we’ve got treks running – we might already have a trek scheduled that you can join.