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. Festival & City Wear

• The "Neat" Outfit: Naadam is a point of national pride. While tourists aren't expected to wear traditional deels, wearing "smart-casual" clothing (neat trousers and a collared shirt or a modest dress) for the Opening Ceremony is a sign of respect.

• Lightweight Fabrics: Linen and cotton are your best friends in the stadium heat. Light colors reflect the sun better.

• Sun Protection Layer: A very thin, long-sleeved shirt or "sun-hoodie" to protect your skin during the long hours sitting in the stadium or at the horse racing fields.

• Rain Gear: July is Mongolia’s rainy season. Pack a high-quality, packable rain poncho or lightweight jacket. Umbrellas are difficult to use in stadium crowds.

2. Footwear

• Walking Sneakers: You will do a significant amount of walking between the archery fields, the stadium, and the festival grounds. Ensure they are breathable.

• Light Hiking Shoes: Essential for the Terelj National Park segment, especially for the hike up to Aryapala Temple and around Turtle Rock.

• Sandals: Comfortable for city walking in the evening.

3. Naadam Festival "Survival" Essentials

• Binoculars: These are a must-have. They allow you to see the details of the wrestlers’ techniques in the stadium and the distant dust clouds of the horses approaching the finish line at Hui Doloon Khudag.

• Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes: Essential for hygiene when eating "festival food." You will undoubtedly be eating Khuushuur (fried meat pastries) with your hands at the fairgrounds.

• Dust Protection: A Buff or light scarf is vital for Day 3 at the horse racing fields. When thousands of horses and vehicles move across the steppe, the dust can be intense.

• Small Daypack: To carry your water, rain jacket, and camera throughout the long festival days.

4. Protection & Health

• High-SPF Sunscreen & Lip Balm: The UV index in Mongolia in July is extremely high (often 8+). Reapply often.

• Polarized Sunglasses & Wide-Brimmed Hat: A hat with a chin strap is best, as the steppe can be windy.

• Tissues/Small Toilet Paper: Public facilities at the horse racing fields can be basic; it’s best to have your own supply.

• Insect Repellent: Necessary for the evening in Terelj National Park, as mosquitoes are common near the river and trees in July.

5. Electronics

• High-Capacity Power Bank: Between the long Opening Ceremony and the trip to the racing fields, you will be away from an outlet for 10–12 hours.

• Extra Memory Cards: You will take more photos on Day 2 (Opening Ceremony) than almost any other day of the trip.

• Camera Lens Cloth: To clean off the fine dust from the horse racing fields.

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.