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Introduction
How safe is Mongolia?
Most
visitors to Mongolia enjoy their vacation without threat to their safety.
Incidents that do occur are generally either minor health problems or
petty theft (by far, the most common problems for foreigners are diarrhea
and pickpockets). Compared with other countries in Asia, Mongolia has
extremely low crime rates. Of course, the risk of any type of safety
problem can be greatly reduced by practicing common sense and preventative
action. Read more common concerns.
Planning
your trip
What are Mongolia's
primary attractions?
Most
of Mongolia's tourists come for the stunningly unspoiled wilderness.
Much of Mongolia exists today just as it did when Gengis Khan rode across
the steppes - undeveloped and inhabited more by animals than people.
Mongolia offers a broad range of climates and sites, from the towering
Altai Mountains in the west to southern Mongolia's Gobi dessert, a fertile
site of dinosaur bones. Mongolia also boasts some of the most amazing
archaeological sites in the world. The remains of Buddhist temples dot
the landscape of the country along with ancient petroglyphs and Turkish
stone carvings. Certainly anyone with an adventurous spirit will find
Mongolia a vacation destination like no other.
When is the best time
to visit?
Mongolia's
tourist season generally runs from March through September, peaking
with the Naddam festival in mid July. Mid August through mid October
is an especially good time to visit as many families are living the
'rich life' enjoying fat animals and the amiable weather before the
onset of winter.
What are Mongolia's
visas requirements?
Visas
to Mongolia can be obtained through Mongolian embassies abroad or by
contacting the Ministry of External Relations in Ulaanbaatar. It is
possible to get a visa at the border or airport, but it will be more
expensive.
To
obtain a visa you will need a current passport valid for at least 6
months, a completed application, and 2 passport photographs. A standard
visa is US$25 and a transit visa is US$15.
Note:
Due to recent changes in visa regulations, US citizens do not need a
visa to visit Mongolia for a period of less than 30 days.
Will I need any other
visas?
Mongolia's
national airline, MIAT, offers international flights from several countries
around the world including Russia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Germany.
If you are outside these countries, you should check the individual
visa requirements for the country you will travel through.
What airlines service
Mongolia?
You
can fly to Ulaanbaatar via the following airlines: Aeroflot (SU), Mongolian
Airlines (OM), Korean Air (KE), and Air China (CA). In addition, there
are train lines to Ulaanbaatar from both Beijing and Moscow.
Are there ATM's in
Mongolia? Can I use Traveler's Checks?
Many
places in Ulaanbaatar will accept Visa cards. Traveler's Checks generally
are not accepted, but the Trade and Development Bank, also in Ulaanbaatar,
will cash them. There are ATM machines throughout the capital that are
compatible with most major banks. ATM cards, credit cards, and Traveler's
Checks are not accepted outside the capital.
Trade
and Development Bank
Preparing
to come to Mongolia
Top
What kind of weather
conditions should I pack for?
If
you are in Mongolia during the summer, you can expect considerably hot
weather. Particularly in June and July, daily temperatures in many areas
of the country regularly rise above 100 F. All visitors are still advised
to pack cold weather clothing as temperatures may fall greatly during
the evening.
Mongolia's
winter generally lasts from mid October to late April. During the coldest
months, daily temperatures may never raise above freezing. Winter tourists
are given supplementary information, via email or surface mail, with
tips and advice about packing for Mongolia's extreme climate.
How's the food in
Mongolia? Should I bring my own? What if I'm a vegetarian?
Depending
on the area and time of your visit, food availability will vary widely.
In Ulaanbaatar you can eat or buy Spanish, French, American, or Indian
food, among others. While in the countryside, your meals will be cooked
by our staff. Typical meals are high in meat and vegetables, but as
our client, you can request food preferences when available. Vegetarians
will have a tough time when visiting Mongolian families, but accommodations
can be made. Visitors are encouraged to pack some small snacks or energy
bars for more arduous days. These can also be purchased in Ulaanbaatar.
Will I have any allergy
related problems?
Due
to the isolation of many parts of western Mongolia from any form of
advanced medical care, people with serious allergies, whether likely
to be a problem in Mongolia or not, are strongly encouraged to
discuss their trip with their doctor before coming. Further information
regarding specific health concerns can be addressed through email.
What kind of equipment
should I pack?
Anyone
interested in an expedition to Mongolia is encouraged to email us for
additional information, including packing suggestions. Many items may
depend on the type of trip you will take as well as the season and size
of your group.
Do I need any experience?
Previous
experience with extended outdoor treks is not necessary to visit Mongolia.
Some aspects of life (a very different diet, lack of modern amenities,
etc.) may require less adaptation to the well prepared but anyone with
an adventurous spirit is welcome. For some of the most strenuous trips,
such as mountain climbing or bicycle touring, previous experience is
recommended for your safety.
How are local perceptions
of foreigners?
Since
it's independence in 1992, Mongolia has welcomed visitors, tourists,
explorers, and adventurers from around the world. Today the Mongolian
people are overwhelmingly supportive of anyone wanting to learn more
about their culture. Indeed, one of the most common comments made by
foreigners is how warmly they were received by the local people. Whether
in predominately Buddhist central and eastern Mongolia or in historically
Moslem western Mongolia, tourists have had nothing but positive experiences.
One common expression in Mongolia is 'Religion follows culture' meaning
local religions have adapted to the unique Mongolian lifestyle.
Concerns
Top
Is Mongolia dangerous?
Compared
to other countries in the region, Mongolia is extremely safe. The most
common threat to foreign visitors, especially during the summer months,
are pickpockets and robbery. Of course, you can reduce the likelihood
of being targeted for these crimes by being aware of your surroundings
and avoiding unnecessarily dangerous situations. The Mongolian
Office of National Statistics tracks and records crime rates around
the country.
Another
common concern among travelers is the safety and stability of the central
Asian region. We recommend consulting the U.S. State Department's website
for up to date information regarding travel safety.
U.S. Sate Department
How strenuous are
these treks?
You
have complete control over all aspects of your trip in Mongolia. The
landscape of western Mongolia is rugged enough to challenge the most
extreme adventurer but many of the sites are also accessible by jeep
or horse. You are the best judge of your abilities - we have expeditions
ranging from relaxed to extremely strenuous to fit you.
What immunizations
are recommended for travel in Mongolia?
Although
immunizations are not required to enter Mongolia, those visitors staying
for extended periods of time or spending a lot of time in the countryside
may want to consider being immunized. For specific immunizations, consult
your health care provider. The following should be considered: Hepatitis-A,
Hepatitis-B, Typhoid, and, at your discretion, Cholera.
For
future health information and recent news, we recommend checking with
the Center for Disease
Control.
Can I drink the water?
Yes.
But why risk being sick for your entire vacation? Bottled water is widely
available throughout the country.
I don't speak Mongolian
or Kazakh. How will I communicate?
While
in Ulaanabaatar you will find that many people can communicate in English.
Outside the capital, you will probably have to rely on translators.
Mongolians and Kazakhs are very understanding of language barriers.
In addition, most province capitals offer services in English.
During
your vacation
Top
Can I contact my friends
or family back home while I'm in western Mongolia?
While
in Mongolia's capital, international communication is easy. There are
hundreds of Internet cafes, and inexpensive international phone cards
can be found in all major stores. From the capital you can also send
or receive telegrams and international money wires.
Olgii,
the capital of the Bayan Olgii Province, is serviced by two Internet
cafés and 24-hour phone service (International calls are expensive,
but possible). While in the countryside, international communication
will not be possible.
How are the accommodations
in Ulaanbaatar and the rest of the country?
Typical
accommodation in Ulaanbaatar will have many more amenities than those
in the rest of the country. Many fine hotels in the capital offer large
rooms with phone or Internet service, hot water, and room service. In
smaller towns throughout the country, the local 'hotel' could be a room
at the hospital or floor space in someone's Ger.
How will I travel
in Mongolia?
Travel
in Mongolia, for the most part, is overland. This could be in a Russian
jeep, a small van, a motorcycle, or a horse. Roads are not paved so
be prepared to be bounced around!
More
Information
Top
There
are several sources of more information. If you have a specific question
or just want some more information you can email us at mongol_altai@yahoo.com
The
Mongolian government also maintains a tourism website with an extensive
database of questions and answers. Check it out here.
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