Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to come to Mongolia?
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.
How do I get to Mongolia?
All direct flights come into Ulaanbaatar – most of them from Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Tokyo or Berlin. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing makes a particularly exhilarating entry into the country. There are domestic flights and trains from Ulaanbaatar to the rest of Mongolia. Many of the tours use a 4WD Japanese and Korean vehicle to transport you to your destination.
Would you be able to arrange for my flights to Ulaanbataar?
As we are based in Ulaanbaatar, we are also able to book a cheap and convenient air ticket that starting above cities for you. Please fill out the inquiry form with your requirements and we will contact you with a quote for flights within 2 working days.
What visa requirements are there?
Some citizens (such as US and Singapore) are no need to obtain tourist visa to Mongolia within 30 days. Click here to learn more Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. If there is no Mongolia embassy in your country, one month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station. There will also be a visa fee of $53US. We will supply an official confirmation letter (by email or post) for your visa application once you book a trip with us.
Is Mongolia a safe destination?
Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and compared to the US and Europe, is considered a very safe destination. Mongolian people are known for their nomadic hospitality and they will make you feel very welcome.
What is the accommodation like?
If you are staying in Ulaanbaatar, you will be in a 3 or 4 star hotel. During any trips around the country, you will be camping in tents and in traditional Mongolian Ger. All accommodation offered by Black Ibex is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.
What is tourist ger camp? Can I plug my hair dryer or electric razor in my ger?
The tourist camps use traditional Ger (national dwelling of Mongolia) for accommodation and these sleep 2-4 people. The Ger camps also have a separate washing block that contains western style flushing toilets in cubicles and shower cubicles. There are also laundry, eating and shopping facilities and you can charge up camera batteries and plug other electric items in the camps also. Click here to learn more about Ger
What should I bring with me?
Warm thin layers of clothing, waterproof jacket, good walking boots, sandals and a hat and/or headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don’t forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ); all your camera equipment and binoculars and perhaps some snacks to eat between meal times.
How’s the food?
Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! Tourist camps provide western meals. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.
Do I need vaccinations and how is the water safe to drink?
No vaccinations are required. The tap water in the cities is safe to drink, but mineral water is recommended. We will supply mineral water during your trip.
Where can I exchange my money?
US Dollars are often accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local currency, the Tugrik. 1USD=1180 Tugrik /Oct 2007/ Any bank in Mongolia will be more than happy to exchange your currency, as will most of the hotels you'll stay in.
Can I bring traveler's cheques?
Several banks accept and issue Travelers Check. But Credit cards are preferred over traveler's cheques. You can also withdraw cash from any ATM in all major towns. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB card are acceptable. It is almost impossible to use your credit cards in the countryside.
What credit cards do you accept?
We accept Visa and MasterCard as methods of payment.
Do I need travel insurance, and if so, what should it cover?
Although not required, we recommend that our tour participants purchase a standard travel insurance policy through your insurance company. This is an affordable and comprehensive travel protection program that covers you for unexpected events that could cause you to cancel or interrupt your vacation, unexpected delays, medical assistance, loss of or damage to baggage.
How many people will be with me on the tour?
On all of our scheduled group tours, the number varies from one group to another. However, we keep our groups small with an average size group of 4-14 people.
Do you organize private tours?
We offer private tours to individuals, families, and groups. Our private tours include a wide range of activities from cultural explorations, archeology to exhilarating outdoor adventures (Altai Mountain Trekking, Horse and Camel riding, Gobi desert expeditions, and much more).
What would be the extra cost for customizing this trip?
We are able to organize any of our scheduled trips privately for more than 2 people as private if tour date doesn’t meet your schedule or you want to travel with your family or friends. There will be an extra cost of US$ 200-400 per person depending on group size and the trip you want to take.
What other nationalities will be on the tour with me?
Black Ibex Expeditions sells its scheduled group tours in more than 20 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to expect between 4-12 different nationalities on any one tour, i.e., (Americans, Australians, Italians, Canadians, Germans, English, Swiss, New Zealanders, French, Spanish and Dutch). Most of the time, our travelers enjoy that experience and end up building ties with other people from the tour that can last for a lifetime.
Do you recommend early arrival?
Yes, early arrival might be recommended if your flights take long time or due to time differences between our countries. In this case, we can book you hotel room at discounted rate.
Why should I choose Black Ibex Expeditions?
Black Ibex Expeditions is recognized as a tour operator by the Ministry of Roads, Transportation and Tourism and is a member of Mongolian Tourism Association. We are committed to providing high quality, flexible and well-designed travel products and services to meet the needs of our clients. We work hard to ensure that your memories of Mongolia will be ones you will treasure for a lifetime. |
