Nestled between China and Russia, Mongolia is one of the world's least visited countries though one which is an absolute pleasure to visit and which offers stunning experiences and scenery.

Remote very well describes this fascinating destination though with the flight from Beijing only taking 1 hour and 45 minutes and visas being easily arranged (not necessary for US Passport holders) it is a very easy place to visit.

Mongolia is a country of only 2.5 million people that is the world's 17th largest by landmass and with an average of only 1.6 people per square kilometre means that there is already something special about the country.

Add in the effusive friendship of the countryside Mongolians, their enthusiasm to meet and greet visitors and their, at times, overwhelming desire to make you feel at home. Then there is the diversity - the strength of the Buddhist faith and the rugged life of the nomadic herdsman and his family. A 'return to innocence' fairly describes a visit to the Mongolian countryside.
260 days of sunshine helps to make the guest feel welcome and finally, there is the stunning countryside - mountains, grasslands, steppes and dessert - animal life, plant life and bird life - fresh air and silence. In Mongolia you will make friends and gain experiences that will last a lifetime, or at least until you plan your return journey.

Opportunities are varied and Eastern Journeys covers the entire country with some touring suggestions being:
Ulaan Baatar is the only entry point and all domestic flights are routed via this interesting city. A couple of nights are sufficient as the real joy of Mongolia lies in its countryside.
The national parks of Terelj and Khustai are within easy driving distance of Ulaan Baatar and for those with limited time offer the opportunity of short countryside visits.
The Gobi Dessert is a fascinating area to visit and where one gets to meet and experience the lifestyle of Nomads who breed camels as well as eke out a living amongst this tough terrain. The Gobi isn't all sand and our preferred Ger camp, The Three Camels, is located about 1 ½ hours from the closest airport. A couple of nights here are highly recommended.
Karakorum is Chinggis Khan's former capital and reaching here allows one to experience some stunning scenery enroute. A 3 day/2 night option is normally offered though driving distances are quite long.
Lake Huvsgul is beautiful and located close to the Siberian border offers mile after mile of deserted countryside. Yak breeders are concentrated in this area and the grasslands to the west of Huvsgul are fertile and full of nomadic families. The highlight of this area is a visit to the Tsaaten People, more commonly known as the Reindeer People. It's tough travelling to reach them and only about 400 foreigners a year get this experience. Our Group departures make this area more accessible and a visit here promises never to be forgotten though a sense of adventure needs to be brought along!
The far west of Mongolia (around the town of Hovd) is Kazak territory and where local nomads still hunt with Eagles. Similar to the Huvsgul area the scenery is stunning though visits here also require a sense of adventure.
Mongolia has some of the world's best Fly Fishing in the rivers to the west of Lake Huvsgul. The mighty Taimen is the quest......
Eastern Journeys is passionate about this incredible country though to assist you in making a decision about whether a Mongolian visit is suited to you we make the following comments.
Ulaan Baatar Accommodation - currently the best hotels are 4* and cannot be described as luxury though are quite adequate for the few nights spent in the city.

Countryside Accommodation - Accommodation in the countryside is in traditional Ger (felted tent) and although not luxurious, when you remember where you are it can definitely be called comfortable. Private accommodation with shared bathroom facilities is normal. It is suggested that you bring the following items, a torch, shampoo and soap, mosquito repellent and plastic 'flip-flops' for use in the shared bathrooms. While in the countryside your main luggage can be left in UB whilst you only bring the stuff that you will need for your days in the country. Bring plenty of film as it is often not available locally and some warm clothes as early mornings can be chilly.

Food and Hygiene - Mongolian food is certainly not gourmet and you will find mutton and beef predominating on all menus. Vegetarian food should be available though its quality maybe a bit 'iffy' at times. It is recommended that you drink bottled water at all times whilst in Mongolia and which is widely available.

Driving - Mongolian roads outside of UB are often no more than grass or gravel tracks.

Travel Insurance - strongly recommended for all journeys as is emergency medical evacuation insurance.

Money - Hotels change foreign currency and traveller's cheques and it is strongly recommended that both be in US Dollars as other currencies can be difficult to exchange in Mongolia. There are no formal foreign exchange facilities in the countryside though dollars are normally accepted - bring some small notes. The local currency is the Togrog.

Visas - Visas are required for entry into Mongolia and if you are arriving at UB's Airport Eastern Journeys can assist with their issuance. If you are arriving by train a Visa must be issued prior to arrival and Eastern Journeys is unable to assist with this. American passport holders do not require visas but please check with us for the latest information.

Time - Mongolia is at GMT + 9 hours, which means Ulaan Baatar is one hour ahead of Beijing and Hong Kong.

Annoyances - Mongolia is a developing country and as with travel to any part of the developing world there can be annoyances whereby the itinerary doesn't work as smoothly as it should, flights are delayed or roads are closed and these delays result in some sights being missed and so forth. We will endeavour to keep any disruption to a minimum though, at times, inevitably must ask for your patience.

Clothing - casual clothing is appropriate in Mongolia. Remember that it can get very hot during the day, particularly in July and August though can cool significantly in the evenings and overnight. In the early and late part of the season, you will need some warmer clothes as temperatures can suddenly drop. Layered clothing is best.

Photography and camera film - Mongolia is a photographers dream and photography is allowed in most places though taking pictures inside temples and museums may involve a local charge. We ask you to be sensitive if taking photos of people. You are best to bring camera film with you.

Medicines - bring what you need from home. Medical facilities in Mongolia are very limited.

Power Supplies - Mongolia has 220 v power current and plug size is normally the European style two round pins, though often you need a bit of force to get the plugs to fit! Power cuts, although not as frequent in summer, do occur.

Tipping - not normal in Mongolia though gratuities to your guide and driver are strongly recommended. The suggested amount is US$10 per day for your Guide and US$5 per day for your driver..

Public holidays - Mongolia has only a few public holidays and they generally pose no disruption to our itineraries. The Naadam (Independence) Festival, held on 11th and 12th July each year is a magnificent spectacle, though 'tourist' facilities can come under pressure at this time.

Weather - Mongolia has one of the most extreme climates anywhere in the world with summer temperatures sometimes rising over 35 degrees and mid-winter temperatures falling as low as minus 40 degrees. During any one day the variation in temperatures can easily be 30 degrees. Although mid summer days can be hot, early mornings, in particular, can be chilly with temperatures of 5 - 10 degrees quite common. Bring layers of clothes and a rain jacket in July and August. Generally June is the most pleasant month.
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Max
20
22
20
15
Min
9
11
10
6
Rain
55
77
83
42
Temperatures are averages in C, Rainfall in mm