Travel Tips
Health & Safety
You should always have medical insurance arranged before traveling to Mongolia. Medical bills, especially when a medical evacuation is needed, can be substantial. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Foreign nationals requiring medical treatment in Mongolia, are required to pay 80% of the total cost when receiving treatment. The remaining balance paid after treatment. We advise you wear a helmet when riding animals. If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial +976 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company as soon as possible to inform them of what has happened. There have been isolated incidents of bubonic plague in some rural areas of Mongolia, caught by consuming marmot meat. The meat is a delicacy in some rural areas although it is illegal to hunt for marmot in Mongolia.
When travelling in rural areas, you should avoid marmot meat and follow the latest advice from the local authorities. If you think you have been exposed to Bubonic Plague whilst traveling in Mongolia, you should immediately report to the nearest hospital and call the National Infectious Disease Centre on +976 100. Due to the size of the county, those injured in remote parts of the country may have long travel times before reaching the nearest medical facility. The cost of treatment is fixed, and most procedures are costed so you should be able to confirm the cost before treatment. You should always carry a first aid kit, have supplies of over-the-counter medicines you may require for your trip. You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you, and spare, just in case.
Traveling across the Mongolian countryside can be difficult and potentially dangerous if you are not familiar with the terrain. Mongolia does not have an extensive road network. You may need to follow tracks in the dust, mud, or sand and there will not necessarily be other traffic to follow if these give out. People traveling in Mongolia should be aware of local road conditions, and weather forecasts and have researched the areas they will travel through. The knowledge of a local guide or driver can be an advantage.
Global Positioning Systems do not always function reliably and there are large areas of the country without mobile phone coverage. It is recommended that you take backup communications like a satellite phone, plenty of water, and provisions. Make a contingency plan and make sure someone knows your route and expected times of arrival and departure.
Cultural Shocks
FAQ
The best time to visit Mongolia is between May to October. During this time, you will be able to travel to the most beautiful places and can participate in different traditional festivals. In May and October, the weather is dry and a bit windy. July and August, tend to be the wettest months but still depend on the climate of that year. June and September are quite similar, warm and dry.
Mongolian visas will be issued by Embassy of Mongolia in your country. Do not forget to attach your invoice and confirmation letter which was provided by Altai Expedition as an appendix to your visa application form. For more information, please visit to www.MongoliaVisa.com From this year, it is possible to apply online for a visa to travel to Mongolia for most countries.