Gorkhi-Terelj National Park & Ulaanbaatar Tour

Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on the 4-day tour, a 50% 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.

Because we move between the modern city and the remote steppe, packing in layers is the key to staying comfortable.

Clothing: The "Three-Layer" System

• Base Layers: Moisture-wicking T-shirts (both short and long-sleeved) to protect against the sun and sweat.

• Insulation: A fleece jacket, warm sweater, or a lightweight down "puffer" jacket. Even in summer, temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night.

• Outer Shell: A windproof and waterproof rain jacket. This is essential for unpredictable steppe showers.

• Bottoms: Comfortable hiking trousers and a pair of stretchy pants or leggings specifically for horseback riding (jeans can cause chafing).

• Sleepwear: Warm pajamas or thermal underwear. Traditional Gers can get chilly once the fire goes out at night.

Footwear & Accessories

• Sturdy Boots: Waterproof hiking boots or riding-compatible boots with good ankle support.

• Camp Shoes: A pair of sandals or lightweight sneakers for relaxing around the Ger camp.

• Head & Hands: A wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses (UV protection), and a warm beanie or scarf for cold mornings.

• Socks: High-quality wool or synthetic hiking socks to prevent blisters.

Personal Gear & Electronics

• Power Bank: Essential for the 3-day nomad stay where electricity for charging is limited.

• Headlamp/Flashlight: Critical for navigating the camp at night as there are no streetlights on the steppe.

• Quick-Dry Towel: A compact travel towel and a basic toiletry kit (biodegradable soap is preferred).

• Sun & Bug Protection: High SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.

• Small Daypack: A 20–30L backpack to carry your water, camera, and extra layers during daily excursions.

Health & Comfort

• Personal Pharmacy: Please bring your own supply of any prescription meds, as well as basics like painkillers, motion sickness tablets, and rehydration salts.

• Nomad Gifts (Optional): Small items like quality tea, colorful stickers for children, or localized souvenirs from your home country are a wonderful way to thank your nomadic hosts.

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.