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Comprehensive Planning

Comprehensive Planning

Mongolia

Planning Timeline

Steps to organize your trip chronologically.

Your Journey Stages

A breakdown of preparations from early stages to final checks.

01

-6 Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6 months beyond departure).

Flights & Tours

Book international flights and your Gobi Desert tour.

Insurance

Check travel insurance options and purchase a comprehensive policy.

02

-2 Months Before

Health & Gear

Consult doctor for vaccinations; prepare required gear.

Internal Travel

Book internal flights (Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad).

Financial Notice

Inform bank and credit card companies of travel plans.

03

-4 Weeks Before

Tour Finalization

Finalize all tour details and complete outstanding payments.

Prescriptions & Copies

Arrange prescription refills; make digital/physical copies of documents.

Local Currency

Exchange some local currency (MNT) or plan to withdraw upon arrival.

Advance Bookings

These bookings are essential for Gobi travel.

Reservations

  • Secure your international air travel to Ulaanbaatar.
  • Booking your Gobi Desert tour is important.
  • Book internal flights (UB to Dalanzadgad) if flying.
  • Reserve your first night's stay in Ulaanbaatar.

Home & Research

Prepare your home and gather information.

Home Preparation

  • Inform family or friends of your detailed itinerary.
  • Arrange for pet or house-sitting if needed.
  • Pay any upcoming bills before your departure.
  • Secure your home before you leave.

Pre-Trip Research

Deepen your understanding and set realistic expectations.

Cultural & Site Insights

  • Read up on Mongolian culture and history.
  • Research specific Gobi sites you will visit.
  • Understand the challenges of remote desert travel.
  • Set realistic expectations for the journey.

Health & Safety

  • Check for latest vaccination recommendations.
  • Confirm your travel insurance coverage.
  • Keep emergency numbers accessible.
  • Pack a compact personal first aid kit.

Logistics & Packing

  • Review different transport choices within Mongolia.
  • Plan your packing for varied Gobi temperatures.
  • Bring power banks for device charging.
  • Download offline maps and translation apps.

Important Note on Planning

Thorough pre-planning makes a difference. Embrace the journey's unique challenges.

Arrival & Departure

Smooth transitions for your Gobi adventure.

Arrival Steps

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs

    Clear immigration and customs upon arrival.

  • 2
    Baggage Claim

    Pick up your luggage efficiently.

  • 3
    Currency Exchange

    Exchange currency or withdraw cash from an ATM.

Orientation & SIM

  • Local SIM card

    Purchase a local SIM card (optional).

  • Meet transfer

    Meet your pre-arranged transfer or find a taxi.

  • Review itinerary

    Review your itinerary with your guide.

Practical Tips

Souvenirs

Purchase souvenirs in Ulaanbaatar or local Gobi towns.

Shipping from Mongolia can be slow and expensive.

VAT Refunds

Mongolia does not have a VAT refund system for tourists.

Plan your purchases accordingly.

Airport Timing

Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) 2-3 hours before your international flight.

Factor in potential traffic delays in Ulaanbaatar.

Departure Reminder

Confirm return flight details. Pack according to luggage allowances. Keep important documents accessible.

Journey Reflections

Gain valuable insights from your Gobi experience.

Gobi Insights

  • The sheer vastness of the desert, where the horizon stretches endlessly, leaves a profound impression.
  • The unparalleled clarity of the night sky, filled with countless stars, fosters an unique sense of perspective.
  • An opportunity for deep personal reflection, a true digital detox from the connected world.
  • Witnessing the nomadic people's resilience in an extreme environment inspires contemplation on adaptability.

Cultural Immersion

  • Witness a way of life intrinsically tied to nature's rhythms.
  • Connect with locals and observe their strong ties to the land.
  • Embrace the simplicity of nomadic life, away from modern complexities.
  • Discover unique cultural practices and traditions.

Departure Logistics

Streamline your exit from Mongolia with these considerations.

Departure Metrics

  • Airport travel timeAllow 2-3 hours for Ulaanbaatar airport transfer.
  • Traffic bufferAdd extra time for city traffic delays.
  • Luggage weightCheck international flight luggage allowances carefully.
  • Document accessKeep passport and boarding pass easily accessible.

Beyond the Gobi

  • Explore Khövsgöl Lake for pristine freshwater and taiga forests.
  • Visit Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and Orkhon Valley for history.
  • Venture into Russian Siberia via the Trans-Siberian Railway.
  • Explore China for contrasting desert landscapes or ancient Silk Road cities.

Journey's End

Your journey through the Gobi offers profound experiences. Carry these insights forward.

Commit to a minimal environmental impact. Leave no trace, conserve water, and engage respectfully with local communities.