This tour starts in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar where on day 1 we meet at our joining hotel at 13H00 and take our first short trip on the truck to visit the giant stainless-steel statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, a 40 metre tall structure that allows you to walk through the horse's chest and neck to reach the horses head which gives you a panoramic view of the area. The attached museum gives you a good insight into Mongolian history with an impressive display of artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age.

Later in the day we return to the city and check into our hotel. This evening you will be invited to attend a traditional Mongolian welcome dinner to get your first taste of this country’s cuisine and meet your fellow travellers.

This morning we will take a short walk to the Naadam Stadium to attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a centuries old competition dating back to the Genghis Khan era where trained army men would compete to show their strength and skills. Today both men and women both compete at the Naadam Festival in an annual celebration to commemorate Mongolia's nomadic culture and heritage.

After the opening ceremony you can watch the wrestling, archery and ankle shooting competitions in a country-fair atmosphere where you can mingle with the locals and attend the many events taking place in the central square.

This evening you will be invited to attend the Naadam Gala Dinner and sample some of Mongolia’s finest traditional dishes in a jubilant atmosphere.

This morning after breakfast we will check out of our hotel and drive east to the Naadam horse racing grounds where the horses are first collected, registered and categorised by age groups. The jockeys then trot the whole length of the track before reaching the starting point and then galloping the whole track back to the finish line in hope of attaining the esteemed first place prize.

After the horse racing we will now leave Ulaanbaater behind and head for Baga Gazariin Chulu on the fringes of the Great Gobi Desert where we get to spend our first night of wild camping amongst a geological oddity known as the ‘Small Place of the Stones’ in the vast Mongolian wilderness.

This morning we will wake up early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and take a hike amongst this seemingly endless landscape of bizarre rock formations.

We will later stop by the ruins of an ancient temple that was destroyed in the anti-religious purges of the 1930’s.

Driving deeper into the Gobi we will now visit Tsagaan Suvarga, the white Stupa, an ancient place of worship as well as a geological wonder revealing layers of rich mineral deposits.

This evening we will once again find a perfect wild camp in the wilderness and enjoy the silence of the Gobi.

We wake up to the sun bouncing off the cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga and drive to the petroglyphs of Del Mountain known locally as the Ancient Art Gallery.

In Dalanzadgad we restock our supplies before heading to Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Valley), a beautiful oasis running through the Three Beauties National Park where you get to enjoy rare river scenery amidst an arid desert and wild camp in one on Mongolia's most serene locations.

Today we drive through a typically cold desert landscape to Khavtsgait, an ancient place of worship marked by impressive petroglyphs.

Later in the day we reach the mighty Khongoryn Els Sand Dune where you have the opportunity to climb the dunes towering walls for spectacular views over this desert region with a small creek running along its northern face. If the breeze is just right you may be lucky enough to hear the dunes sing!

For the next 2 nights we will stay at a ger camp near the dunes, meet the nomadic locals and sleep in a traditional yurt.

This morning you will get to ride through the massive sea of sand atop a 2 humped Bactrian Camel, the formidable beast that connected the east and west along the ancient Silk Road.

At midday we will visit a family of camel herders and learn about life in one of the harshest environments on earth where temperatures can rise to 40°C in the summer and drop to - 40°C in the winter!

At the end of the day you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from the top of the sand dunes before returning to our ger camp for a home-cooked Mongolian meal and another night in a yurt.

After a hearty breakfast prepared by our nomadic hosts we continue to Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs which display beautiful red and orange hues during sunrise and sunset.

This area is also recognised as one of the world’s largest dinosaur graveyards where we have the opportunity to explore the area on foot before setting up our wild camp and waiting for the sun to set fire to the cliffs.

Today we drive north and out of the Gobi desert and in the afternoon we arrive at Ong Monastery, the ruins of one of the largest Buddhist centres in the country nestled alongside the Ong River.

LIke most religious institutes in the country the site was destroyed during the anti-religious purges of the 1930’s where it is believed some 200 monks were executed and many more sent to the army.

Today the local communities have reconstructed the main stupa and after exploring the area on foot we will head out into the wilderness and set up our wild camp.

This morning we complete our drive out of the Gobi and reach the Mongolian steppe where a wide variety of birds of prey including vultures, eagles and falcons are often spotted hunting their next meal.

The scenery now changes from the arid steppes to the fertile green grasslands which are typical of the Khangai Mountains, Mongolia’s 2nd largest mountain range.

After lunch we head into an area dominated by volcanic scenery along the Orkhon River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape which has served as the centre of several empires that ruled Central Asia for centuries.

Towards the end of the day we drive along the dramatic canyon formed by the Orkhon River, visit the beautiful Red Waterfall and find a little hideaway for us to set up our wild camp for the night.

Following the Orkhon Valley we stop off at the Uurtiin Tokhoi viewpoint where you can see a dramatic 90° bend in the Orkhon River. 

The route also takes us past the Camel Valley slab-stine ancient burial site where we have some time to explore the area on foot.

Later today we will also visit Shankh Monastery which was established by Zanbazar, one of the most influential figures in 17th century Mongolia who is credited with inventing the Soyombo script and shaping Mongolian culture and history. 

In the early afternoon we will reach the town of Kharkhorin, an ancient city built by the son of Genghis Khan and one of the cornerstones of Mongolian historical sites where you can visit the Monument of Empires which commemorates 800 years of Genghis Khan’s coronation.

After restocking our supplies we now head to the outskirts of town and set up our wild camp with views of the Orkhon Valley.

We start the day with a visit to the Karakorum Museum, home to a treasure trove of archaeological artefacts that depict the history of the former capital of the Mongol Empire.

This morning we will also visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s oldest and most significant Buddhist sites.

After lunch we depart Kharkhorin and start a scenic drive along the foot of the Khangai Mountain range where we encounter meadows full of yaks, sheep, goats and horses all grazing on a carpet of colourful flowers.

This afternoon we will reach Tsenkher Hot Springs where we will base ourselves for 2 nights at a ger camp, sleep in yurts and enjoy a relaxing soak in the thermal pools.

After a traditional Mongolian breakfast we take a short drive to a trailhead and embark on a hike through a pristine pine forest with its floor covered in colourful wildflowers. 

At the end of the trail we enjoy a picnic lunch and then drive to the ger of Ulaamshaikan, pastoral nomads who have set up their camp in one of Mongolia’s most picturesque spots. Here we will spend the afternoon giving them a much-needed hand to produce dairy products, herd the animals and look after the newborns.

After a traditional dinner together we will return to our ger camp and soothe our weary bones in the hot springs.

A series of passes now leads us through fertile valleys with traditional dwellings until we reach Tsetserleg, the provincial capital where we visit the local market to resupply our stocks, climb over the 7 metre tall Lord Buddha statue and get great views over a town that is commonly referred to as the most beautiful of all Mongolian towns.

After lunch we will drive to the Hundred Branches Tree, a place for animistic worship and shamanic ceremonies which is also close to the edge of the scenic Chuluut Canyon.

A little further on we arrive at the foot of the Khorgo Volcano, a young volcano in geological terms where you have the opportunity to climb up to the crater rim for views over the surrounding lava fields.

We end the day on the shores of the White Lake where we set up our wild camp for the night.

Today we embark on one of Mongolia’s most scenic routes as we ascend into the Tarvaagtiin mountains and pass through a series of fertile valleys where many nomadic families set their summer camps and graze their flocks in the flourishing meadows where crystal clear streams flow.

At the end of the day we reach the alpine Lake Dzun where we set up our wild camp on the lakeshore and enjoy a beautiful waterfront sunset.

This morning we head towards the provincial centre Murun where we stop at the local market for a quick top-up of fresh food before heading to Lake Erkhil where many waterfowl stop on their journey from Siberia to Africa.

Along our route today we will also visit an ancient burial site, cross Jankhai Pass and then skirt the shores of Lake Khuvsgul, one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs.

Late in the afternoon we will arrive at a ger camp and take an easy hike through a forest to a cliff hanging over the lake before returning to our yurts for a traditional Mongolian dinner.

Today is a day of leisure where after 2 weeks of travelling through the Mongolian wilderness you can lay back by the lakeshore and enjoy some time off.

For those seeking more adventure there are plenty of optional excursions available such as horse riding, hiking, kayaking and motorboating. 

As the day winds down we will enjoy the hospitality of our ger camp hosts as they prepare an evening meal for us and make sure we are comfortable in our yurts.

Our journey now continues into Bulgan province which is known for its fine horses that can be seen gathered in large herds over the vast grasslands and rolling hills typical of this region.

Bulgan is also famous for its Airag, an alcoholic fermented mare's milk consumed by the nomads of the steppe throughout Central Asia. Try it at your own peril!

In the afternoon we will visit the Uran Togoo Volcano where you can take a hike up to the top for spectacular views over the area where we will be wild camping tonight.

This morning we will drive to Amarbayasgalant Monastery which was built in 1736 by the Manchu Emperor, Enkh Amgalan, and is one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia to have survived the purges of the 1930’s.

Standing in the heart of a beautiful valley this massive religious complex offers visitors a glimpse into the Mongolian-Tibetan branch of Buddhism and a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Tonight we set up our last wild camp in Mongolia near a creek in the surrounding foothills.

Today we leave the wilderness behind us and head back to Ulaanbaatar where you have the afternoon free to do any last minute shopping, visit Central Square and enjoy the pubs in the city centre.

Tonight you will be invited to a traditional Mongolian farewell dinner to say goodbye to your guides and your fellow travellers who have accompanied you through the wilds of Mongolia!

Our last night will be spent at a comfortable hotel in central Ulaanbaatar.

This tour ends today in Ulaanbaatar after breakfast on the final morning of the trip so you can make your onward travel arrangements accordingly.

Before this trip starts our truck travels through Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China before reaching Ulaanbaatar so you can add any of these countries onto this tour should you wish to.

After the Summer Tour ends in Ulaanbaatar our truck continues to China, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India so you can add any of these countries onto this tour should you wish to. 

We are happy to create a bespoke itinerary and price for you so please feel free to contact us to discuss all options.

HOW TO BOOK

To make a booking please fill in our online booking form and then pay a £300 deposit by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Once we receive your online booking form and deposit we will confirm your booking by email and send you all relevant information necessary for your expedition preparations.

NAADAM FESTIVAL EXPEDITION PAYMENT

The Naadam Festival Expedition Payment of £2516 is the main bulk payment for your expedition and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this expedition you must pay a £300 deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £1000 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Expedition Payment £1216 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the expedition start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £1300 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Expedition Payment of £2516 should be paid upon booking.

The Expedition Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

SUMMER EXPEDITION PAYMENT

The Summer Expedition Payment of £2284 is the main bulk payment for your expedition and is payable in the UK in GBP (£ Sterling). In order to reserve a place on this expedition you must pay a £300 deposit. Eight months prior to departure a further payment of £900 must be paid to secure your booking. The final balance of your Expedition Payment £1084 must then be paid in full at least four months prior to the expedition start date. If you book between 4 to 8 months prior to the departure date a deposit of £1200 should be paid upon booking. If you book within 4 months of the departure date the full Expedition Payment of £2284 should be paid upon booking.

The Expedition Payment can be paid by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Transfer, Revolut, Wise or Paypal.

Credit and Debit Card Payments (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

You can use the following link to pay by credit or debit card:

Dragoman Tour Payment

Or feel free to call us on +44 7858 468 953 in order to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Bank Details for Direct Transfers (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Bank: HSBC

Account name: Madventure Ltd.

Sort code: 400810

Account number: 91618415

IBAN : GB14HBUK40081091618415

Swift/Bank BIC: HBUKGB4B

Branch BIC: HBUKGB4116A

Bank address: HSBC Bank, 6 High Street, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 5AZ, United Kingdom

Revolut (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Revolut offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Revolut account? Create one now - www.revolut.com 

Wise (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Wise offers a cheap and fast international money transfer service where you can choose to make a payment using either your bank account or credit/debit card.

Don’t have a Wise account? Create one now - www.wise.com

Paypal (please use your full name as a reference when paying)

Paypal account name: info@madventure.co.uk

Don’t have a Paypal account? Create one now - www.paypal.com

LOCAL PAYMENT

This is a cash payment of $500 that must be paid to your expedition leader at the beginning of your trip and will be used to pay for cash expenses while you are on the road such as food, accommodation, fuel and included activities.

Please bear in mind that this is not a kitty and is not refundable. The local payment is simply a way for us to get cash to the expedition leaders so they can run the trip.

Please bring your local payment in new unmarked $100 bills if possible.

Although all local payment amounts are advertised in USD you may be asked to bring the equivalent amount in either EUROS or GBP.

INCLUDED

Services of your Dragoman tour leader and driver

Local Mongolian guide

Transportation in our custom built Dragoman overland truck

Use of all equipment on the truck

Diesel, mechanics, shipping and any other costs relating to the vehicle

Local transportation costs (if required)

Ferry tickets (when travelling together as a group)

20 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 19 evening meals

All accommodation costs (15% hotels, 30% yurts, 55% wild camping)

National Park entry fees when we enter as a group with our vehicle

Genghis Khan statue

Naadam Festival (on Naadam expedition)

Naadam Gala dinner (on Naadam expedition)

Baga Gazariin Chulu

Tsagaan Suvarga

Del Mountain petroglyphs

Yolyn Am valley

Three Beauties National Park

Khongoryn Els Sand Dune

Bactrian Camel ride

Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

Ong Monastery

Orkhon River Valley

Shankh Monastery

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Tsenkher hot springs

Ulaamshaikan pastoral nomads 

Hundred Branches Tree

Khorgo volcano

Lake Erkhil

Lake Khuvsgul

Uran Togoo Volcano

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

NOT INCLUDED

International and domestic flights (no domestic flights expected during tour)

Airport transfers

Personal travel insurance

Personal spending money (£100 – £120 per week recommended)

Visa (free for most nationalities)

5 lunches and 2 evening meals

Accommodation upgrades

Entrance fees to optional sites and national parks

Any optional activities and excursions

Tent, roll mat, sleeping bag and pillow

Tips (USD $50 per crew member recommended)

Below is a list of the most popular optional excursions along with the most recent prices. Prices can of course change and are not controlled in any way by Dragoman so please use the list below as an approximate guide only. Prices are shown in GBP.

Horse riding £10

Kayaking £10

Motorboating £25

During this expedition you will spend 3 nights in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 6 nights in yurts at traditional ger camps and the rest of the time you will be in your tent wild camping. 

Hotels - in Ulaanbaatar you will spend the first 2 nights and the last night of the expedition staying in a 4 star hotel. Rooms are provided on a twin share basis and couples can request a double bed. When staying in a twin share room you can expect to share your room with another expedition member of any gender but we will of course strive to put you with a suitable partner.

If you would prefer not to share a room there is a single supplement fee of £300.

Yurts - we have broken the tour up so that we stay in yurts between our wild camping stretches so that you can get an authentic taste of the nomadic Mongolian lifestyle. When we stay in yurts we will be at traditional ger camps and we will be hosted by Mongolian families who prepare our breakfast and evening meals and make sure we are comfortable. 

When staying in yurts you can expect to share your room with many other expedition members of all genders.

Wild camping - on this expedition when we camp we will be wild camping by ourselves in the desert and in the grasslands as campgrounds generally don’t exist in Mongolia. Our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a sand dune in the desert, etc. which is easily achieved in Mongolia as the country is so sparsely populated and the scenery is incredible!

From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this expedition. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 23 travellers, 2 crew and 1 local guide.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotel we stay at and towns we visit.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When we are wild camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. In remote areas we may also prepare lunch on the vehicle but on the rare occasions when we are in a town you will be expected to buy your own lunch at a local restaurant.

When staying in the hotel in Ulaanbaatar we will provide breakfast at the accommodation. We will also provide you with a welcome and a farewell dinner. During the Naadam Expedition we will also provide you with a Naadam Gala dinner on the 2nd evening. Lunch and any other evening meals in Ulaanbaatar are at your own expense. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

When we stay in yurts at a ger camp our local Mongolian hosts will provide us with a traditional home-cooked breakfast and evening meal. We sometimes prepare our own lunch when staying in yurts and other times our hosts offer to prepare lunch for you at an additional cost.

20 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 19 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size).

Fresh food is generally available every few days so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes.

Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.

Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader, 1 driver and 1 local guide on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or ask the local guide that we provide for you.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your local Mongolian guide will be there to answer any of your questions and communicate with the locals on our behalf.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $50 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.

PERSONAL BUDGET

We recommend a budget of £100 – £120 per person per week to live comfortably during this expedition. This budget should cover day to day things like lunch, snacks, soft drinks, meals when not camping, the odd few beers, etc.

Souvenirs are something that can be very cheap or very expensive so if you are going to be buying souvenirs you should budget for it.

Please also have a look at our Optional Excursions list as you may want to budget for a few of those activities too.

TRAVEL MONEY

We recommend you bring 1/2 of your money in cash US Dollars and the rest of your money on your credit or debit card. 

They generally accept all major currencies for exchange but US Dollars are accepted everywhere.

ATM’s are only available in Ulaanbaatar for you to draw local currency using your credit or debit card.

To keep your money/credit cards/ipad/camera/laptop safe we recommend you purchase a ‘Pacsafe Travelsafe’ product. They offer various size portable anti-theft bags that can be attached to the vehicle when travelling and also attached to the toilet/bed/closet in your hotel room when off the vehicle.

Below is general information and recommendations regarding visas and passports. Visas are ultimately your own responsibility to obtain and visa requirements may vary according to your nationality and place of application, so use the information below as a guide only and if you are unsure please check with your local consulate. Dragoman is in no way responsible for obtaining your visas or passports.

Mongolia visa - most nationalities including citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many EU countries do not require a visa to enter Mongolia. Other nationalities may be able to apply for a Mongolia e-visa online. If your nationality does not allow you to get an e-visa please contact your nearest Mongolian consulate to find out the easiest way to obtain the visa.

For those who do need a visa approximately 2 months prior to departure you will be sent the information required in order to complete your visa application and apply for your visa (there are often time restrictions on visas so you can not apply earlier). We recommend that you make your passport available 2 months before departure in order to obtain your visas comfortably.

Please ensure you have 1 free page in your passport in order to accommodate the visa and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the expedition end date.

VACCINATIONS

Vaccination requirements are constantly changing so we recommend you seek the latest professional medical advice at least 8 weeks before departure to ensure you allow yourself enough time to obtain all necessary vaccinations. Nomad Travel’s website has up-to-date information on vaccinations, malaria and other general medical advice for all the countries we will be visiting and they also administer vaccinations at their Travel Clinics in various locations in the UK.

www.nomadtravel.co.uk 

Alternatively speak with your local health professionals for current accurate information. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic and take a list of the countries you are visiting with the approximate dates when you will be there.

It is not necessary to be vaccinated against covid to join this tour.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is not required to enter Mongolia.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

FIRST AID KIT

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit aboard the vehicle but it is recommended that you bring your own basic first aid kit for general use.

It is compulsory that every person who travels with Dragoman obtain travel insurance for the complete duration of the tour. Proof of travel insurance must be shown before joining a tour.

You may be covered under your credit card’s travel insurance so it might be worth checking with your credit card provider first.

There are various travel insurance companies to choose from and a Google search will bring up a vast selection but for people based in the UK seeking a comprehensive and reliable policy that includes Medical Repatriation we recommend a London based company named Campbell Irvine, +44 20 7938 1734, http://www.campbellirvine.com/Madventure

Campbell Irvine are familiar with what we do so if you mention Dragoman and the tour you are travelling on they should be able to provide excellent cover for you.

For people based in North America a company named Allianz offers good cover, +1 866 884 3556, www.allianztravelinsurance.com

If you choose to obtain your travel insurance through another company please ensure you read the small-print and make sure your policy includes Medical Repatriation.

Tent: A good quality lightweight and compact waterproof free standing tent is recommended for this expedition. A removable fly-sheet will help you stay cool on warm dry nights. If you are travelling on your own you are restricted to a 1-2 man sized tent. If you are sharing a tent, you are restricted to a 2-3 man sized tent.

Sleeping bag: It can get cold at night on this expedition so we recommend a good quality 4 season sleeping bag to be comfortable. Please make sure that your sleeping bag has a 'crush bag' so it can be compacted down.

Sleeping bag liner: A Thermal Fleece or Silk Liner will bring your sleeping bag up a season when it's cold and they are good to use on their own when it's too hot for your sleeping bag.

Roll Mat: A compact inflatable Thermarest roll mat is recommended. A non-compact mat will not be permitted as they take up too much room.

Pillow: If you do wish to take a pillow (although most just bring a pillow case and stuff their fleece in it at night) then Thermarest makes a good stuff pillow that compacts down small.

Backpack/sports bag/suitcase: We recommend you carry your luggage in a backpack but irrespective if you prefer a sports bag or a suitcase you are restricted to a maximum 100 litre volume. 

Day bag: You are also permitted to bring a day bag with a maximum 40 litre volume that you can carry in the overhead luggage rack or under your seat on the vehicle with you.

Pacsafe: In order to keep your valuables safe we recommend a Pacsafe product. They make a range of anti-theft bags which vary in sizes and can accommodate your money, credit cards, passport, camera, laptop, etc. They can be attached to a fixed part on the back of the vehicle when travelling and/or to a fixed item in your hotel room. 

Headtorch: An invaluable investment! Check out the Petzl range of USB rechargeable headlamps. 

Water purifier: Quite a handy thing to have to purify contaminated water and avoid stomach bugs. Check out the range of Lifestraw products.

Kindle: Optional but great to keep all your travel guides and books in one place.

Ipad/Tablet: not a necessity but many places have WiFi available these days so having your own Ipad or Tablet will enable you to stay connected.

Smartphone:  It is highly recommended that you bring a smartphone with you as the majority of the tour communications are sent via WhatsApp. It is also very convenient for storing all your digital documents, emailing, taking and sharing photos, mapping and calling home.

Camera: Completely up to you but most people use their phone.

Toiletries: Available everywhere but start with some toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, soap and shampoo.

Sunblock: Minimum SPF 15 recommended.

Towel: A microfibre travel towel is a good option as it dries quickly and packs down small.

Sunglasses: Polarised lenses offer great protection.

First aid kit: Only a basic one is recommended but should include plasters, antiseptic cream, bandage, pain relief tablets, scissors and safety pins.

Passport: Please ensure you have 1 blank page in your passport to accommodate the visa and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the expedition end date.

Clothes & shoes: 

1 x flip flops

1 x walking shoes, trainers or boots

7 x socks

7 x underwear

4 x t-shirts

1 x collared shirt for the men

1 x lightweight long sleeve top that hangs down to mid thigh level for the ladies

1 x fleece top or fleece jacket

2 x zip-off  trousers which can be worn long or short

1 x swimwear

1 x thermal beanie or woolly hat

1 x baseball cap

OVERVIEW

Overlanding with Dragoman is all about taking the road less travelled in a custom-built overland expedition vehicle with a group of up to 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities. This overland tour moves at a relaxed pace and visits remote areas as well as the highlights of Mongolia. Overland travel affords you the time to really immerse yourself in the culture of the local communities we visit and gives you the opportunity to truly explore off the beaten track destinations. This overland tour may sometimes take you out of your comfort zone as it travels to very remote parts of Mongolia with little or no conveniences but we feel that the small hardships are often the experiences that make the journey so rewarding. So if you are looking for a unique adventure shared with a group of like-minded travellers on a journey of a lifetime then a Dragoman overland tour may be the trip for you because with overlanding it's all about the journey, not just the destination!

At Dragoman we like to go through every aspect of the tour with you to ensure that you are as informed and prepared as possible. We believe in not only telling you about the highlights of the tour but also providing you with all the small details of what to expect as we know these are just as important. We want to explain the tour in as much detail as possible so that you are sure you are suited to one of our overland group adventures. If after reading the information below you decide that this tour is not for you then, as long as it is within 14 days of your initial booking, you can cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies paid.

YOUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS

We have no age restrictions on our overland tours and if there is one thing we have come to realise, it’s the mental attitude that counts the most. On this trip our group size is a maximum of 24 travellers of all ages and nationalities so you can expect to share this experience with a wide variety of characters from all walks of life. 

WEATHER

The weather on this tour is generally dry and hot during the day but it can get cold at night so be prepared for these elements and you will be comfortable.

ALTITUDE

We travel up to 2500 metres above sea level on this tour so if you suffer from altitude sickness be prepared for it and have altitude-sickness tablets with you.

HYGIENE

As wonderful as Mongolia is, some places do not have a western infrastructure and their acceptable level of hygiene standards may be very different to ours, so be prepared to use squat toilets and accept that things may not be as clean as they are back home.

You must also maintain your own personal hygiene and ensure that you and your clothes are washed regularly. If anyone smells bad or is noticeably unclean the tour leader will have a word with that person to ensure a decent level of personal hygiene is maintained by everyone aboard the vehicle.

SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

On this expedition we include a lot of the main activities in the tour price however we do understand that you won’t want to visit every site or take part in every activity along the way so we have left some of the activities as optional and therefore kept the tour price to a minimum. If there are any activities that require forward planning and/or a guide your tour leader will arrange this and let you know all the options before arriving at a destination. Your tour leader however is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or ask the local guide we provide for you. 

On this tour you are completely free to do as you choose and you can be as active or inactive as you like.

YOUR ATTITUDE

A friendly, easy-going attitude will help you enjoy this trip and ensure you are liked by your fellow travellers as well as the locals. The one thing that is extremely detrimental to any tour are people that constantly moan. It has nothing to do with age, gender or nationality, some people just like to find fault in everything and it’s always got to be someone’s fault. This type of constant negativity can be extremely detrimental within a group so it may sound a bit harsh but by weeding out any moaners early on we can have a chat with them to try and ensure your tour is as good as it can be. We don’t hide anything so people who travel with us usually know exactly what to expect on this tour which makes for an enjoyable group experience.

Please be aware that if any particular person is constantly causing the rest of the group (or the crew) grief due to their behaviour they will be warned and then asked to leave the tour if nothing improves and no refund will be given. This is obviously the most extreme case but we will not let one or two rude individuals spoil it for everybody else. This is a once in a lifetime experience so let’s all enjoy it!

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

When we are in Mongolia things generally go to plan but if something unexpected does delay us or force us to change our itinerary please understand that sometimes things happen that are simply out of our control and we may have to make alternative arrangements. Please be prepared to expect the unexpected and accept that things might go wrong from time to time. An easy-going approach will help the situation immensely. Moaning about every little thing that doesn’t go our way will not! When situations arise where we can’t please everybody we always aim to please the majority of the group, not the individual.

TRAVEL TIMES & ITINERARIES

This trip is designed to allow plenty of free time in all the places of interest but we are driving a fair distance across Mongolia so yes, there are going to be a lot of drive days and some of them will be long. This is where you have to be able to take pleasure in the scenery or a good book from time to time.

Generally on a drive day we leave in the morning around 7 - 8 AM (after breakfast) and arrive at our destination before dusk in daylight, but this really depends on the distance between destinations and the road conditions.

Sometimes it will be a full day’s drive between destinations and you'll have the following day free. Sometimes however it's only a few hours drive between destinations. Most of the time the days are broken up with regular stops to see the various attractions.

Our proposed itinerary is the ideal route we would like to take providing all political and natural situations are acceptable during the time of our travels. Situations sometimes change during an expedition so please be prepared to take an alternative route in the event we encounter any problems. 

We always strive to arrive at our destinations on time but our itinerary can change if an area of our route becomes off-limits for any reason, so when we do experience delays we will adjust our itinerary accordingly.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Please be aware that drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal in Mongolia and they enforce severe punishment for being caught in possession. NEVER carry illegal drugs on your person or on the vehicle during this tour as you would not only jeopardise your own freedom but also the well-being of the entire group if you are caught in possession.

If you are caught with any kind of illegal drugs on this tour, regardless of the amount, you will be asked to leave the tour immediately and no refund will be given. Any inconsideration can lead to the tour being cancelled and innocent people arrested. We will not hesitate to remove someone if we have to, so please respect your fellow tour members.

Alcohol is generally available in all regions we visit on this tour.

Aggressive or abusive drunk behaviour will not be tolerated during this tour and if anyone is constantly abusing alcohol and causing trouble we will not hesitate to remove them from the tour and no refund will be given.

MEDICALLY FIT & ABLE

This is a full participation expedition so you need to be in good general health for this tour and be reasonably fit and able. The main concern is that everyone is able to pitch in equally and do their fair share when it comes to group activities like the communal cooking and cleaning up, packing gear in and out of the vehicle, erecting your own tent, etc. You do not need to be super-fit by any means and all ages are welcome. We always attract a very broad age range on these expeditions, from people in their 20’s through to people in their 70’s.

Please inform us of any medical conditions that you have before departure so that your crew know how to deal with a medical situation if it should arise. All information will be kept confidential unless you request us to inform your fellow travellers. For example, it may be wise to inform fellow travellers if you are allergic to something like bee-stings so they know what to do if you get stung.

ACCOMMODATION

During this expedition you will spend 3 nights in a hotel in Ulaanbaatar, 6 nights in yurts at traditional ger camps and the rest of the time you will be in your tent wild camping. 

Hotels - in Ulaanbaatar you will spend the first 2 nights and the last night of the expedition staying in a 4 star hotel. Rooms are provided on a twin share basis and couples can request a double bed. When staying in a twin share room you can expect to share your room with another expedition member of any gender but we will of course strive to put you with a suitable partner.

If you would prefer not to share a room there is a single supplement fee of £300.

Yurts - we have broken the tour up so that we stay in yurts between our wild camping stretches so that you can get an authentic taste of the nomadic Mongolian lifestyle. When we stay in yurts we will be at traditional ger camps and we will be hosted by Mongolian families who prepare our breakfast and evening meals and make sure we are comfortable. 

When staying in yurts you can expect to share your room with many other expedition members of all genders.

Wild camping - on this expedition when we camp we will be wild camping by ourselves in the desert and in the grasslands as campgrounds generally don’t exist in Mongolia. Our wild camp locations are usually very scenic and we always strive to find the perfect spot on the banks of a river, overlooking a canyon, behind a sand dune in the desert, etc. which is easily achieved in Mongolia as the country is so sparsely populated and the scenery is incredible!

From past experience on expeditions of this length and nature we have found that people prefer to supply their own tents as they are then not forced to share and they can pick a tent that suits their needs. As a general rule, try and choose a good quality lightweight and waterproof free-standing tent that is easy to erect, take down and carry.

TRANSPORT & EQUIPMENT

We will be travelling in a custom-built Dragoman overland vehicle 100% of the time on this expedition. A standard bus simply wouldn’t be able to tackle many of the roads we travel on. Our vehicle can accommodate up to 23 travellers, 2 crew and 1 local guide.

Comfort and safety is of course a big factor during expeditions of this length and nature so all our vehicles have high-backed coach seats with safety belts. The seating is on the upper level of the vehicle giving you an almost 360° view of the surrounding scenery.

Our vehicles are designed to allow sufficient luggage storage and are also equipped with lockers to keep all your gear safe.

Our long range diesel and water tanks ensure our self sufficiency in remote areas and the equipment we take with us is also of vital importance. In case of a breakdown we are equipped with a good selection of spare parts as well as a comprehensive tool kit to undertake any necessary repairs on our own as and when we need to.

There may also be times when we get stuck in the sand or mud when travelling off road so all necessary recovery equipment such as sand mats, cables, ropes, shovels and pickaxes are also on board.

We usually carry 400 litres of treated drinking water and we are equipped with a good kitchen which includes all cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, utensils, gas cooker, BBQ grate, tables, etc.

Our vehicle is also equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Comfortable fold up chairs are provided for outdoor seating and we also have a large tarpaulin to keep us dry on those rainy days.

We carry a portable shower and shower tent so you can take a shower every day on this tour if you like, even when we are wild camping in remote areas.

Our vehicles are equipped with USB charging points only so try and bring all of your important electronic devices such as telephone, tablet and head-torch to charge from a USB socket. We do not have a 120V or 240V power supply on the vehicle but you will have the opportunity to charge your 120/240V electronic equipment at the hotel we stay at and towns we visit.

We carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergencies but we do recommend you bring your own for general use.

FOOD & COOKING

Eating well is a very important factor on our expeditions and good food is vital for everyone’s health and well-being. When we are wild camping we usually cook breakfast and the evening meal on the vehicle. In remote areas we may also prepare lunch on the vehicle but on the rare occasions when we are in a town you will be expected to buy your own lunch at a local restaurant.

When staying in the hotel in Ulaanbaatar we will provide breakfast at the accommodation. We will also provide you with a welcome and a farewell dinner. During the Naadam Expedition we will also provide you with a Naadam Gala dinner on the 2nd evening. Lunch and any other evening meals in Ulaanbaatar are at your own expense. Local food is generally very cheap so if you are on a budget then eat what the locals eat. Western restaurants tend to be more expensive.

When we stay in yurts at a ger camp our local Mongolian hosts will provide us with a traditional home-cooked breakfast and evening meal. We sometimes prepare our own lunch when staying in yurts and other times our hosts offer to prepare lunch for you at an additional cost.

20 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 19 evening meals are provided during this expedition.

When it comes to shopping and cooking while camping we will divide ourselves up into groups of 3 or 4 people (depending on group size) who will do their own fresh food shopping, prepare the day’s meals and clean up at the end. This will work out that you roughly get to cook once every 10 days (depending on the group size).

Fresh food is generally available every few days so when we are camping we try to eat meat and vegetables for every main evening meal. We do cater to vegetarians but we do not cater to vegans or fussiness. In these group situations everybody must appreciate we cannot cater to restrictive diets or individual likes and dislikes.

Don’t worry if you are not a gourmet cook as your crew are also always there to give advice.

Our vehicles are equipped with a small fridge which is used for the cook group’s breakfast and dinner food only. For personal food and drinks we have cooler boxes for everyone to use.

Cleanliness plays an important role throughout this expedition and your crew will make sure an acceptable level of general hygiene is maintained throughout your journey to ensure the wellbeing of the group.

CREW

You will have a crew of 1 tour leader, 1 driver and 1 local guide on this tour. On some tours we may also have a cameraman who is there to help market our tours and update our social media.

Your tour leader will be in charge of routes, itineraries, food and accommodation and will ensure the smooth running of the tour. Your tour leader is not a tour guide and will not be giving you the history and facts of every place we visit, you can look up that information yourself or ask the local guide that we provide for you.

Your driver will drive and maintain the vehicle to a high standard but he/she is not a tour guide and may not know all the facts about the countries we travel through.

Your local Mongolian guide will be there to answer any of your questions and communicate with the locals on our behalf.

Your crew will be hand-picked and trained by Dragoman and will have experience of overland travel but they may or may not have done this tour before. They will, however, have detailed notes from previous tours and backup from the office in the UK.

Tipping the crew at the end of your expedition is always appreciated if you feel they have done a good job. People often ask us what amount they should leave as a tip so we recommend you tip your crew a minimum of $50 each at the end of the tour if you feel they have given you good service, thank you.