Reservation & Deposit

• Deposit: To secure a spot on on this 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 Layering System (Clothing)

The golden rule in Central Mongolia is "four seasons in one day."

• Base Layers: 3–4 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool). Merino is preferred as it stays fresh for multiple days.

• Mid-Layer: A fleece jacket or a warm wool sweater for chilly nights in the Orkhon Valley.

• Insulation: A lightweight "puffer" jacket (down or synthetic) that can be compressed into your daypack.

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

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

  • 1 pair of comfortable leggings (useful for sleeping or as an extra layer under trousers).

• Swimwear: Essential for Day 6 at the Tsenkher Hot Springs.

• Riding Gear: For the camel and horse riding sessions, ensure you have long trousers that don’t have thick inner seams (to prevent chafing).

2. Footwear

• Hiking Boots: Waterproof and well broken-in. You will be walking on volcanic rock, loose forest soil, and granite ridges.

• Camp Shoes/Sandals: A pair of sneakers or sports sandals (like Tevas/Chacos) for the ger camps.

• Flip-Flops: Essential for the hot spring pools and communal showers.

• Socks: 3–4 pairs of wool-blend hiking socks.

3. Protection & Accessories

• Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. The sun at high altitudes is intense.

• Dust Protection: A Buff or bandana is vital for the camel ride at the Mini Gobi and for dusty drives.

• Lip Balm: Essential for the dry Mongolian air.

• Insect Repellent: Necessary for the Orkhon Valley and near the hot springs where horseflies can be active.

4. Gear & Electronics

• The Bag: Use a soft-sided duffel bag. Hard-shell suitcases are difficult to pack into 4x4 vehicles and can be damaged by vibration.

• Daypack: A 20L pack for your water, camera, and extra layers during the Tuvkhun hike.

• Headlamp: Crucial for navigating ger camps at night and using outhouses.

• Power Bank: While some camps have electricity, a high-capacity power bank ensures your camera and phone stay charged during the Day 4 nomadic homestay.

• Sleeping Bag Liner: Highly recommended for the nomadic homestay for added comfort and hygiene.

5. Health & Personal Care

• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer: Your "dry shower" essentials. You will use these daily.

• Quick-Dry Travel Towel: Most camps provide towels, but having your own is better for the hot springs and homestay.

• Personal Meds: Include rehydration salts (electrolytes), anti-diarrheals, and basic painkillers.

6. Cultural Gifts

Since Day 4 involves staying with a nomadic yak-herding family, small tokens of appreciation are customary:

• Gifts for kids: Coloring books, stickers, or high-quality colored pencils.

• Gifts for adults: Quality tea, coffee, or solar-powered lights.

• Avoid candy/sweets as dental care is limited in rural areas.

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.