GER to GER focuses on small groups

Ger to Ger prefers smaller groups. Traveling on a small group holiday is more flexible and allows you to be less conspicuous.  You travel and eat with the local people, stay in smaller and visit places inaccessible to larger groups. In a small group, it’s much easier to get off the beaten track, meet with people and experience authentic local life. Not only does this minimize our impact on the environment, it also makes for a better, more inspiring experience for you.

How and When to Book Ger to Ger Trips

Early booking is highly recommended to ensure that you get the trip you desire to travel on. We do have basic group limitations 1) herder families’ capacity 2) existing bookings – if we have other bookings on your date, you may join those groups if your initial trip didn’t meet the minimum requirement and/or is already maxed out. If that is the case, GER to GER will send you alternatives that you may consider. Once we receive your advance booking confirmation we will provide a receipt of your deposit via a booking confirmation email.

GER to GER Communications in the Outback 

If you do use GSM phone, it will work in Mongolia if you have international roaming covering the region (typically its good to set it to SMS roaming, as its more reliable for communication than calling). However its always good to have a backup, we do recommend purchasing a local SIM/chip – signal strength varies outside of main points but you will be able to get a signal in Ulaanbaatar, its surroundings, the provincial capitals, and towns (soum centers).

Health and Safety Communications

During trips to remote locations, our nomadic families are equipped with cell phones and providing health and natural disaster assistance and evacuation during emergencies. GER to GER coordinates emergency evacuation services with all required authorities including emergency medical services, travel insurance providers, etc., in Ulaanbaatar and abroad. At all times, our Ulaanbaatar based staff is available to assist in emergency and problematic situations. GER to GER is proven as a dedicated organization that works around the clock to ensure that all travelers’ health and safety are adequately ensured via our rural/city networks in a timely manor.

Weather Related Communications

Less disastrous situations, sometimes mother nature doesn’t always cooperate with our itineraries, and part of the quirky charm that is travelling in a place like Mongolia is that your vehicle, or even your airplane may get stuck in mud, the local lams may consult the moon and decide to move a festival date by a couple days, or you may happen upon an unexpected celebration in a village that just can’t be missed. Don’t worry, our field and office staffs are always in contact via mobile phone or other mysterious means, and we will make adjustments accordingly in order to assure your safety and enjoyment.

The following information should give you a good idea of how Ger to Ger trips are run. For more detailed information about a particular trip, we encourage you to contact us.

International Baggage Related Travel Information

On international flight you will generally restricted to 20-30kg and on domestic flight, you are allowed only 15kg. Packing everything in a soft bag or backpack (with carabiners) will make it easier to load into vehicles and to pack on animals rather than in a suitcase or trunk is highlight recommended.

GER to GER General Age and Suitability Related Travel Information

Our packages are suitable for almost everybody and age is rarely a factor; unless there are serious medical related matters that we should be aware of. A willingness to be involved, a good sense of humor, an easy sense of mutual respect for those of different cultures, a flexible manor and character with locals (Mongolia is a developing country), an eager desire to experience new and unusual situations will ensure you will greatly enjoy your cultural adventure regardless of your age. However, please do consult with us as some of our trips are challenging and/or physically demanding.

Recommended travel routes for children under 12 years of age:

• Quest for the last Emperor 3-6days route in Bulgan
• Nomadic lifestyle 2-6days route in Terelj National Park

In reality, Ger to Ger does not have a ‘profit margin’ built in for discounts as we are non-for-profit organization, however, we also do recognized the importance of not insisting on full payment for children under 12 years of age. After much consideration, we have decided the following:

We insist all travelers to take our Responsible Travel Orientation Lesson for $25.00 (per person) that includes info packets, cultural and language lessons, etc.

We will not charge children under 12 years of age that are traveling with their parents, however, parents must attend. We have found services that are not needed to be rendered in full to children under 12 years of age and this also allows us to reduce the price a little more. Therefore children between 6 and 12 can pay 75% of community and 1-5 can pay 50% of community fee.

International Travel Insurance

For personal benefit and peace of mind, we strongly recommend travel insurance for you and anyone that you are traveling with. Policies must provide adequate cover for the loss or personal items and any potential medical expenses. GER to GER highly recommends that you purchase your Travel Insurance from World Nomads – http://www.worldnomads.com/

GER to GER Health & Safety

GER to GER has enjoyed nearly a decade of high level of client safety – below is one of many links that you can explore to gather more health & safety related information in preparation to your great Mongolia Adventure.

http://www.peaktopeak.net/stay_alive.html

Climate and Travel Season

Mongolia’s travel and tourism season is mainly between June through October; though special interest travelers enjoy traveling to Mongolia year-round. Mongolia’s summer extremes reach as high as 38° C in the southern Gobi region and 33° C in Ulaanbaatar City. Ulaanbaatar is located at 1,351 meters above sea level in the Tuul Gol river valley and owing to its location in the north, it receives an annual average of 31 centimeters of precipitation; almost all of which falls in July and in August.

International Tourist Visas for Mongolia

Mongolia grants visa-free access to citizens of 42 countries and territories between June 25, 2014 and December 31, 2015. For more information, please contact us or Mongolian Embassy in your country. GER to GER only provides official tourist visa invitations to those that have confirmed their booking and have paid a deposit. If you are citizen of China or Taiwan GER to GER will need to apply for visa on behalf of you at the Immigration Office in Mongolia with your passport copies and visa form. Once we successfully submitted your documents you can visit the Mongolian Embassy with your passport in 3-5 business days to obtain your visa.

For more detailed information please kindly visit the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Getting to Mongolia by Air

For those traveling by air,  Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the major international airport that is located in 14.7 kilometers southwest of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian Airlines and Hunnu Air serve Mongolia with direct flights from Germany, France, Russia, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China, connecting to everywhere in the world.

Getting to Mongolia by Land

For those traveling via land, the Trans-Siberian Railway made up of 7925 kilometers of continuous rail-line links Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia with Moscow and Vladivostok, Russia and Beijing, China. The journey from Ulaanbaatar to Moscow takes about 5 days and from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing takes about 32 hours. If you require assistance in booking train tickets, please contact us via our General Contact Form.

GER to GER Packing List

Below is a general packing list for summer and other recommended items for winter. Items such as tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and riding helmets are also available for rental from our office. Recommended summer packing list:

• Tent
• Basic first aid/personal medications (medical tape, band aids, medicine, etc.)
• Antibiotics and aspirin
• Re-hydration mixes
• Antibiotic swipes for cuts and scratches
• Clothing (for warm, cool and rainy weather)
• Water bottle (cold and boiled water)
• Backpack
• Sleeping bag – rated comfortable down to -5C for summer trips, -15C to -20C for spring and autumn, and -40C for winter
• Waterproof bag covers for when you are trekking/horse riding
• Ponchos – Great for trekking in the rain and keeping your saddle dry
• Waterproof pants
• Mongolian language phrase books
• Books about Mongolia history or nomadism are great!
• Fleece jacket or warm sweater
• Cotton t-shirts and socks
• Long sleeve shirts
• Lightweight traveling pants with zip-off legs to be worn as shorts and are fast drying is better.
• Fast drying socks that keeps moisture out
• Hat and bandanna
• Long underwear
• Headlamps/flash lights
• Spare batteries
• Toilet paper
• Towel
• Riding and/or hiking boots for trekking and horse riding
• Tevas and/or water shoes for crossing rivers
• Riding helmet for horse treks
• Resealing (ziploc) plastic bags – bring enough to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from wetness, sand, and dust. A few extra bags are handy for repacking wet clothing until you reach your next camp and can dry them out
• Water bottle that can carry both hot boiled water and cold
• Binoculars/camera – carry in a soft padded case if possible
• Wet tissues – choose unscented ones that will not attract insects
• Watch/alarm clock – an inexpensive watch with an alarm is a handy item
• Casual clothes for travel/city – you may want to bring an extra folding bag so you can leave any spare items in the hotel or at our offices
• Insurance confirmation copy – must be left on file in our offices
• Emergency contact number – must be left on file in our offices

Electricity – What to Bring

Mongolia’s voltage is 220V, the same as the EU standards – USA will need to bring a converter, most sockets use two-prong connections that are sometimes thin rounded pins. As there are no strict standards on electric sockets in Mongolia, you might find different sizes and shapes; so please do bring a multi-pin adapter. In addition to adapters, we highlighly recommend that you bring solar power charger with you too – i.e. Goal Zero, etc.

Other items for winter:

• Clothing (for warm, cool and rainy weather)
• Sleeping bag – rated comfortable down to -40C
• Winter jacket
• Long underwear and top
• Fleece jacket or warm wool sweater
• Wool hat, gloves, hand-warmers, etc.
• Scarf
• Warm winter boots that can be worn while riding horses and/or hiking
• Mongolia’s Currency Policy

We do have some camping equipments for rent – our price list is shown below.

Note that prices will be different depend on rental duration.

LAW OF MONGOLIA ON MAKING PAYMENTS AND SETTLEMENTS IN NATIONAL CURRENCY

09 July 2009, the State Palace, Ulaanbaatar

PAYMENTS AND SETTLEMENTS TO BE MADE IN NATIONAL CURRENCY

Article 4. Consumption of national currency

4.1 Prices of goods, works and services shall by expressed by, and payments and settlements shall be made in only national currency on the territory of Mongolia and setting prices, making payments and settlements and announcing and promotion in foreign currency, calculation units shall be prohibited without an official consent of the Mongol Bank, except as provided in clause 4.4 of this Law.

4.2 Any settlements to be made from the state and local budgets, and to be financed by the budget shall be made in national currency and it shall be prohibited to make these settlements in foreign currency.

4.3 Definitions of amounts of fees, commissions and liability in laws and regulations of Mongolia shall be expressed in only togrog.

4.4 Monetary deposits, loans, any similar services of bank and nonbank financial organizations, a contract to enter in relation to financial derivative instruments and binding obligations under the contract may be expressed, and its performance may be completed in foreign currency.

Local Currency and Exchange Rates

The local currency is called “Tugrug” or MNT; as of April 2015 the exchange rate floats between 1900 and 1980 Tugrugs to the USD. You can check the official exchange rate from www.mongolbank.mn

The preferred foreign currency for exchange purposes is USD or Euro, but Pounds Sterling, Russian Rubles and Chinese RMB can also be exchanged in many places in Ulaanbaatar. If you bring USD, make sure the notes were printed after 1995 (the big heads rather than the small ones). Please kindly note that $50 and $100 bills will get a better exchange rate than smaller bills; ATMs are open 24/7 around Ulaanbaatar – they only withdraw in MNT with a limitation of 400,000 MNT (200USD =/-) per withdrawal. If you require more MNT you will need to make several withdrawals.

Does Mongolia Require Vaccinations?

Yes, it’s recommended to have your COVID vaccination prior to arriving in Mongolia, please check with your local health authorities or your doctor for updated information prior to your departure.

The World Health Organization recommends that all travellers be covered for diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and polio, regardless of their destination. As most vaccines do not produce immunity until at least two weeks after they are given, visit a physician at least six weeks before departure.

Specialized travel-medicine clinics are your best source of information; they stock vaccines and will be able to give specific recommendations for you and your trip; this is especially important for children and pregnant women. Ask your doctor for an International Certificate of Vaccination, which will list all of the vaccinations you have received, and take it with you.

Office, Pre-Departure Orientation and Booking of Rural Bus, Rural Jeep, Camping Equipments and Community Services – Travel Guide, Travel Suggestions, Travel Tips, Maps and Equipment to get around Mongolia

All travelers must visit our office 2 days before departing on Ger to Ger travel for booking, payment and travel orientation policy. This includes filling in booking and disclaimer forms, Book and pay for rural bus tickets, settle any remaining payments: transportation (public bus and rural vehicle),travel orientation, and community fees.

Generally the mandatory pre-travel orientation lesson will typically take a couple of hours – lessons are offered twice a day at 10am and again at 4pm to which afterwards you will receive your travel pass.

Click here to access Google Maps Link to GER to GER Office

(print or use your device to locate us in Mongolia)

Rural Transportation Map for Public and Rural Buses, Private Rural Buses and Taxis across Mongolia – Travel Distances, Travel Guide, Travel Suggestions and Travel Tips

GEOGRAPHY AND TRAVEL TIPS!

Please contact us for the most recent resource information on how to get around Mongolia by using public buses and rural vehicles as well as recommended listing of locations that we may and may not travel too by Ger to Ger. Please keep in mind that travel times to certain highlight locations have changed recently owing to proper paved roads – ie: Mandalgovi (now 4 to 5 hours), Dalangazad (now 8 to 10 hours), etc. Please ask our office when you arrive for the most recent detailed travel times.

Road Notes: Though most of Mongolia’s road are off-road (not paved) in the last few years there has been a massive effort to pave roads to key locations i.e. UB – Arkhangai, UB – Mandalgovi – Dalangazad, etc. Owing to these recent road developments most travelers will be traveling in “proper” coach buses (air condition, comfortable seats, etc.) from Ulaanbaatar to many provincial centers throughout Mongolia and then transfer via jeep to our rural routes.

Staying with Nomadic Families – Basic Info

GER to GER’s focus in on bridging rural inhabitants and nomadic families with the greater tourism and travel industry – hence most of your rural stays in remote locations will be with nomadic families. This is where every traveler should become Ethnologist Explorers as it provides your the approach to immerse their ancient cultural ways of life.

Most of the time, to minimize our impacts, travelers will overnight in the nomadic families’ extra ger (bring or rent a bag, etc.) while during the day-time you’ll spend most of your days in the families’ gers. Most nomadic families do not have formal toilets in their summer camps, though they make use of covered outdoor “pits” the landscape views are amazing! Please keep in mind that there will not be any proper showering facilities while staying with the nomadic families (you can bring a solar shower bag, etc.). Typically, nomadic families use basins in their gers or a nearby river for washing themselves. As for hot water for drinks, yes the nomadic families will provide you with boiled drinking water throughout your trip but please don’t forget to bring your water container or bottle.

Local Foods

The local diet is heavily based on meat all year-round though in the summer Mongolian nomads make a variety of dairy products. Beside meat, Mongolians eat a lot of rice, noodles and fried dough. Meat is almost always well-cooked, most of the milk is pasteurized but if you have any doubts, please consult with your families. Local food tends to be greasy or fatty, and although basic vegetables are common fruits will become less available the deeper you travel into Mongolia’s rural locations.

Information related to Stomach Illnesses

The most commonly experienced stomach disorder is slight constipation, rather than diarrhea as most of the foods are fresh and well cooked. If you regularly eat lots of fiber, we recommend you to bring a powdered fiber drink or something similar with you as a supplement.

Recommendation for Vegetarian Travelers

Basic information for vegetarians; please let us know in advance.

Mongolian food is highly dependent on meat and diet causing the dry continental climate. After a diet heavy on meat in winter, Mongolians have dairy products starting from late spring ‘to clean the stomach’ and dairy products are the main dish of Mongolians in summer.

Our nomadic families can serve you following foods:

• All kinds of dairy products /cheese, dried curds, yogurt, milk, cream etc/
• Cooked rice
• Homemade cookies & bread
• Steamed vegetable /usually carrot, cabbage, onion, potato and garlic/ etc.,
• Recommended foods you can bring with:
• Dried fruits
• Packed soups
• Instant noodles
• Nuts etc

You can find plenty of pre-made soy meat that is perfect for travel and ready for eating at the State Department Store