• Select a desired tour itinerary or send your request of tailored tour designed for you.
• Send or leave us a message of booking the tour.
• We will send you a tour participation agreement and a letter of confirmation together with invoice form of claiming deposit (including bank transfer fee) to ensure the confirmation.
• After your signed agreement and payment of deposit, we’ll officially confirm your trip by email or your contact address.
• Finally you just need to fill the personal information form.

We have been providing a quality travel at low prices for over 6 years. Read our customer testimonials. You can also see ratings and reviews of our tours from real travelers on the tour/activity details page.  MVT is small company but we take your financial security seriously. You can make your booking with us ensuring we are official inbound tour operator and tour company in Mongolia and take your safety and welfare seriously.   We are registered in Mongolian business as (Mongol Taliin Melmii) with a membership of the Mongolian Tourism Association.

In order to secure your place on a trip you need to pay at least 30% of deposit. The remainder will be taken before the start of the trip. The deposits are what I call ‘lifetime deposits’ – if you book and then an emergency means you cannot visit, this means you do not lose your deposit. We just keep hold of it until you can travel. Alternatively, you can transfer it across to a friend or family member.

If you wish to cancel the trip, let us know at least 28 days before the start, and we will refund the full cost of the deposit, but bank transfer fee will be deducted from your payment. We have following cancellation notice you should check before your deposit payment. It is included:

• If cancellation notice was received 27 to 10 days prior to the departure you will be deducted 20% of the deposit.
• If cancellation notice was received 09 to 03 days prior to the departure you will be deducted 30% of the deposit.
• If cancellation notice was received 1-2 days prior to the departure you will be deducted 50% of the deposit.
• If cancellation notice was received less than 24 hours prior to the departure you will be deducted full amount of the deposit

The local currency in Mongolia is Tögrög/Tugrik. It is not possible to obtain outside of Mongolia (there is an ATM at the train station and ATM and exchange currency facilities at the airport in Ulaanbaatar but rates for exchange is better in the city). USD, GBP, Euro, Yuan, Yen, and other major international currencies (particularly Asian ones), are all fine to exchange in Ulaanbaatar (there are excellent currency exchanges in the center of UB.

In the countryside, we recommend using US Dollars and EU Euros only for exchange purposes and you can withdraw Mongolian currency from ATM. Please be aware that all foreign currency will be converted as current Mongolian bank exchange rate. (Not followed any foreign global exchange rate) and we accept credit cards.

It is always difficult to suggest a suitable amount of spending money to bring with you as everyone has different consuming – however, there is very little to spend for during your trip. If you really need an estimation cost of trip then on a 1-week trip, you probably spend budget of €100pp , maybe less if you are a couple or you don’t plan on purchasing many souvenirs, snacks or drinking much alcohol.

Just let you know that if you are on our package tour, there are no hidden extras – we don’t ask you any payment of necessary food, entrance fees, tips and other expenses. We provide drinking water, tea and coffee throughout the tour. We do not include alcohol, soft drinks, your favorite snacks and other private items. Your transfer from/to the airport/train station to the hotel and hostel is included in your tour price unless highlighted in your tour invoice. For domestic flights, there is an allowance of 15kg (including hand luggage). You may need to pay airline baggage charges (about €3) for each kg over this.

In brief, we aim for local, fluid and flexible. Supporting local is at the heart of what we do and is central to each trip we offer. If you’re looking for a more luxurious style of travel then we may not be for you. It doesn’t mean we don’t genuinely care about you and your experience.

Mongolia is not easy destination for travelling – it is undiscovered country and the local people used to adapt this tough life. So, yes, travelling in Mongolia may be challenging for you in reality. Because tourism is still in the primary stage of development even though it is getting attention to the world. You need to be flexible and patient. You should bring your sense of adventure and willingness to join the tour. Be responsible for yourself and use your common sense. You should also treat others how you want to be treated.

Our maximum group size is unlimited between 1 and 24 people depending on the style of trip. All our tours run with a minimum of one or two person – this means there is more chance for the tour to run as I do not have to wait for high booking numbers.

Please don’t worry about different personalities within the group –We try our best to find the right balance and harmony of your needs. Also, once you settle down anywhere else, you will be given a flexible space and time to explore the around the area on your own.

Mongolia’s most favorable season is between May and September, although it has changeable weather during that time. If you are lucky enough you will find even 4 seasons in one day while you travelling in Mongolia. You just have to accept that Mongolia is not a ‘pack light’ destination!

Spring
February-May, If you are travelling to Mongolia in the spring, the landscapes will probably look very arid and parched – not the lush green in the photos. There can also be some wind storms

Summer and Autumn
May – Dry, windy, dusty and sunny with large fluctuations in temperature (Day 10-20°C; Night 0-10°C)

June – First half similar to May and then temperatures rise and fluctuate less with more cloud cover and some rain (Day 15-25°C; Night 10-15°C)

July – A mixed bag – very changeable with sunshine most days, but also cloud and rain (Day 15-30°C; Night 10-20°C)

August – First half similar to July, then it becomes a lot drier and sunnier, but colder at nights (Day 15-30°C; Night 0-15°C)

(July and August can be hot enough that you just have to throw yourself in a lake or river). September – Dry, sunny, calm, chilly (Day 0-20°C; Night –5 to +5°C)

Winter
Long, dry and very cold. The coldest months are December to February with some areas going down further than –35.

Mongolia is a country of approximately 80 million head of livestock and beautiful streams, rivers and lakes with alternation of four distinct seasons and constant changeable weather conditions. All these elements combined to create a heaven for insects….so, there will be flies, mosquitoes and ticks. It depends on whether you go early in the season or later, and how high up you are but you won’t be surrounded by bugs at every location and mainly just for an hour or two – usually it happens when the wind has died in the early evening. No major precautions are necessary – just bring insect repellent!

Will we get to stay in a ger?

As much as possible we use family operated ger camps. This is not a challenging experience, it is a business agreement – rural families frequently offer accommodation as a way of supplementing their income and providing extra financial security – It is important after recent severe winters that resulted in urban relocation. We cannot offer exclusivity at the ger camps but, none of us at MVT like crowds of people so we work hard to make sure you also have peace and solitude. You do not get a private ger as an individual but one to share as an MVT group.

There are several accommodation types of accommodation in the country. In the city and provincial centers you will find hotels, motels, guesthouse, youth hostels, and B&B accommodation. Depending on your budget you select between those accommodations. Most of the places offer B&B services and obviously price is ranged by the quality and labels. Ulaanbaatar, the capital offers you 5* world chain hotels, budget hotels and hostels and great choices of restaurants and dining houses.

A ger or round-shaped felt covered dwelling is the traditional house of Mongolian nomads. Ger is one of the Mongolian greatest heritages inherited from our ancestors and possesses long history tracing from earlier centuries. In this period, obviously Mongol ger structure get changed, developed and it is keeping its own features until now .Having extreme weather and nomadic way of life, ger is the most suitable dwelling for them. Those are durable, waterproof, wind persistent and easy to erect and take down. Ger is the most common house of rural nomads. While you will travel through the countryside you will encounter different kinds of ger accommodations.

1.Ger camps

Outside of the city, ger camps are the most commonly available with full service facilities for tourists. We offer different types of ger camps such as standard to luxury facilities of ger accommodation for the guests. If you pay handsomely you’ll get luxury facilities of service. Ger camps all have a separate dining houses and kitchen, even a restaurant.

Rooms: Gers are usually set up for twin, triple and a double bed. The interior of the gers will normally have beds with bedding sheets, a table with few stools, a stove or fireplace in the center, a mirror, occasionally wardrobe and so on. In case longer stays, ger keepers will perform the house holding and keeping tidy up around continuously. Rainy and cold days warm fire is provided.

Shower & Toilet: Some ger camps provide gers with bathroom and shower facilities. Mostly bathroom facilities are separate be either in the central building or a different house further from the gers but still with hot showers, sinks and flush bathrooms available.

Electricity: Some tourist ger camps are connected to central power supply with 24 hours service even though most remote places only provide a generated power of solar panel in the evening. Most of the cases there aren’t power outlets in the guest gers; hence you can charge your batteries and electric devices in the dining room.

For additional services included charge of laundry services, horse, camel riding, kayak, boat, mountain bike and side car rentals. Some ger camps may also have internet access. Single supplementary is also available.

2. Ger guesthouse

Those kinds of accommodations are mainly provided by local herder families in the countryside and small villages. Those guesthouses initially started with hosting guests and visitors in their very own family gers. Later due to the increasing number of visitors, most families, in order to make some extra income to sustain their livelihoods, began to set up several extra guest gers next to their living places. Comparing to tourist ger camps, ger guesthouses are relatively smaller with couple of guest gers.

Rooms: Most of the guest gers will have 4-6 single beds rarely with bed sheets. Obviously cost is reasonably affordable and is between 10-15USD. Some of the guesthouses offer food with additional fee. You can rent camels and horses directly from host family. No matter if you are travelling alone or s a couple you can stay in a ger without any other strangers. But if you are in larger group like 4 to 6 people, all of you will stay in the same Ger. Single supplementary is also available upon the additional cost.

Shower & Toilet: In the last few years, most of the ger guesthouses started to advance their facilities and services. Specially, in Gobi regions, guesthouses in most visited sites started to have shower and western style flush bathrooms. In order to take shower, you normally acknowledge owners in advance and pay a little extra. No towels and shampoo, soap is provided.

Electricity: Families in the rural areas have solar panels as main source of their power which is only used for lights and TV sets. Some guesthouses near the settlements may have power access. Cooking usually take place on the fireplace.

Advantage: You will have an opportunity to observe and encounter the real nomadic lifestyle from the hot spot and cherish some great memories with locals via learning their daily activities, culture and even be a part of these chores. Disadvantage: You shall bear in mind that you may not be the only guest; therefore sometimes you may share the attentions and time of the hosts with other travelers. Also when the family is busy with their livestock or other matters, they may accidentally ignore you or may not pay much attention as you wish.

3.Homestay/Nomadic Family

Occasionally, in order to give you an authentic experience, also in some remote areas where there aren’t any tourist facilities we arrange some home stays with a local nomads. In this case, we will stay in the same place as the family members. Sometimes, you may be the first western guest who ever have stayed with that certain family. Local families normally tend to share their food and all the best they have. Sharing is caring. Staying there gives you a chance to get closely acquainted with the way of life and culture of the Mongolian people. Nomad families don’t have formal bathrooms due to their constant migration, but there may be a designated outhouses or toilet trenches screened on the sides. No showering facilities are available. Upon the request, families provide bucket of heated water for general washing. Home stays surely will bring you the most realistic experiences you’d ever have.

4. Outdoor camping/ Tents

Mongolia with its wild, great vastness and stretches perfectly offers tons of great locations for camping. We select our campsites in line with park and strictly protected areas regulation and camping practices. In selecting and using campsites, we are always mindful to minimize impacts on land and water, and not to interfere with local resources such as the hay fields that herders depend on for their winter preparation. Almost all the camp sites give you a glimpse into the true wilderness and natural heaven. Whilst you camp, you can always enjoy the horses roaming in the field, humming of the birds and flow of the water and silence of the nature. Occasionally, if the guest requests you can also sleep directly under the sky of not 5stars but 5billion stars.

Washing and bathroom facilities are simple, natural, sanitary and private. We provide private and shared camping facilities.

Here is the summary list of provided equipments:

• We provide some two and three persons North Face tents. Our tents are spacious, water and wind proof. As for maintenance, we change and renovate our camping tents once in three years.
• As part of camping items, we also give you self-inflating and yoga mattresses and isolation foil.
• We provide a separate kitchen tent, camping tables, camping chairs, kitchen utensils and portable shower tents- for large size groups
• Regarding the request of the guest, we also provide sleeping bags and linens.
• In case of camping in colder regions, we provide some extra blankets.

Mongolian Vision Tour provides many different types of vehicles which surely will meet your needs and interests. We work together with professional drivers who genuinely have many years of experience in their field of work. Most of our drivers have worked in tourism sector for reasonably long period of time and always been appreciated for maintaining their vehicle’s safe, reliable, clean and comfortable conditions.

My drivers are also talented of using ‘mongolchlokh method’ –means improvising the Mongol way. It’s a joy to watch them fixing in no time if your vehicle does break down on the way and you don’t need to get stressed. Each driver privately owns each vehicle and as a result the interior and seat layout will differ from vehicle to vehicle Above all, our drivers know every part of roads driven in the country no matter how isolated place or challenge they face. In Mongolia, there are very few paved roads are built and mostly dominated of off road with no sign provided in the countryside, but our driver always find the right track and enjoy your journey. Most favorable transportation is 4WD Russian mini vans and Japanese jeeps for travelling around Mongolia.

WE OFFER:

UAZ – FURGON - Russian van
This is the most convenient vehicle that perfectly match with Mongolian off-road. Simple to repair and maintaining parts of the vehicle also it can go over basically everything, on the bumpy, muddy, snowy, icy, sandy trials and through the streams and rivers too.  In addition sociable layout (expect forward and backward facing seats) and surrounding windows that make for comfortable travelling. We highly recommend this vehicle for long journeys with bigger size of groups or families because of its spacious cabin and high endurance. Total of 8 seats, including the driver.

Japanese jeep & Korean mini van
There is various choice of Japanese jeeps such as 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers, Mitsubishi and Nissan as well as Korean minivan. They provide comfort, time saving, safety and security ensured during your trip. The vehicles included all facilities of air conditioned, seat belts, music players and smooth driving on the way to the any destination.

I’m vegetarian….gluten free….a vegan….

We can provide gluten-free foods for vegetarian and various meals for vegans. We are limited to what we can provide but there’s still quite a bit of variety. But no, it won’t be the same as at home. Each of our vehicle has a small mobile kitchen and this allows us to provide more selection of foods.

Mutton! Why is there always mutton?

Mutton is available throughout all years in the store or any families kitchen than any other type of meat because of the mutton’s storing flexibility in 4 seasons and unique quality and rich taste from the natural pastures We understand that you may be a meat consumer but not mutton every night – our meals tend to be based around a vegetarian main with a meat accompaniment.

Will I get to try the local food?!

Absolutely! I believe that getting a real ‘taste’ for Mongolia means sampling the local cuisine. We love drinking suutei tsai (Mongolian milk tea) from our host families. We also love homemade clotted cream (orom) with jam on fresh bread, wild forest berries on homemade yoghurt, or freshly fried mutton pie (khuurshuur) at a road side guanz (a cafe – sometimes in a ger). The local dairy foods and barbeque goat meat with hot stones (khorkhog) are also delicious. Taking into consideration the time/season you are travelling, we provide those of you who wish an opportunity to try dishes from this simple yet delicious traditional cuisine.

Who does the cooking?

Each of our trips has a simple portable kitchen as it offers more freedom and flexibility. It also means we can have picnic lunches en-route so as we prepare them you can be exploring the local landscapes or sitting and taking in the view. We do stop off in one or two of the local guanz en-route as well as these are a great experience. The only (potential!) down-side is that it’s not the same as a modern well-equipped kitchen. Also, it’s me and the trip assistants that prepare your meals and we’re not professional chefs.

But, we’re always trying out new menus and keep up to date by attending cookery classes at one of the restaurants in UB. As a gentle reminder, we do not have the chance to stock-up at western-style supermarkets. We buy as much fresh produce as possible but fresh fruit is not available daily. Therefore, there will be a change to your regular diet.

What drinks are included?

We always provide drinking water, tea and coffee. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included. We do not provide bottled water. We take fresh drinking water from local town pumps. The water quality in Mongolia is excellent by world standards but for added security, we provide a Steripen and/or Lifesaver filter for those who wish to neutralise their water. If you want bottled water you must pay for it.

There are plenty of opportunities to stop in villages and towns en route to stock up on alcoholic drink supplies although choice in the countryside is more limited than in Ulaanbaatar. If you know you like a good red wine, or nice whisky, then visit a supermarket in UB before departure (we usually make a stop en-route out of the city).

Will there be the opportunity to wash (myself and my clothes too)?

Showers can be limited (because of the lack of infrastructure and running water. If you’re staying at tourist ger camps, most take their water supply from either a tank or deep well and are heated by solar). On all itineraries, we also use the local town shower houses – the cubicles are clean, the water plentiful and hot. These shower houses are frequently a highlight for our clients!

We wouldn’t pay shower payment because we don’t how many times will you take shower on tour. The shower is around €3-5 So please ask.  Just to be clear, there are no washing machines!

What about the toilets?

‘A loo with a view’! During the day while travelling there is always somewhere to wander off to for a bit of privacy. At ger camps, you will typically be using Asian style long drop toilets, compost toilets or western style toilets – depending on the standard of ger accommodation. (Rural Mongolians (town and country) do not have access to running water so most toilets are of the outside Asian style long-drop/squat toilet although a few will be ‘sit-down.’). If you’re at a homestay with no toilet or camping then we dig a simple Asian-style squat toilet, with surround. You might like to practice squatting at home to strengthen your legs (as suggested by a few of our clients!)

The toilets are not there to disgust or challenge you. It’s daily life in rural Mongolia. We provide toilet paper (but not the Aloe Vera option!)

Who will run my trip?

Running your trip will be one of our great Mongolian driver / trip assistant teams. Your driver will be male and your trip assistant female.

None of my team are slick trained professionals. They are local people who have a local and real everyday experience of Mongolia. Having worked as a tour leader for over 6 years, I have a fairly good understanding of what experiences people are looking for in a trip. I run a training and development programme for my team based on my own personal experiences and feedback from our guests – past and present. We’re on hand but flexible….the idea being that you feel like you’re travelling with an informative friend.

My Drivers – ‘The Men’

My drivers are extremely proud of their country and have grown up understanding the Mongolian roads. They are traditional men – the ‘strong and silent’ type but their presence will help to enhance your experience of Mongolia. Their English is limited but their role is to handle the Mongolian roads and not to converse fluently in a multitude of languages. They are expert mechanics, consummate drivers, know the countryside like the back of their hands (their head is their inbuilt GPS), very adept chefs (they LOVE Mongolian barbecue!) and all round great men! 

My Trip Assistants – ‘The Girls’

Part of my business philosophy is to provide training and development opportunities to those who want the opportunity to work in tourism but who don’t have the professional qualifications to work for our larger competitors.

I am lucky enough to be in a position to run my own business and, as a female, it is important to me to use my skills and influence to improve the prospects for other women. That’s why all my trip assistants are women.

They’re not professional guides (but then I’m not either) and everything can take time but what’s the rush. Nor are they western educated fluent English speakers (although they have studied English to Mongolian university level).

If you want to discuss Mongolia’s economic policy then we’re probably not for you. But, if you want to spend time with someone who sincerely loves their home country, loves their job and genuinely care about you as our guests they we are for you. Yes, it may get frustrating for you at times but everyone needs to start somewhere and I’m proud to be able to provide that starting block.

‘My Girls’ are a mum of two, a librarian, a dedicated student, a journalist, an English teacher…. Pride runs deep in my girls and I have chosen them as they have a willingness to do right, a desire to learn and have a genuine love for and connection with their country. They sincerely care about you as our guests as well and are highly competitive at games of shagai (ankle bones), give great informal cookery lessons and are wicked at karaoke!

Will I have to tip them?

Each member of the MVT team receives a responsible but fair salary and none have to rely on receiving tips to supplement their income.

At the end of the tour, if you wish to make a tip then thank you and I leave it at your own discretion – it is not compulsory but it is appreciated when given. If you would like to provide a tip, you will discover just how hard the drivers work, so a tip for the driver would be roughly equal to what you would give a trip assistant.

What sort of people come on trips with MVT?

I think what’s key is people’s desire to experience Mongolia as authentically as possible. Our youngest traveller has been 18 months and our oldest 84. We get slightly more solo travellers than couples. Males and females are split quite equally. As for nationalities – a broad spectrum including the Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Chine, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America, Switzerland, German, France, Norway, Sweden, Italian, Brazil and Israel…. Etc. We don’t get many gap year students though – most of our travellers are between 20 to 65.

Mostly we are travelling and 1300-2000m. Some trekking routes may go as high as around 3000m but this is not a daily occurrence.

Our treks are not tests of endurance or competitive races. Naturally, there will be some challenges but they’re mainly about seeing the world from a different perspective, new horizons and the joy of the great outdoors.

All treks are arranged through the families we work with – rural families who herd their livestock in the region and know their home area like the back of their hands.

If you’re interested in one of our trekking itineraries, I will email out to you our detailed Trekking Checklist which explains in detail what you can expect. However….in brief….

Some treks have vehicle support and some don’t. Those that do, there is typically one pack animal for every 1-2 guest riders but we let the herder who is running the trek to make the final decision.

Robust saddle bags are provided, plus extra waterproof duffle-style bags are provided within to ensure certain things – rest mats, sleeping bags – remain dry under all circumstances. Plastic sheeting is also available to cover equipment whilst on the move and to shelter saddles and equipment at camp in times of inclement weather.

Horse Treks

If you’re on a horse trek, we do try to match your riding ability to the right horse. There will be plenty of opportunities to gallop, if you are confident but of course, we have a couple of rules relating to riding safely, particularly in ways that impact on other riders. We use the Russian style saddles that are available in Mongolia (not the wooden saddles that you may have seen the herders riding in photos which are as painful as they look!).

Horse and Camel Treks

We do not provide hard protective hats as there is not a good standard here in Mongolia. Check the small print of your travel insurance policy to see whether you are still covered in the event of an accident if not wearing a hat. We suggest that if you feel more comfortable riding in a hat, bring one along and wear it at least initially until you are familiar with your horse.

Mongolia is a relatively safe country in which to travel. Most crime is opportunistic and mainly in UB – pick-pockets especially. Common sense is always your best safeguard. I suggest that you exercise a reasonable degree of caution – be sensible (but not paranoid).

Mongolia is also a fairly healthy country to visit but ask a travel doctor about appropriate vaccinations, and what to take with you in the way of medicines.

I assume you are in good health and have a sufficient level of fitness to complete your chosen tour. It is very important that any illness, disability or medical condition that you suffer or are recovering from, have been brought to my attention at the time of booking.

What emergency back-up do you provide if something goes wrong?

We travel in remote areas, so we take your health and safety very seriously. Our trip assistants are medically trained, and will provide care to the best of their abilities until you are able to reach a hospital. The Furgon is available if necessary. It is vital that you have your own travel insurance which includes repatriation. There are more details in our Pre Departure Guidelines.

Unfortunately, Mongolia is not a ‘pack-light’ sort of destination! However, you will need a sleeping bag – even if using ger accommodation. We do have a small supply you can rent for free (including a linen liner) but they are not expedition style so don’t have a temperature rating.

Unfortunately, Mongolia is not a ‘pack-light’ sort of destination! However, you will need a sleeping bag – even if using ger accommodation. We do have a small supply you can rent for free (including a linen liner) but they are not expedition style so don’t have a temperature rating.

(B+L+D) meaning is Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220V. Mostly sockets that accept round twin forks are used. If your gadget plug has flat forks you need fork adapter/converter. If you go in our Standard Arrangement which you stay in the tourist ger camps, you can charge the devices without any problem at there. The tourist ger camps are provide electricity 24 hours or in the evening. So there will not be any problem. But if you go in our Budget Arrangement, there is some problem. Some of local ger guesthouses do not have electricity. Especially in the Gobi Desert, there is several ways to charge the devices. Most of the local ger guesthouses use solar charger for lighting and watch TV and charge their mobile phones. So you can ask to charge your devices from them. Also, the vehicle of your tour might get some USP charger from the car and you can ask it from your driver. TGM not ensure this kind of charger. Some of the vehicles do not have USP charger plugins. In the Central Mongolia & North Mongolia the places which population is higher than Gobi Desert and usually local ger guesthouses connected to the central electricity. So it is not big issue to charge devices except than Gobi Desert.

You can use credit cards in the larger shopping centers and HOTELS IN Ulaanbaatar. In the countryside, USD and Euros cash can be exchanged in banks (low rate) and are accepted in some touristic service organizations. It is wise to exchange some cash before leaving Ulaanbaatar.

Visitors to Mongolia should be in good health condition and able to handle certain amount of physical activities. Medical services are only available in provincial centers, towns and sum (administrative unit) centers. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication you are on tour. Diarrhea and altitude sickness issues are common for travelers to Mongolia.

There are several mobile providers in Mongolia and network receptions quiet widely available in the settlement areas. Main mobile systems are GSM and CDMA. Unitel is considerably cheaper in terms of international calls and data use. Phone services can be either pre or postpaid. You can buy SIM card and charge it with cards for your own use