Accommodation: Only in the capital you can find good hotels (from 1 to 4 stars), and there is also the possibility to stay in a house with a local family. Outside the capital the best and more common solution are ger camps. The “ger” is the typical dwelling of Mongolian nomads living in the steppes. It is more similar to a house than to a tent: as a matter of fact it has a circular wooden structure covered with felt and a floor of mats.

Clothing: Nights in Mongolia can be very cold even in summer, therefore it is necessary to bring suitable clothes. Also sunscreen and hat, as well as mosquito repellent and raincoat are essential and highly recommended.

Climate: With an annual average of over 260 days of sunshine, Mongolia is justifiably called the "Land of eternal blue sky". The climate is in general continental with long, harsh winters and relatively hot summers. Most rain falls in July and August but showers tend to be short and weather changes suddenly. The best time to travel is from mid-May to September. In Gobi desert the temperature range between night and day can be 30° C.

Electricity: 220V, 50 Hz, European-style 2 pole-sockets. Gers are equipped with electric current to recharge batteries.

Guides and Translators: As hardly any foreign languages are spoken outside the capital, a guide or translator is essential. MDT provides experienced guides speaking English, German, French, and Russian.

Getting to Mongolia : Air: There are flights to Ulaanbaatar via Moscow with Aeroflot, via Berlin and Moscow with Miat (Mongolian airline), via Beijing with different airlines that stop there and go on with Air China and Miat. Train: from Moscow (5 nights/6 days) and from Beijing (1 night/2 days). For more details please contact us.

Health: Mongolia is generally a healthy country to travel in. Hospitals are available in Ulaanbaatar . If you require particular medication, take an adequate supply with you. No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Mongolia . All our cars are equipped with first-aid kits in case of emergency.

Language: The official language is Mongolian. Foreign languages spoken mainly in the cities include English, Russian, German, and French.

Money: Tugrik, 1US$ = 1100 Tugrik (April 2005). To pay cash it is better to have US$. Credit cards are accepted only in the larger hotels and restaurants. Traveller's Cheques can be changed only in bank but with a very high exchange rate.

People and Population: The population of Mongolia is approximately 2.5 million people living on a surface of more than 1.5 million of square kilometres. The majority (86%) are Khalkh Mongols. Other ethnic groups include Kazaks (6%) in western Mongolia , the Tsaatan or reindeer people (only about 200 people) in the north of Mongolia and more than twenty other tribes of Mongolian or Turkic descent.

Public Holidays and Festivals: Shiin Jil (new Years day), 1st January; Tsagaan Sar (lunar new year) January/February (acc to lunar calendar); Buddha's birthday, May/June (acc to lunar calendar); Mother & Children's day, 1st June; Naadam (national day), 11-13 July; Independence Day, 26 November.

Religion: Buddhist Lamaism (94%), Islam (6%). Still there is a strong influence of Shamanism, especially in northern Mongolia .

Roads: Except in and around the cities there are few paved roads. Therefore travelling is slow and an off-road car is essential when visiting the countryside (see the transport section).

Security: Mongolia is generally a safe country to travel. Safe deposit boxes are available at the MDT head office. In any case of need, our staff is always ready to be of emergency assistance around the clock.

Shopping: Popular souvenirs are traditional dresses " Del ", felt-hats, cashmere-jumpers, dolls, snuff-bottles, printings with Mongol calligraphy as well as a great choice of traditional paintings with landscapes. Exporting old and antique items requires a special export-license from the Department of Culture.

Telephones: GSM mobiles with international roaming can do and receive calls and sms in Ulaanbaatar and some other main areas of the country.

Time zone: The difference between the Mongolian capital and central Europe ( France , Germany , etc.) is 7 hours ( 6 in the western area of the country).