Ultimate Mongolia Overland Tour: North to South

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 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.

1. The Layering System (Extreme Range)

• The "Gobi" Base: 5–7 lightweight, light-colored T-shirts. Long-sleeved "sun shirts" with UPF protection are highly recommended for the desert to prevent burns.

• The "North" Base: 2 sets of high-quality thermal tops and bottoms (merino wool). You will wear these to sleep in the North and as a base layer on windy days.

• Mid-Layers:

  • 1 medium fleece jacket.

  • 1 lightweight "down sweater" or packable puffer jacket (essential for Khuvsgul).

• Outer Shell: A 100% waterproof and windproof rain jacket. In the North, the rain can be sustained and cold.

• Bottoms:

  • 2 pairs of quick-dry hiking trousers (zip-offs are best).

  • 1 pair of shorts (strictly for the Gobi).

  • 1 pair of comfortable "camp pants" (sweatpants or leggings) for evenings in the Ger.

2. Footwear (The "All-Terrain" Kit)

• Mid-Weight Hiking Boots: Waterproof and ankle-supportive. Essential for the rocky Yolyn Am ice field and the muddy trails around Lake Khuvsgul.

• Sport Sandals (Tevas/Chacos): Essential for the Gobi (sand gets everywhere in boots) and for wading into the lakes.

• Shower Flip-Flops: A must for communal Ger camp showers.

• Socks: 6–8 pairs. A mix of thin "liner" socks for the heat and thick wool socks for the North.

3. Specialized Gear for 18 Days

• The Bag: Soft-sided duffel only. You will be moving your bag in and out of a 4x4 daily for nearly three weeks; hard suitcases frequently break or don't fit the tetris-style packing of the vehicles.

• Daypack (25-30L): Must be comfortable for 4-hour hikes and have a rain cover.

• Sleeping Bag Liner: Silk or fleece. While Ger camps provide bedding, a liner adds warmth in the North and hygiene in more remote homestays.

• Dry Bags / Packing Cubes: These are not optional for the circuit. They protect your clean clothes from the fine Gobi dust and the humidity of the North.

• High-Capacity Power Bank: 20,000mAh minimum. You will have long stretches (2–3 days) without reliable power.

4. Health, Hygiene & Protection

• Sun & Dust Protection:

  • Polarized sunglasses (the glare on the sand and the lake is blinding).

  • Wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap (the wind will steal a normal cap).

  • 2 Buffs/Bandanas: One for dust (Gobi) and one for warmth/sweat (North).

• Hygiene:

  • 3 large packs of biodegradable wet wipes (your "Gobi Shower").

  • Microfiber travel towel (fast-drying is key).

  • Hand sanitizer (use before every meal).

• Medical Kit:

  • Rehydration salts (Electrolytes) are vital for the Gobi heat.

  • Anti-diarrheals and broad-spectrum antibiotics.

  • Insect repellent (The North has "Gobi flies" and mosquitoes near the water).

5. Cultural Gifts (Regional Nuance)

• For the Gobi (Camel Herders): Useful items like pocket knives, high-quality flashlights, or protective work gloves.

• For the North (Reindeer/Tsaatan People): Practical items like sewing kits, solar-powered lamps, or warm socks.

• For Children: Stickers, coloring books, and colored pencils are always a hit. (Avoid candy/sugar due to limited dental access).

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.