Classic Gobi Desert Expedition

Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on the 10-day tour, a 50% non-refundable deposit of the total tour cost is required at the time of booking.

• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid in full at least 14 days before the tour start date. For last-minute bookings (within 30 days of departure), full payment is required immediately.

• Payment Methods: We accept bank transfers (SWIFT/Wise) and Paypal.

2. Travel Insurance (Mandatory)

Mongolia is a land of adventure, and the nomadic lifestyle involves remote areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all participants. * Coverage: Your policy must cover emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal injury.

• Adventure Activities: Ensure your insurance specifically covers horseback riding, as some standard policies exclude this.

• Proof of Insurance: We require a digital copy of your insurance certificate before the tour begins.

3. Cancellation & Refunds

We understand that plans change. Our refund policy for the remaining balance is as follows:

• 31+ days before departure: 100% of the balance is refunded (minus the non-refundable deposit).

• 15–30 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost is refunded.

• Less than 14 days before departure: No refund is available.

4. Nomadic Stay Etiquette & Logistics

• Facilities: Living with a nomadic family is a raw, authentic experience. Please note that guest Gers usually use traditional "pit latrines" and have limited electricity (solar-powered for lights).

• Health & Diet: Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian) at least 14 days in advance. Nomadic diets are heavily meat and dairy-based.

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Mongolia.

1. The Hydration Strategy

• Don't wait for thirst: In the Gobi’s dry air, sweat evaporates instantly. You are losing water even if you don't feel "sweaty." Drink small sips of water every 20 minutes.

• Electrolytes are key: Water alone isn't enough when you're traveling for 10 days. Bring electrolyte tablets or powders to add to your water bottle once a day to prevent "travel fatigue" and headaches.

• The "Pee Test": If your urine is dark, you’re in the danger zone. It should be pale yellow.

2. Mastering the Dust & Sand

• The "Gobi Mask": When driving off-road or climbing the dunes, a Buff or bandana is your best friend. It keeps the fine silt out of your lungs.

• Ziploc Everything: The Gobi dust is microscopic and can ruin expensive cameras and phones. Keep all electronics in sealed Ziploc bags when not in use.

• Glasses vs. Contacts: For those who wear contact lenses, bring back-up glasses. The dust and wind can make contacts extremely irritating.

3. Beating the Midday Heat

• The Siesta: We schedule our biggest climbs (like the Singing Sands) for sunrise or sunset. Between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, the best survival strategy is to stay in the shade of a Ger, drink tea, and nap.

• Loose & Long: It seems counterintuitive, but long-sleeved cotton or linen shirts are cooler than tank tops. They create a personal "shade" for your skin and prevent sunstroke.

4. Motion Sickness & The Bumpy Road

• The Gobi "Massage": Mongolian drivers call the bumpy off-road tracks a "Gobi Massage." If you are prone to car sickness, you should sit in the front passenger seat and bring ginger tablets or motion-sickness bands.

• Look at the Horizon: Look out at the vast horizon rather than reading a book or looking at a phone while the vehicle is moving.

5. Nighttime Surprises

• The Temperature Drop: The Gobi can drop from 30°C at noon to 10°C at midnight. Always keep a fleece or light down jacket at the top of your bag, even if the day feels boiling hot.

• Scorpions & Critters: While rare, it’s a desert. Rule #1: Never leave your shoes outside the Ger. Always bring them inside and give them a quick shake before putting them on in the morning.

This 10-day expedition requires a smart packing strategy. You are traversing two distinct climates: the dry, intense heat of the Gobi Desert and the cooler, mountain-influenced Orkhon Valley.

1. Core Clothing (The Layering System)

• Base Layers: Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts. Long sleeves are essential in the Gobi to protect skin from the sun without overheating.

• Mid-Layers: A warm fleece or wool sweater. Even after a 35C day in the Gobi, temperatures can drop to 10C at night.

• Outer Shell: A high-quality windproof and waterproof jacket. Rain can be sudden in the Orkhon Valley.

• The "Puffer": A lightweight, packable down jacket. It takes up no space but is a lifesaver during stargazing or early morning wildlife spotting.

• Pants: Lightweight hiking trousers. Avoid heavy jeans for the long drives and camel riding (they chafe!).

2. Footwear

• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well broken-in. You’ll need these for the rocky terrain of Yolin Am and the cliffs of Bayanzag.

• Camp Shoes/Sandals: A pair of Tevas, Birks, or flip-flops to wear around the Ger camp and in the showers.

• Socks: Moisture-wicking wool-blend socks (like Smartwool) to prevent blisters.

3. Desert & Sun Protection

• Hat: A wide-brimmed sun hat with a chin strap (the Gobi wind is strong!).

• Buff/Bandana: Essential for protecting your face from dust during off-road drives or sand at the dunes.

• Sunglasses: Polarized to protect against the high-altitude glare.

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm: High SPF is mandatory. The air is extremely dry; bring a heavy-duty moisturizer.

4. Tech & Gear

• Power Bank: While most camps have electricity, it can be limited to a few hours a day. A high-capacity portable charger is a must.

• Headlamp: Crucial for navigating Ger camps at night (Gers do not have ensuite bathrooms).

• Binoculars: Necessary for spotting wild horses in Khustai and Ibex in the Gobi mountains.

• Ziploc Bags: Bring various sizes to protect your phone and camera from the fine Gobi sand.

5. Personal Care

• First Aid: Include rehydration salts (electrolytes), motion sickness meds (for the "Gobi Massage" drives), and blister pads.

• Quick-dry Towel: Most camps provide towels, but having your own travel towel is much more convenient.

Mongolian nomads are world-famous for their hospitality, but their homes are considered sacred spaces. Following these simple customs will show your hosts that you respect their way of life.

Entering the Ger

• The Threshold: Never step on the wooden threshold of the door; it is considered the "neck" of the home. Always step over it with your right foot first.

• Don’t Knock: Traditionally, Mongolians don't knock. Instead, call out "Nokhoi khor" (literally: "hold the dog") to announce your arrival.

• The Support Pillars: Never lean against or walk between the two central support pillars. These represent the stability of the family and the connection between heaven and earth.

• Direction: Once inside, move in a clockwise direction. Guests are typically seated on the left (west) side of the Ger.

Food & Drink Rituals

• The "Taste Test": If you are offered milk tea or a snack, always accept it with your right hand. Even if you aren't hungry, take a small sip or a tiny bite before putting it down. Refusing outright is considered impolite.

• Right Hand Only: Always give and receive items (especially food, tea, or gifts) with your right hand. For extra respect, support your right elbow with your left hand.

• Fire is Sacred: Never throw trash, water, or food scraps into the central stove. Fire is the most sacred element of the home.

General "Dos and Don'ts"

• Feet Placement: When sitting, never point the soles of your feet toward the altar (at the back of the Ger) or toward other people. It’s best to sit cross-legged or tuck your feet under you.

• Hats: Mongolians value the head as the most sacred part of the body. Never touch another person’s hat, and if you take yours off, place it in a high spot (like on a bed or a shelf) rather than on the floor.

• Step on a Foot: If you accidentally step on someone's foot, immediately shake their hand. It’s the local way of saying "I didn't mean any harm."

• Whistling: Avoid whistling inside the Ger; locals believe it "calls the wind" or brings bad luck to the household.