FAQs for Travelers

This section is being developed to answer some of the questions that travelers have prior to traveling to Mongolia. As for socio-cultural, language, etc., these are covered in great detail during your in-country orientation lesson at our office prior to departure.

If you are planning to travel Mongolia independently, please have a look at: What to pack when traveling Mongolia independently

Online Travel and Safety Resources

Peak to Peak: Trail and Wilderness Safety Resouce Links

Can Ger to Ger arrange VISAs?

Ger to Ger is a non-for-profit project operating under Mongolian Alternatives Center (NGO) as the regional representative office for community services and products. We are not a travel agency nor a tour operator, so currently we do not have this service available in 2007. We highly recommend that you contact your local Mongolian Embassy and/or refer to our partner page of Tour Operators that may be able to assist you.

Why are Ger to Ger prices not packaged together?

It is the goal of Ger to Ger to educate independent travelers on rural costs so that you will learn how to more effectively travel in rural Mongolia. The reality is that owing to the lack of rural travel knowledge and experience many travelers get stuck in bottleneck locations, it is for this reason we clearly show how much of your money goes to transportation, how much goes towards community fees, etc.

We truly wish that your money reaches areas of Mongolia that tourism industry doesn't operate, that is why Ger to Ger wishes to share its professional travel experience with you in this manner.

When staying with Nomadic Families why must we camp?

By camping you are conserving and actively participating in nomadic heritage; you are creating a “Saahalt”

When you pitch you tent you will be surprised how the family members will often help you out, as this is in line with their cultural heritage. When family relatives or friends move and live near one another this is called a nomadic “Saahalt”. It is customary for members of the family to show their support and often combine their resources (humand, livestock, food, etc.) with the members of the “Saahalt”. Every relative member and/or friends of the Saahalt must have their own ger to form a Saahalt. It is this fundamental concept that ensures the long term sustainability of participating Nomadic families and their communities. There are numerous reasons for our camping approach as we don't want to create unnecessary tensions between the families and travelers, as described in the following:

Authenticity: Nomadic families are extremely hospitable people and often never decline an opportunity to show off this strong characteristic. Travelers will be in the Ger from morning till evening, and during this time herders often give you 100% of their time, its only in the evenings we like to give everyone their personal space. Tourism is an alternative income generating opportunity for nomadic families; nomadism is their lifestyle and tourism hospitality is an activity - not a lifestyle.

Mobilize Existing Assets: Many families have only 2 beds in a ger. The husband and wife often sleep with their small children and/or grandparents. Maybe for the 1st night it is a novelty, but that quickly goes away as every night you see the families that you are visiting are sleeping on the floor of the ger. This often makes everyone uncomfortable. Trust our experience, as we wish you to have a pleasant experience without feelings of guilt.


Health: It is easy for nomadic families to get common colds owing to the demand of their lifestyle. Many families do not have access to medicines so they often tough it out. If you stay with families that are not well it is easy to get sick yourself. On Ger to Ger routes you must be in good health as traveling between gers whether by horseback, trekking, etc., all requires a healthy and rested body.

Gear: Mongolian gers are very hospitable points that are always open to nearby families to visit and share news. Sometimes visiting people maybe curious and take a look into your personal items while you are not present. Many would assume that the hosting family themselves have intruded into your privacy, and this creates unnecessary tensions. Tents when fully zipped, provide you with added privacy that Mongolians respect.

Personal Space: Many families are very attentive to your needs to the extent where they watch everything that you do. This is not considered to be rude in Mongolia as being very 'carrying'. For many travelers this 'attention' is overwhelming while eating, walking, journal writing, reading, sleeping, etc. All agree that tents are a perfect heaven for the weary persons that wants some alone time (especially on 3+ day trips!).

Testimonials: Ger to Ger has numerous testimonies from travelers that all report that the best way to go is by TENT.

Our Ulaanbaatar office can recommend equipment rental shops

What general services are included Community Fees?

Herder groups generally provide the following services:

• Breakfast, lunch, dinner and farewell lunch or dinner
• Herder guide
• Camel cart/ox cart/horse riding
• Sightseeing
• Guided tour information
• Nomadic culture /milk cow, game, etc/
• Overnight in Ger (only at Elsen Tasarhai Community)

What general services are not included Community Fees?

Items that you will need to bring and/or rent locally (we'll help):

• Tent
• Basic first aid (band aids, medicine, etc.)
• Clothing (for warm, cool and rainy weather)
• Water bottle (cold and boild water)
• Backpack