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Adventure Tours   >   Asia Adventure Tours   >  Local Living Mongolia-Nomadic Life

Local Living Mongolia-Nomadic Life Adventure Tour

Asia

  • Mongolia

It was from Mongolia that Ghengis Khan set forth to conquer the world. This unique adventure is your chance to return to this heartland and let its people and scenery capture your heart. Leave Ulaanbaatar and the modern world behind and stay with three different families to experience life as a nomad. From Orkhon Valley to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, you'll live in gers, take tea with your neighbours, ride horses, and learn archery and garment-making skills. It's 10 days like you never imagined.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information about before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.


Trip Specific Safety  

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling.


About our Transportation  

We will use public buses to travel between Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park. While in the park, we will travel by horse and oxcart. Travellers should be comfortable on and around horses.


Tipping  

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $2-$3 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.


Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local nomadic hosts.


Max Pax  

12


Important Notes  

Travellers on this tour should be comfortable on and around horses.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


About Accommodation  

In Ulaanbaatar accommodation will be in a standard hotel with twin share rooms.

In rural locations you will overnight in a family's extra ger tent (max 5 persons in 1 ger) with basic furnishings. Typically, families will have between 2 to 3 beds and the rest will be provided mattresses - all necessary camping equipment is included and will be provided to you by your CEO upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar. Shower facilities are not available at the camps, except at the Ger Camp on Night 5. Most nomadic families do not have a formal toilet in their camps - expect a basic, screened-in outdoor toilet.


Money Exchange  

he currency used in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugriks (MNT).

As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travellers cheques in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee.

One of the main things to remember is that Mongolian Tugriks can't be exchanged outside Mongolia.

Because of bank regulations and exchange rate the best USD notes to have are $50 and $100 without any marks/stamps/holes or stains on them. If a banknote has a mark it might be refused to be exchanged.


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Group Size Notes  

Max 12, avg 9.


Accommodation  

Traditional ger (6 nts), ger camp (1 nt), basic hotels (2 nts).


Departure Tax  

International Departure tax is included in the flight ticket.


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.


Detailed Trip Notes  

Mongolia is a fascinating destination to visit, full of natural, wild beauty and traditional life. Travel is becoming easier for foreigners but please be aware that English is still not widely spoken outside the large cities and that accommodation, toilet facilities and some transportation is not yet at the same level as you would expect in developed countries. If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience, a great sense of humour and a willingness to try and interact with the local people, your travel experience will be greatly enhanced.


Highlights  

Sleep in traditional Mongolian gers, Ride across desert landscapes on horseback or camel, learn to make local crafts and garments from nomadic hosts, compete with Mongolian nomads in archery, Mongolian vodka and cheese making demonstration, Orkhon Valley waterfall hikes, Historical Erdene Zuu Monastery visit, Enjoy a Mongolian cultural performance


Optional Activities  

No optional activities


Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Nomadic Family Stay, Mongolia
Your Foodie Moment: Mongolian Vodka and Cheese Making Demonstration, Gorkhi Terelj National Park. Daily lessons and demonstrations of various nomadic skills and techniques while staying with nomadic hosts. Horseback, oxen cart, and camel rides. Historic monastery visit. Mongolian Cultural Show. National park entrance fees. Transport between destinations and included activities.


Transport  

Public bus, oxcart, horse.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Meals Included  

9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners


Joining Instructions  

When arriving at Ulaan Baatar Intl Airport you will notice that the airport is actually very close to the city. After you exit from the baggage hall follow the taxi signs and you will find a queue outside the terminal building. Taxis in Mongolia are metered but you may have to bargain for one from the airport. The fare to our starting point hotel will be about 30 USD and should take about 30-40 minutes.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned for that day other then your welcome meeting in the evening, so you can arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day during which no activities have been planned.

A G Adventures Representative will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. A welcome note will be left for you in the hotel so you have all the necessary information regarding the meeting time. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.


What to Take  

You will be on the move a good deal, so pack as lightly as possible (try to stay under 10kg / 22lb). It is in your own interest as you are expected to carry your own luggage. We don't recommend bring suitcases.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
• Rubber gloves

Light Hiking:
• Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
• Hiking pants (Convertible/Zip-off and quick dry recommended)

Sleep Sheet:
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the regions can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes.


Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Local Dress  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or other holy sites.

Day 1 Ulaanbaatar

Welcome to Mongolia! Arrive any time, there are no activities planned until the evening welcome meeting with an optional dinner afterwards.

Arriving early may be best, to relax and adjust to the time difference and high altitude with a mountainous view. OR have extra time to explore Mongolia's bustling Capital in the Tuul River valley!

Please note that Ulaanbaatar is really the only chance to stock up on supplies you might have left behind, plus any bottled water, beer/wine/spirits, and coffee you may want. Boiled water and tea is available throughout the stay.

Day 2 Ulaanbaatar/Rashaant Sum

Cruise through Central Mongolia's vast oasis and pastures to the village of Rashaant. Meet your nomadic hosts and get to know each other over an authentic lunch.

After the relaxation, take in the afternoon desert landscape on a roundtrip horseback ride visiting the intoxicating Swan Lake. This lake resides at the base of the Mongol Desert Sand Dunes where the two extremes co-exist creating a pristine home to Swan couples - representing strength, tolerance and passion.

Tonight, enjoy dinner with your hosts and sleep like the nomads in a ger tent.

Day 3 Rashaant Sum/Orkhon Valley

Roll up those sleeves and experience a typical nomadic morning by helping your hosts with chores, which may include milking the livestock. After breakfast, travel into the countryside by horseback to visit the monuments of Queen Manduhai.

Return to camp for a farewell lunch and tea before moving on to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site along the river in Central Mongolia. Orkhon Valley represents the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions spanning more than two-thousand years.

Upon arrival at your next nomadic family's camp, prepare for a traditional dinner with milk tea and then rest up in their extra ger.

As with all days on this itinerary, it is possible to opt out of the day's activity with the local families in favour of hiking in the surrounding mountains or simply relaxing in the beautiful Mongolian countryside.

Day 4 Orkhon Valley

If you're beginning to feel like a true nomad, help out with the family's morning chores again and herd some yaks or milk the livestock. After breakfast, prepare for the 5-6 km (3mi) trek to the massive Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall, stopping to take in the scenery along the way (don't forget your camera).

Return to camp for lunch and tea with your hosts. In the afternoon, continue exploring the beautiful Orkhon Valley with another trek to Baga Tsutgalan junior waterfall. Enjoy dinner back at camp with your nomad family, then retire to their extra ger and dream about the therapeutic Orkhon waterfalls!

Day 5 Orkhon Valley/Kharkhorin

After breakfast, relax during the drive to Kharkhorin - the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire! Spend time exploring the ruins and monasteries inside the fortress walls and admire their unique architecture. Lunch will be served at a nearby ger camp, then travel to Hustain Nuruu protected reserve in Khustai Park to overnight in the comfort of another ger camp.

Day 6 Kharkhorin/Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Spend the morning in Khustain Park learning about the indigenous flora and fauna. Watch the famous wild horses, known as "takhi," graze and gallop in their natural habitat.

After lunch, travel via bus to Terelj National Park, a beautiful alpine retreat with imposing rock formations and endless forests. Meet your host and continue North by horseback on a 3km (1.9 mi) journey through the incredibly stunning mountain river valley, crossing the Terelj River, to the family's nomadic camp.

During the stay, the host will demonstrate the techniques of how to saddle a horse and prepare an oxcart. Enjoy an evening of traditional Mongolian games with sheep's bones (shagai) and a hot dinner with the hosts. Take in the star-strewn night before going to sleep in the ger.

Day 7 Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Make sure to eat all your breakfast, you'll need that energy for the adventurous 24km (5mi) horseback ride through the forested landscape to a picturesque, wide-open, green plain. Meet a locally well-known nomadic seamstress and her family who will serve a well-deserved lunch before you learn how to make patterns for traditional Mongolian garments.

In the evening, opt to help collect firewood by ox cart before enjoying a traditional dinner and tea with the family.

Day 8 Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Enjoy some free time to explore this scenic region more in-depth. Visit local families by ox cart and learn how to make homemade vodka and cheese, then try them out during lunch and dinner!

Day 9 Gorkhi Terelj National Park/Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, settle in for the relaxing bus ride back to the modern Ulaanbaatar capital! There will be plenty of time to explore and shop after checking in to the hotel. Opt to visit to the Gandan Monastery, Bogd Khan Palace or Zaisan Hill.

Enjoy a final evening group activity during a folk cultural performance by the Tumen Ekh Ensemble and our farewell dinner after.

Day 10 Ulaanbaatar

Depart at any time.

Details

Duration: 10 Days

Travel Style: Local Living

Service Level: Basic

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Trip Type: Small Group



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