Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on the 13-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. 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.

Packing for a 13-day journey through the Gobi Desert and the Orkhon Valley requires preparing for "four seasons in one day." While the Gobi is scorching during the day, the Orkhon Valley mountains can be cool and damp, and nights everywhere can drop significantly in temperature.

Below is your curated packing list for The Mongolian Odyssey.

1. The Layering System (Clothing)

• Base Layers: 4–5 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool). Avoid 100% cotton as it stays wet if you sweat.

• Long-Sleeve Sun Shirt: 1 lightweight, light-colored shirt with UPF protection to prevent sunburn in the Gobi.

• Mid-Layers: 1 fleece jacket or a warm wool sweater for chilly mountain evenings.

• Insulation: 1 lightweight "puffer" jacket (down or synthetic) that compresses easily.

• Outer Shell: A high-quality windproof and waterproof rain jacket with a hood.

• Bottoms: * 2 pairs of hiking trousers (quick-dry).

  • 1 pair of shorts for hot Gobi afternoons.

  • 1 pair of leggings or thermal long-johns for sleeping and cold mountain nights.

• Riding Gear: If you plan to ride horses/camels, bring long trousers that aren't too "noisy" (nylon can sometimes spook horses) and avoid jeans with thick inner seams which can chafe.

2. Footwear

• Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and broken-in before you arrive. Ankle support is vital for rocky terrain.

• Camp Shoes: Lightweight sneakers, Crocs, or sports sandals for relaxing at ger camps and using shared showers.

• Socks: 4–5 pairs of wool-blend hiking socks.

3. Desert & Mountain Protection

• Sun Protection: Wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and polarized sunglasses with a strap.

• Buff or Bandana: Essential for protecting your face/neck from dust during drives or wind in the Gobi.

• Lip Balm: Get one with SPF; the air in Mongolia is extremely dry.

• Insect Repellent: Necessary for the Orkhon Valley and areas near water where flies and mosquitoes are common.

4. Gear & Electronics

• Bag: Use a soft-sided duffel bag (60–80L) rather than a hard-shell suitcase; it fits much better in the 4x4 vehicles.

• Daypack: A 20–30L pack for water, camera, and layers during daily excursions.

• Power Bank: Vital for long drives and camps where electricity may only be available for a few hours.

• Headlamp: Essential for navigating ger camps at night (much better than a phone flashlight).

• Binoculars: For spotting Ibex in Yolyn Am or wild horses in Khustai.

5. Health & Personal Care

• "Ger Camp Kit": Quick-dry travel towel, biodegradable soap/shampoo, and flip-flops for showers.

• Personal Meds: Include broad-spectrum antibiotics, anti-diarrheals (Imodium), and rehydration salts (electrolytes).

• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: You will use these daily for "dry showers" and hygiene on the road.

• Gifts for Nomads: Small items like school supplies, localized picture books, or good quality tea/coffee are highly appreciated by host families.

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.