Mongolia has very few towns and cities. It also has very few hotels. Ger camps have been built to recognise this need, and they cater to travelers. Gers are traditional Mongolian nomad felt-tented houses. 

A typical ger camp has 20-40 gers, each containing 2 single beds. There are showers and toilet blocks, and a food hall where visitors eat dinner each night. This is where the group will gather to eat and have aMongolian vodka or two. Beer and wine are also typically available. Unplug and soak in the serenity.

The Mongolian currency is Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). All notes have the face of ChinggisKhan or Sukhbaatar. Most major currencies can be exchanged at banks and licensed exchange centers inUlaanbaatar. In countryside towns, you can obtain money, but it’s best not to rely on changers or ATMs being available.

We recommend bringing USD to exchange for local currency for countryside purchases. You'll be able to use your credit card for some purchases in Ulaanbaatar only. You'll also be able to access local currency from ATMs in the capital. Travelers' Cheques are not accepted.

Your expenses during the trip will be minimal and mostly confined to the alcohol you buy at ger camps. Unless you decide you'd like to take home a lush Mongolian Cashmere jumper - which may set you back a few hundred dollars, but they are just divine!

We ask that you contribute $50 USD to a tipping kitty at the beginning of the trip. Your tour leader will use this to cover small tips along the way for included meals, etc.

What is not covered is tipping for not-included items, and a customary, though not compulsory tip for your tour leader and drivers. If you’re happy with the service they provide, we recommend tipping between $70 and $90 USD (per person) for your tour leader, and $60 USD for your driver. 

Bringing gifts for your host families is also highly encouraged. Your country's local-themed gifts and clothing are highly welcomed, as are pencils and other educational aids for kids. Fabric, scarves, warm socks, and gloves are also very welcome.

Diarrhea is common for travelers to Mongolia.

We recommend following some rules to prevent traveler’s diarrhea:

• Follow the “Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it” principle regarding all fresh vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

• Eat light food: this can be a bit tricky in Mongolia. Try to eat in smaller portions, and opt for more hot meals instead of cold-served ones.

• Drink cold water separately from the meal.

• Avoid eating street or bazaar food that just stays open to everybody. Always consult your guide first if you want to try some street food.

• Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 70% alcohol before eating and after using a toilet.

If you cannot avoid diarrhea:

• Take anti-nausea tablets or anti-diarrhoea medicine recommended by your doctor.

• Diarrhea causes dehydration, so you should compensate for the loss of water and salts.

• Avoid caffeinated drinks.

If you take daily medication and will be carrying this with you, you may want to ask your

doctor to provide you with a medication certificate for traveling:

Ask your doctor for a letter stating:

• What the medicines are

• How much you'll take

• That it's for personal use

Best Time to Visit Mongolia

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months, from mid-June to late August, when the weather is warm, sunny, and the steppes are lush and green. Autumn in September offers cooler, colorful, and picturesque landscapes, with nomads busy with traditional preparations for winter.

Highlights by Month:

• July: Ideal for the Naadam Festival.

• June–September: Best season for a Gobi Desert tour (October is a shoulder season).

• July–August: Best time to visit Northern Mongolia and Khuvsgul Lake (September is a shoulder season).

• Early October: Opportunity to see the Golden Eagle Festival in Altai, Western Mongolia.

• February: Perfect for experiencing Mongolia’s winter season.

Seasons:

• Peak Season (High): July–August.

• Shoulder Season: May, June, September, October.

• Low Season: January–April, November, December.

Mongolian food is simple and hearty. While there is a lot of meat, milk and cheese in the cuisine, we can cater for most dietary needs, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free -though the choice may be limited.

We guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised by the food available in Mongolia. This Is partly because your expectations will be low (!) but also because, contrary to popular belief, dietary options are not just limited to mutton and fat. In Ulaanbaatar, there is a range of great local and international restaurants. However, in the countryside, the choice and ingredients are limited.

We like to vary meals during a trip – lunch may be with a nomadic family, at a small roadside local restaurant, or a picnic. Sadly, we cannot cater to those with severe nut allergies. In all of our homestays, you’re welcome to participate and learn as much or as little as you like. It’s a great way to spend extended time with local women who traditionally occupy this role.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mongolia. We recommend drinking bottled or filtered water.

We provide an unlimited supply of still mineral water on all trips which involve overland travel in vehicles.

Wherever you stay or eat, they will not mind you bringing in your own bottled water, so we advise stocking up from the vehicles each night to avoid you having to pay unnecessarily for water.

Whilst a few ger camps will have WIFI, we advise all guests to refrain from relying on this being available, and if you absolutely must have access during a trip, you can purchase a local SIM card with data. Just ask your trip leader for assistance. 

Rural Mongolians do not have access to running water, so most toilets are outside. Asian style long-drop/squat toilet, although a few will be ‘sit-down.’ Most of the larger tourist ger camps have facilities in a separate block. Hotels typically have Western-style toilets, but there may not be en-suite.

We recommend always carrying a small bottle of hand sanitiser for washing your hands and a packet of pocket-sized tissues for toilet paper.