Mongolia FAQ's

We will send this out in a separate email once you have confirmed your travel dates and trip choice. We have detailed Pre Departure Guidelines that we send out with the booking form as well as other online guides including on safety, horse trekking, and trekking.

Booking Conditions

This is a link to our booking conditions. We will send this out in a separate email once you have confirmed your travel dates and trip choice. We have detailed Pre Departure Guidelines that we send out with the booking form as well as other online guides including on safety, horse trekking, and trekking.

Cancellation By You

• If you decide to cancel your trip, by choice or necessity, up to 10 weeks before departure, we will fully refund your deposit (and balance if paid). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

• If you decide to cancel between 10 and 31 days before departure, we will fully refund your balance (if paid), and your deposit will be held as credit to be used on a different trip instead (with no cut off date. This can be transferred to a friend or family member). Refunds will be made in GBP or US$ excluding fees we incurred to receive your payment and any cancellation fees we incur for domestic flights or accommodation booked at your request. The actual amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on the exchange rate used by your bank.

• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, we will retain the following percentage of your deposit and balance.

Notes
• There is no time limit on when you may use your deposit credit, but it is non-refundable if you decide to cancel in
future
• Failure to join the tour will also mean you forfeit the tour cost. We will deduct the cancellation
charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For tailor made adventures once work is agreed and underway in earnest and time has been spent on creating and costing your experience, we may request a non refundable holding deposit of $450. The required deposit for tailor made experiences will then be 40% of the total cost of the adventure minus the holding deposit, to be paid as soon as the itinerary is finalised.

Travel Protection & Insurance

• Travel and medical insurance is mandatory. It is one of the most important criteria for anyone who travels with us and in the very unlikely event that an emergency occurs your insurance must deliver.

If you’re looking to shop around for insurance we recommend purchasing a specialist travel insurance policy that includes specific cover for Covid-19 related issues and incidents which may affect your travel arrangements as well as cover against personal accident, medical/hospital expenses, emergency repatriation, and death. We strongly advise it also covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, loss of or damage to luggage and personal effects, and emergency helicopter and air-ambulance cover.

Below are a few options:

• World Nomads – Worldwide 
• AXA – Worldwide
• Staysure’s – UK 
• Insure&Go– UK
• Travel & General – UK
• Campbell Irvine – UK 
• Travel Guard/AIG – US

Consider the following:

If you have purchased travel insurance or if you have yet to purchase it, check if you will be covered for the following:

1. Am I covered if my government later warns against ‘essential travel’ to Mongolia?
2. Am I covered if there’s no government advisory to Mongolia, but my flight is cancelled and I can’t travel as a result? If so, what’s covered?

Check to see if your existing policy has cover for cancellation for Covid. If not, ask them if you can get an add-on or upgrade to your existing policy. If not, consider buying another policy. Many travel insurance companies are now offering travellers the option of a Cancel-For-Any-Reason (CFAR) policy add-on. This means, basically, that you can cancel your trip for any reason and be covered for it (or a large percentage of it). If you’re planning a trip and are yet to book, CFAR will offer some peace of mind.

• Remember, your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and medical emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury (including the deterioration of known medical conditions).
• Consider your personal situation before you travel: Your age, your physical condition, and medical history. If you have an underlying health issue, discuss your travel plans with your doctor.  If they recommend that you do not travel you should obtain a letter confirming this from your doctor.  Using this letter you may be able to claim back your Mongolian holiday costs through your travel insurance.

International Flights

We’re a small company and do not book international flights for our guests. However, the following information should be of help.

International Flights To Ulaanbaatar

• Use this link to find flight routes – https://www.flightconnections.com/flights-to-ulaanbaatar-ubn – or the following airlines fly into Ulaanbaatar.
• The flight frequency does change based on the season (not all are daily flights) and winter schedules are often subject to reduced frequency. Sometimes, airlines remove routes depending on popularity.
• MIAT (Mongolian Airlines)
• Aero Mongolia
• Hunnu Air
• Eznis Airways 
•  Air China
• Aeroflot
• Turkish Airlines
• Korean Air
• Asiana Airlines
• Air Busan
• SCAT Airlines 
• Angara Airlines

• Flying with one airline and on one ticket is advisable for long-haul flights involving same-day international connections, as the airlines will simply put you onto the next onward flight if you miss a connection due to their fault. Your baggage should transfer through directly as well. If you are flying with different airlines and on separate tickets, ensure that your connection times are not too tight.

Visas

• As of January 2023, approximately 60 countries are now exempt from requiring a visa for Mongolia. You can find the full list here – https://evisa.mn/en
• For those that require a visa, there is a new online visa system although it can experience hiccups – https://evisa.mn/. We can help with any hiccups!

Be sure to look at our Privacy Policy

You will travel with and experience the friendship of one of our great teams of male Mongolian drivers and English-speaking female Mongolian trip assistants. We do not outsource the logistics of our trips to drivers and guides working the tourism circuit. Instead, we have worked on nurturing our own local operations and provide long-term training, support and employment opportunities to those who want the opportunity to aim to be the best they can be thus supporting them in their aim. This has led to the formation of our small but great team. 

Our Trip Assistants

Our female Mongolian trip assistants are dynamic women who are searching for an opportunity to train for the long-term career opportunities that we provide. You’ll travel with someone who sincerely loves their home country, loves their job and genuinely cares about you as our guests. We are proud to be able to provide a starting block to women in Mongolia. We invite you as our guests to become a part of this philosophy.

Our Drivers

EL employs a team of male drivers and knows each one personally. Their English may be limited and they are not necessarily modern urban types – more the traditional strong and silent type – but they are superb at navigating the Mongolian roads. (Often older or more traditional men are now overlooked by other tour companies who prefer younger more international Mongolians who speak English. But, high unemployment rates and toxic masculinity are two very real issues faced by older more traditional men in Mongolia. By choosing to travel with us you’re helping us to provide long-term employment for our team of older, more traditional male drivers who have experience and accumulated knowledge but who would otherwise struggle to find employment and provide for their extended families. If you take the time to get to know them, you’ll see why EL employs them. As well as handling the challenges of the roads, they are supremely talented at the Mongolian skill of ‘mongolchlokh’ – improvising the Mongol way.)

Meet Our Team

We work with a network of local people, families and projects throughout the country. These are long-term local community partnerships we have built up over the almost two decades we have been based here. These are also our own personal friendships.

We never ask anyone to change their daily living for us.  We do not try to change Mongolians or their way of life for our/your own benefit or comfort. We don’t ask them to change their daily schedule or to put on an ‘act’ as this would lead to a contrived experience. Nothing is planned in any program, because we do not disturb the rhythm of life of the working families visited. We are just trying to share/experience a portion of their life and to help provide additional long-term support in doing so.

Our Community Partnerships

• Included meals will be provided mainly by your local team. Since each of our vehicles contains a simple kitchen, it offers considerable freedom and flexibility. It also allows for picnic lunches en route (and gives you lots of time to stretch your legs and do a little exploring). 
• The majority of Mongolians still eat meat and for Mongolia’s herders, it is an essential part of their diet. But we understand that you might be vegetarian or that you may be a meat eater but not want mutton every night and our meals tend to be based around a vegetarian main with a meat accompaniment. However, due to the remote locations and the lack of facilities, there will naturally, but occasionally, be limitations in place. (If you’re the type of person that must have five pieces of fruit a day then you may struggle.) But you can count on meals that will be tasty and filling. We take food miles into consideration and the team is encouraged to purchase local seasonal produce to help support each community we pass en route.
• We can provide for vegetarians and those with dietary requirements and food allergies. However, you are personally responsible for providing clear information regarding dietary needs or details of any allergies during your initial enquiry so we can assess whether it is something we can accommodate and/orhelp you to understand well in advance what you might realistically expect.
• In Ulaanbaatar, there is a wide range of local Mongolian restaurants and international options. There are Japanese, Italian, Indian, Ukrainian, French, Mexican, American and even North Korean restaurants to name a few. Vegetarians are well represented, too, with a surprising number of meat-free, vegan restaurants. Most pubs and bars also serve food. We include details in our guide to UB which forms part of your Welcome Pack.
• Learn more in our guide – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/vegetarian-options-in-mongolia/

If you have any concerns or questions just get in touch with Jess.

• As much as possible we use rural family operated ger accommodation. We prefer to support this local form of accommodation as it helps provide a supplementary income and extra financial security for them meaning they are one step further away from having to consider urban migration.
• These are all families we work in long-term local community partnership with – we NEVER turn up unannounced and we never just turn up to a herding family demanding accommodation.
• The circumstances and type of ger accommodation provided will change from family to family. Consider them as small rural businesses NOT rustic luxury homestays. Be prepared for a variety of standards. Please remember that this is someone’s way of life and home and that they provide what they can in relation to their circumstances.
• Beds will vary in comfort – most rural family members still traditionally sleep on the floor so don’t really understand the concept of double memory foam mattresses!
• You should have your own private ger either to share as a group but we don’t offer exclusivity as this limits the income of the families so do expect other westerners during peak times.We try to get the right balance but during peak season please accept that you might see other westerners
• Toilets (Familes & Homestays) – Some will be better than expected. Some will be worse than expected. Most will outside long (or short) drop Asian style and if it is at a family home then the toilet will be shared by you and the family. The toilets are not there to disgust you – this is the reality of life on the ground.
• Showers (Familes & Homestays) – Most Mongolians visit the local town shower house. So this is what you do as well. It gives you an introduction to real daily life for a majority of Mongolians in both urban and rural areas as well as a hot shower. You get your own private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life- Most Mongolians visit the local town shower house. So this is what you do as well. It gives you an introduction to real daily life for a majority of Mongolians in both urban and rural areas as well as a hot shower. You get your own private cubicle with plenty of hot water. Queue with the locals and enjoy experiencing a little of their daily way of life.

Mongolia is a relatively safe country for travelers. Most crimes are opportunistic and concentrated in Ulaanbaatar, with pickpocketing being the most common. Using common sense is your best safeguard—stay cautious, but there’s no need to be overly worried.

Mongolia is also a relatively healthy destination, but we recommend consulting a travel doctor about necessary vaccinations and medications to bring with you.

We assume you are in good health and possess the fitness level required for your chosen tour. If you have any illnesses, disabilities, or medical conditions, whether ongoing or in recovery, it is crucial that you inform us at the time of booking.

 Emergency Backup and Safety Measures

Traveling in remote areas means we take your health and safety very seriously. Our trip assistants have received basic first aid training through the Mongolian Red Cross and will provide care to the best of their abilities until professional medical help is available. The tour vehicle is also at your disposal in case of emergencies. However, it is essential that you have travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation.

We’ve prepared General Safety Guidelines to ppovide an overview of what to expact and look out for and you can access them here.

We have comprehensive risk assessments in place and are a member of the Cornerstone Safety Group.

• Although Mongolia is a democracy, members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mongolia face challenges and stigma not experienced by non-LGBTQIA+ people. As reported elsewhere, in general, homophobia (homosexuality was legalized in Mongolia in 2003) as well as prejudice and discrimination towards the LGBTQIA+ community in Mongolia are not considered a religious but a nationalist problem and are due to a lack of awareness and education with more traditional, older or conservative Mongolians rejecting the LGBTQIA+ community because they see it as a concept that is alien to the country’s traditions and beliefs.
• However, although a percentage of the population still has more traditional views,  two-thirds of the population has been born since the country left the USSR in the early 1990s and attitudes are changing although very very slowly and not throughout all levels of society.
• There is a LGBT centre  in Ulaanbaatar (https://www.facebook.com/LGBTtuv/ – opened in 2007)and it organises a Pride Parade although this remains small. There is also a bar dedicated to the LGBT community (https://www.facebook.com/didihzub) although it was closed during the pandemic and its location does change.
• If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and visiting Mongolia, our main advice is to respect that you’re a visitor to Mongolia and that not all members of Mongolian society are entirely ready to accept or understand the LGBTQIA+ community. Our main suggestion is to be careful with public displays of affection – especially in and around bars.
• In regards to EL, you will be warmly welcomed by your EL team and the families we work in partnership with. 
• You might find the following links/articles interesting
  • https://macongolia.com/2018/12/09/being-lgbt-in-mongolia/
  •  https://globalvoices.org/2020/08/21/for-lgbtq-people-in-mongolia-stigma-is-a-fact-of-life/
  • https://adnchronicles.org/2023/05/26/more-pride-and-less-prejudice/

Mongolia is a relatively safe country in which to travel as a foreign woman, especially if you are joining a group trip or a tour company. However, as with any country, there are cultural issues to be aware of and the same safety cautions apply as at home. For instance, alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to encounters with intoxicated individuals, and there is a possibility of unwanted attention or mild harassment from men.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us. You can also access our dedicated guide for female travelers here.

Please get in touch with any questions you may have or you can access our specific guide for female travellers here.

Taxis
In Ulaanbaatar, do not take informal taxis (private cars waved down from the side of the road). If you need a taxi, it is better to get your accommodation or the restaurant to book you one from an official taxi company. See Taxis in this chapter.

Sanitary Items
A wide range of sanitary products are available throughout Ulaanbaatar. In rural areas, there will be less choice of brands. Consider stocking up before departing Ulaanbaatar. Sanitary disposal can also be limited but please do not bury any sanitary items. Although not ideal, wrap them and bring them with you until you can dispose of them in a responsible manner.

Dress Code
There are no specific dress codes and Mongolian women dress in contemporary style fashions but in the more traditional rural areas consider avoiding wearing revealing clothes if you’re travelling alone.

Please see our dedicated page – https://www.eternal-landscapes.co.uk/accessible-travel-mongolia/

I’m a solo traveller, will I have to share a room?

• A majority of our ger accommodation is provided by local families we work in long-term local community partnership with. The number of gers they can provide is limited.
• For private tailor-made trips, you will have your own ger but it could be that other travellers are staying in additional gers provided by the family.
• For our small group trips, the group will be split between gers as appropriate but it could be that other travellers are staying in additional gers provided by the family.

Tourist Ger Camps

• A majority of our ger accommodation is provided by local families we work in long-term local community partnership with. The number of gers they can provide is limited.
• For private tailor-made trips, you will have your own ger to share but it could be that other travellers are staying in additional gers provided by the family.
• For our small group trips, the group will be split between gers as appropriate – typically on a twin-share basis. If enough single gers are available, we will arrange single rooms but expect an additional cost.

Hotel Accommodation When On Tour

• A couple of our itineraries include hotel accommodation. These are small local hotels with limited rooms.
• For private tailor-made trips, you will have the number of rooms your group size requires.
• For our small group trips, the group will be split between rooms as appropriate – typically on a twin-share basis. If enough single rooms are available, we will arrange single rooms but expect an additional cost.

What happens if official travel advice updates while I am away to warn against all but essential travel in my destination?

Can I get a refund if I don’t want the Covid-19 vaccine but Mongolia decides only to accept fully-vaccinated travellers?