Mongolia & the Gobi Desert

Plus optional extensions in

Mystical Yunnan: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang and Siberian Odyssey: Lake Baikal & Irkutsk

2016

Overseas Adventure Travel Mongolia & the Gobi Desert Handbook Table of Contents

1. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ...... 3 YOUR PASSPORT ...... 3 VISAS REQUIRED ...... 4 EMERGENCY PHOTOCOPIES ...... 4 AIRPORT TRANSFERS ...... 4 2. HEALTH ...... 5 IS THIS ADVENTURE RIGHT FOR YOU ? ...... 5 STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE YOUR TRIP ...... 6 STAYING HEALTHY ON YOUR TRIP ...... 8 3. MONEY MATTERS ...... 10 HOW TO CARRY YOUR MONEY ...... 10 CURRENCY ...... 12 TIPPING ...... 13 SHOPPING IN MONGOLIA ...... 13 U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges ...... 14 4. OPTIONAL TOURS—RESERVE EARLY ...... 15 Yunnan Cultural Performance & Dinner ...... 15 5. CLIMATE: A WORD ABOUT THE WEATHER ...... 16 Climate by Location ...... 16 6. PACKING JUST WHAT YOU NEED ...... 19 YOUR LUGGAGE & LOCKS ...... 19 LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS ...... 20 CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS ...... 21 TRAVELER ’S CHECKLISTS ...... 21 A WORD ABOUT ELECTRICITY ...... 24 7. LEARN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS ...... 25 MONGOLIA AT A GLANCE ...... 25 CHINA AT A GLANCE —OPTIONAL EXTENSION ...... 28 SIBERIA AT A GLANCE – OPTIONAL EXTENSION ...... 31 CULTURAL INSIGHT & POINTS TO KNOW ...... 32 Your Departure Date: A Reminder ...... 32 Flights in Mongolia and China ...... 32 SAFETY & SECURITY ...... 34 COMMUNICATIONS ...... 34 8. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ...... 35 SUGGESTED READINGS ...... 35 SUGGESTED MOVIES ...... 38 USEFUL WEBSITES ...... 39 Travel Documents

1. Travel Documents Your Passport Please take a moment to confirm that your passport meets all of these requirements: • It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. • It should have the recommended number of blank pages (see below for details). • The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Recommended number of blank pages Know that this recommendation is based on a “worst case” scenario. When you are on this adventure, you might use fewer pages, depending on the whims of the Immigration official on duty that day. Since the consequence of having too few pages can be severe—you could be denied entry into a country—we at OAT feel that in this case, safe is better than sorry, and we strongly recommend that you follow these guidelines.

• Main trip only : You will require 4 blank passport pages. • Pre-trip extension to Yunnan Province, China: Does not require any additional pages. • Post-trip extension to Siberia (Russia): You will need 2 more pages for a total of 6. • Both the pre- and post-trip extensions : You will need a total of 6 blank passport pages

If you need to renew your passport: Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport.

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Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 100 days prior to your departure . In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This info is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change. • Mongolia—visa not required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for this itinerary. • China (optional extension)—visa required. Can only be obtained in advance: You must obtain this visa before you depart; a Chinese visa cannot be obtained on arrival. If you are not taking an optional extension, then it is unlikely you will need a Chinese visa for the main trip because China offers a visa-free transit program for U.S. and Canadian citizens. This program will be described in more detail in your Visa Packet. • Russia (Siberia extension)— visa required. Can only be obtained in advance: You must obtain this visa before you depart the U.S. It is very important that you apply for your visa through PVS International. Obtaining a Russian visa on your own through an embassy or consulate is a complicated and bureaucratic process. It requires a letter of sponsorship that Overseas Adventure Travel is unable to supply. PVS is able to work within this restriction when your application is processed through them, but for legal reasons cannot assist you with applying directly to the embassy. Details on obtaining your visa through PVS International will be included with your application.

If you are staying longer in any of these countries, you should check with their embassy or consulate for the applicable regulations.

China: (202) 495-2266 Mongolia: (202) 333-7117 Russia (202) 298-5700

Traveling without a U.S. passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about possible visa requirements. For your convenience, we recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org. Emergency Photocopies The smartest and easiest security precaution you can take is to carry photocopies of key documents: the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, your air itinerary, and credit card numbers. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. This can save you time, money, and bother if your documents are lost during your trip.

If you don’t feel like taking paper copies, consider going digital. Scan everything and email it to yourself. That way as long as you have access to email, you can access the info you need. Another option is to give copies to a trusted friend or relative at home as a backup that they can email or fax to you if you need it. Airport Transfers

Please note: If you plan on booking your own international flights or arranging with our air department to arrive/depart on an earlier/later date than standard for your program, airport transfers will NOT be included in your program price. Transfers must be purchased separately, as an optional add-on, and are subject to availability. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

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2. Health Is This Adventure Right for You? We’ve worked closely with our local Trip Leaders and regional associates to identify the aspects of this adventure that you should be aware of, from physical requirements to cultural factors. Please carefully review the information below prior to departing on this adventure . We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

Pacing • 8 locations in 16 days with four 1-night stays • Lengthy overland travel of 2-4 hours each on several days • 4 internal flights, which could be delayed due to frequent weather changes

Physical Requirements • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids • You must be able to walk 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day

Climate • Daytime temperatures range from 77-95°F in July and August to 41-60°F in May and September, when snow is also expected • Due to the varied geography of Mongolia, you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions

Terrain • Frequent travel in 4x4 vehicles over poorly maintained—and occasionally non-existent—country roads • During most transfers, Western-style toilet facilities may not be available; however, drivers will make every effort to find suitable rest area stops upon request

Transportation • City travel by 45-passenger air-conditioned coach (no toilet on board). In the Khovsgol Lake and the Gobi Desert, we ride in an 8-passenger van with air-conditioning—and camel ride in the Gobi Desert • 4-hour drives, 4 internal flights of 1-2-hours each

Accommodations & Facilities • Lodgings in Ulaanbaatar are standard hotels, but in many locales, we stay in traditional ger tents, with Western-style bath facilities • Two of our camps have Western toilets attached to the ger, while the third camp has facilities in the main lodge

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Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on your adventure, there are at least four health-related things you should do. We’ll outline some of these steps in more detail in the following pages, but for now, here’s the short list:

• Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636 . • Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor. • Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter. • Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

Medical Checkup After checking the CDC’s recommendations, we strongly recommend that you have a medical checkup with your doctor at least six weeks before your trip. (We suggest you check with the CDC first so that you can have an informed conversation with your doctor about vaccines and such.) Topics to discuss during your checkup are:

• The CDC recommendations. The CDC makes suggestions based on the destination, but that doesn’t mean the suggestions are right for you. Your doctor will be able to advise you on what is best considering your unique medical history. • Advice on what medicines (if any) to bring. For our suggestions of what types of medications to ask your doctor about, see the section titled “Medications” that follows. Remember to get a copy of any prescriptions—written as a generic drug name—so you can replace your medications if they are lost during the trip. • Your fitness for this adventure. This is a must if you have any medical conditions or physical limitations. Use the “Is This Adventure Right For You?” section on previous pages as a guideline. Make certain to review any medical condition you have, particularly cardiac or respiratory disease or diabetes, and discuss the details of the trip itinerary as it pertains to your health. Remember, your trip may take you into remote areas, with no nearby medical facilities.

Please notify us in writing about any medical condition that may require special attention. If your report is normal, you don’t need to send it to us. If you send us a medical report, we don’t use it to determine if you should take this trip, or if you are likely to enjoy it. Those decisions are up to you and your doctor.

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Medications Prescription medication suggestions Of course, you’ll need to bring an ample supply of any prescription medications you happen to be taking. You’ll also want to talk to your doctor about any medications suggested by the CDC. In addition, we suggest you ask about prescriptions for:

• An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness • A pain medication. You might need this in the unlikely event of an injury in a location where medical attention would be delayed. • Motion sickness medicine, if you are susceptible • For travelers on the Yunnan pre-trip extension: Altitude sickness medication. During the extension to Yunnan Province, we’ll stay in cities with altitudes that range from roughly 6,500 feet above sea level to roughly 8,000 feet above sea level. At this altitude, almost everyone feels some of the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). These symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, trouble with sleep, and lack of energy. • For travelers on the Yunnan pre-trip extension: Anti-malaria medication. At time of writing, the CDC did recommend discussing anti-malaria medication with your doctor for travel in Yunnan.

TIP : Anti-malarial medication can have strong side effects, so be certain to ask your doctor first.

This is one adventure where you don’t want to forget your medications—it may be hard to get them in Ulaanbaatar, and it may be impossible in the countryside of Mongolia.

Over-the-counter medication suggestions When traveling, keep in mind that not every country has approved every medication. Most major brands are OK, but some medications we take for granted are not allowed in other countries. Fortunately, the U.S. State Department offers advice on restricted medications online at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/customs.html . (Look under the “Criminal Penalties” and “Special Circumstances” sections of each country you’ll be visiting. If you don’t see anything mentioned, then major U.S. brands should be fine.)

TIP : At time of writing, the State Department did not have any special warnings about American over- the-counter medications for China or Mongolia.

Traveling with medications To avoid loss and to have them handy, pack medications in your carry-on bag. For quicker security screening at the airport—and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas—keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. To be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications, you should also bring copies of the prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name.

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Jet Lag Precautions

You will feel better on the first days of your trip if, shortly before you leave home, you start to adjust to the different time zone of your destination. Since you will cross several time zones to reach your destination, you may lose many hours of regular sleep. On arrival, your body then will have to suddenly adjust to new sleeping and eating patterns. The result is jet lag. Its symptoms are fatigue—often compounded by insomnia and general restlessness—irritability, and vague disorientation. You cannot totally avoid jet lag; but you can minimize it. Here's how:

° Start your trip well-rested. ° Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane. Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. ° Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during–your flight. Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying. ° Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane, and make an effort to get up and walk about the cabin a few times to keep your blood circulation normal. ° After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. ° Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day. ° Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Staying Healthy on Your Trip

Safe Water Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available. Inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly. Carry a bottle in your daypack at all times. Bottled drinks and hot drinks that have been boiled are safe to drink. Avoid drinks with ice in them. Carry a handkerchief to dry the tops of bottled drinks before and after opening.

Safe Food We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals, and fresh fruits and salads at these establishments are generally as safe as they are in restaurants in the U.S. Your Trip Leader can suggest restaurants for the meal you take on your own. Carry a handkerchief to dry any wet utensils or plates. Be very careful with food sold from vendors on the street, and with uncooked fruit and other foods. Fruit that you peel yourself is usually safe—avoid lettuce and other unpeeled produce.

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Electricity Supply

Travelers dependent on electricity supply for health reasons may want to consider a different OAT adventure. Sleep apnea machines are not recommended for the main trip because a constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. At the camps in Mongolia electricity is only available in the evening, from approximately 8:30pm to 11pm. We strongly recommend bringing a flashlight with you!

Altitude Illness

During the extension to Yunnan Province, we’ll stay in cities with altitudes that range from roughly 6,500 feet above sea level to roughly 8,000 feet above seas level. You will probably feel some effects of this altitude when you first arrive. Even if you've been to high elevations previously, you could have a different reaction this time. For most people, the symptoms are mild, and will pass in a day or so.

You should take it easy, avoid smoking and alcohol, and drink plenty of fluids. Some people take an altitude sickness medication, starting when they arrive or one day before. Don’t take sleeping medications, as they suppress respiration. The most common symptoms are lightheadedness, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, sleeplessness, and loss of appetite. If these are bothersome, you should start to take medication. Even though you may experience a decreased appetite, force yourself to eat soups and some foods.

If these ‘normal’ altitude symptoms become unmanageable, it is critical that you inform your Trip Leader. Please let the leader know if you experience any of the following: serious difficulty breathing, mental confusion, a severe and unremitting headache, continued difficulty breathing after a period of rest, or poor physical coordination (ataxia).

TIP : Even if your risk is medium to low, it may be worthwhile to bring a medication with you so that you have it on hand for immediate use if needed. No one wants to buy medication they don’t need, but on the other hand, no one wants to interrupt their trip for a doctor’s visit.

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3. Money Matters How to Carry Your Money Generally speaking, you’ll want to bring a mixture of different payment methods—some cash to exchange and a couple of cards—so that you’ll be prepared for any situation. In this chapter, we offer some tips on each type of payment method. Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They can be difficult to exchange and are rarely accepted in shops and restaurants.

The overall recommendation for this adventure is : Don’t expect to rely on plastic (ATM cards, credit cards, or debit cards) in Mongolia as much as you can in the U.S., Canada, or Europe. While it is possible to use cards some of the time, Mongolia is more of a “cash only” society than a developed country would be, so it is recommended that you bring a cash reserve to cover your expenses during the trip.

Cash or Traveler’s Checks? Cash has an advantage over traveler’s checks . Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted than traveler's checks, and sometimes commands a better exchange rate. Cash is also a better choice for rural or undeveloped areas where ATMs and credit card machines are scarce.

So we know that bringing cash is a good idea—does that mean U.S. dollars or local currency? There is no need to obtain local currency before your trip. In fact, your U.S. bank may not carry it. You can change money when you arrive at the airport, or at banks, most hotels, and money exchange offices. In some countries you do not even need to exchange money at all—you can use U.S. dollars. For more information on what type of currency can be used on this trip, see the “Currency” section. Torn, dirty, or taped U.S. bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment. It is best to use new bills— both in terms of use and issue date. Please try to use bills issued in 2009 and later.

ATMs In Mongolia, PLUS, Cirrus, and other international ATM networks are really only available in large cities like Ulaanbaatar (which we visit more than once on this itinerary). But even in Ulaanbaatar, the ATMs that are available may not accept your card; you may need to try more than one before you can withdraw money. For these reasons, you should not expect to rely on ATMs during this adventure the way you might in the U.S. or in Europe. It is probably more practical to bring a reserve of cash for daily expenses and view the ATM as a backup. Another option is to bring enough cash to get part way through the trip, and then plan on making one large withdrawal in Ulaanbaatar to cover the rest of the trip. (Just remember, you may need to try more than one ATM.)

ATMs are very common in China, and will usually accept international ATM cards. Siberia is more like Mongolia—ATMs are not as common as in the U.S. and some will only take local cards.

Using a local ATM on an international network will allow you to withdraw money from your U.S. account in local currency; your bank at home will calculate the conversion rate and charge you in U.S. dollars. However, many banks charge a fee ranging from $1 to $5 for every time you use a foreign ATM. Others will charge you a percentage of what you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart. You’ll also want to notify your bank that you’ll be out of the country—that way when they see foreign ATM withdrawals, they won’t put a fraud alert on your account. Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

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Credit Cards Credit card use is becoming more common in Mongolia, especially in business related to travelers— hotels, travel agencies, souvenir shops, and up-market stores that sell art or antiques. However, many business, shops, and restaurants are still “cash only”. Therefore a credit card will be useful in some situations, but not all, which is why bringing a cash reserve for daily expenses is recommended. Businesses that do take credit cards will often charge a fee to do so; ask before making your purchase.

In China credit card use is common at hotels and shops, although many restaurants are still “cash only”. In Siberia credit card use is fairly common in large cities and towns, but the more rural the community, the less likely that you’ll be able to use your card.

Even if you do not plan on using them, we suggest you bring one or two credit or debit cards as a “backup” or for optional tours. We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is now accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

TIP : Many credit card companies have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1- 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

And speaking of credit cards, please keep in mind that optional tours with OAT can only be purchased with a credit or debit card (if it has a credit card logo and allows you to sign for purchases). Because our headquarters are in Boston, charges may appear to be from Boston or might be labeled as "OPT Boston" (depending on your credit card company).

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Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to our website www.oattravel.com, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

In Mongolia Legal tender in Mongolia is the tugrik (or togrog). Coins are not used. • Bills come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 tugriks

Generally speaking, local currency is preferred. U.S. dollars might be accepted for some purchases in Ulaanbaatar, or for big-ticket items. You can obtain Mongolian currency at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar, at a bank, or at an exchange office. Remember, ATMs are scarce—even rare—in rural areas and banks may be far and few in between, so it would be wise to stock up on local currency in Ulaanbaatar before you depart for the countryside.

In China The currency in China is called the renminbi (“people’s money”) and is abbreviated RMB. The main unit of currency is the yuan, which is divided into 10 jiao (pronounced as mao). • Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 yuan, as well as 1, 2, and 5 jiao, and 1, 2, and 5 fen. • The most commonly used coins are 1 yuan. Other coins are 1 and 5 jiao.

In China you usually pay with local currency at shops and restaurants and tip in local currency too. But U.S. dollars may be accepted by some street vendors or the government's Friendship Stores. Each time you change money, you will receive a receipt. Keep these exchange slips. You can exchange any leftover Chinese yuan bills at the airport before you depart from mainland China.

In Russia (for Siberia) The official currency of Russia is the ruble. On price tags, ruble is abbreviated to p (because of the differences between the Greco-roman and the Cyrillic alphabet.) One ruble is divided into 100 kopeks. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows: • Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 p • Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50 kopeks and 1, 2, 5, 10 p Technically, the ruble is the only legal currency in Russia; any payment in U.S. dollars or euros is considered “under the table”. When exchanging dollars for rubles, know that newer bills in good condition—without tears, wear, or writing on them—are vastly preferred. Bills that are worn, torn, or older than 1990 will most likely be rejected. (It all depends on the person receiving them.)

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Tipping Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. For those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Listed below are our recommendations for the tips that are not included in your tour price. All tips are quoted in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. Do not use personal or traveler's check for tips.

• OAT Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal "thank you" to your OAT Trip Leader at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual service. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 per person per day. • Housekeeping staff at hotels: $1-2 per room, per night • Waiters: Tipping at restaurants is not a part of Mongolian culture or tradition. If you receive such good service that you would like to leave a tip, 10% of the bill is a generous amount. (At restaurants, you may see a 10-15% charge on the bill. This is a sales tax, not a tip.) • Taxi drivers : If you are taking a taxi by yourself, keep in mind that tipping is not common practice, but many people simply let the driver keep the change by rounding up the fare to the next whole number. In China, taxi companies will add a small (2-3 yuan) fuel surcharge to the meter, depending on the distance.

Your tour price includes gratuities on the main trip and optional extensions for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters that may assist you during the scheduled activities on your adventure. Shopping in Mongolia It is Overseas Adventure Travel's goal to identify and provide you with shopping opportunities that highlight unique, locally-produced products with good value from reliable vendors. For this reason there may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Overseas Adventure Travel cannot be responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Crafts & Souvenirs Mongolia offers many fine craft items at good prices—cashmere, leather goods, traditional clothing, hats, musical instruments—these are just some of the items to be on the look out for while shopping in Mongolia. Generally you can pay with local currency only, although some businesses will take credit cards and occasionally you can use U.S. dollars (see the previous “Credit Cards” and “Currency” sections for details).

Antiques You can find lovely and unique antiques in Mongolia for reasonable prices, but be aware that there are export laws in place, so some items cannot leave the country. Make sure the shop understands that you’ll be taking the item out of the country and that they provide the correct documentation to do so.

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Bargaining Some shops have fixed prices. In other places, like street markets, merchants enjoy negotiating prices. If this is your first experience at bargaining, don’t worry—you’ll quickly find your own style. Your opening offer should be well under the asking price. The only rule is that, if you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. And remember, whatever price you pay is okay, as long as the item is worth that price to you.

U.S. Customs Regulations and Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are: • At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees. • Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S . Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties. • It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

If You Have a Problem with a Purchase The best way to address a problem with a purchase is to not have one in the first place! So don’t forget to examine merchandise before paying for it, check contracts or agreements before signing, and review your receipt before leaving the shop. For major purchases, don’t hesitate to ask in advance about the return policy—local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up.

But what if you do discover an issue with an item later on? In that case, your best recourse is to contact the vendor directly. For this reason we recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. due to delays in communication, the complexities of international shipping/customs duties, and even cultural differences in how business is conducted.

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4. Optional Tours—Reserve Early During your trip, you will have the opportunity to join optional tours to further your discoveries. Most optional tours can only be booked during the trip with your Trip Leader, but some can be pre-booked. Due to limited space we strongly recommend that you pre-book the following optional tours. Occasionally, space will be available for booking onsite, but this not guaranteed. Pre-bookings must be made by 45 days prior to departure, no exceptions.

All optional tour costs are subject to change without notice.

Yunnan Cultural Performance & Dinner

Discover the 5,000-year-old tradition of Chinese folk dance updated with elements of modern dance choreography, and presented in a dazzling stage production. After dinner at a local restaurant, travelers on this optional tour will transfer to a theater to enjoy a performance (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes) of an original ethnic dance musical featuring songs, music, costumes, and the dancing talents of various Yunnan ethnic minorities who left their villages to join this troupe. This grand fusion of song and dance should prove to be an entertaining evening of cultural insights.

This optional tour is only offered during the Mystical Yunnan: Kunming, Dali & Lijiang extension. The cost of this optional tour is $70 per person.

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5. Climate: A Word about the Weather Climate by Location

Main Trip Mongolia’s climate can be summed up in a few words: cold, dry, and windy (winter) or hot, dry, and windy (summer). Of course there are seasons when the temperatures vary, rain falls, and the wind stops, but since the country is completely landlocked, there is no nearby ocean to moderate the seasons. The result is a dramatic climate largely influenced by Mongolia’s two main topographical features—its mountains and its deserts.

• Mongolia is a four-season country, with a spring, summer, fall, and winter. Spring is usually mid- or late-March through May. Summer runs until August. Fall is brief—September and October—with winter sometimes starting at the end of October, and sometimes holding out until November. Winter’s arrival depends on your location; just like in the U.S., it arrives earlier in the north and in the mountains.

• Spring can be a tough season to predict because the weather is so changeable (freak snowstorms have been known to occur as late as May). Summer is the warmest time of year, and although summertime highs throughout the country tend to be in the 70s, high temperatures in the Gobi Desert can hit 100 degrees F. In Ulaanbaatar it can sometimes it can get up to the low 90s. Summer is also usually the rainiest season, bringing color and life to the steppes. Many parts of the country experience long daylight hours in the summer—in Ulaanbaatar sunset can be as late as 9 or 10 pm. Fall brings moderate temperatures and, in the north, changing colors on the trees. Winter is very cold, with frost and snow almost everywhere—even in the Gobi Desert.

• On this adventure, we’ll be visiting more than one climate zone, so you may need to pack for a couple types of weather. When not in the capital city Ulaanbaatar, we’ll be visiting places as diverse as the foothills of the Khogno Khaan Mountains, the shores of Lake Khovsgol, and the Gobi Desert.

• By the mountains, the winters are harsh and frequently below freezing. And even in the height of summer, it can be cool near the mountains, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 40s. On the shores of Lake Khovsgol, the winter can be just as harsh as in the mountains, but summer tends to be a bit more moderate as highs do get into the 70s. On the other hand, summer can be more rainy here than in other parts of the country. Despite being a desert, the Gobi is not always warm—the temperature drops sharply at night even after warm summer days. However, the daytime temperatures can be extremely high, especially in the summer.

• TIP : Because of the unpredictability of the climate in Mongolia, is fairly common to experience a wider variation from the average temperature than in other countries. A good “rule of thumb” for Mongolia is to use the average highs and lows as a guideline, but to add/subtract at least 10 degrees either way. So for example, if you are traveling at a time of year that the average temperatures fall into the 70-40 degree range, be prepared for anything from 80-30 degrees.

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Trip Extensions

• Yunnan Province, China : This region is in southwest China, and borders Vietnam, Laos, and Burma. The climate here is semitropical, comparable to the Gulf Coast of Florida. Summers are very warm and humid. In fall temperatures are a bit lower, and usually the humidity has diminished significantly.

Climate Charts The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. As your departure approaches you may wish to monitor current weather conditions online. Here is the official data from the weather observation stations closest to our destinations:

Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia TSETSERLIG, Mongolia

Temp. % Relative Monthly Temp. % Monthly High-Low Humidity Rainfall High- Relative Precipitation °F (am-pm) (inches) Low Humidity (inches) °F (avg) JAN 3 to -13 83-71 0.1 14 to -7 55 0.1 FEB 12 to -8 81-65 0.2 21 to -2 51 0.3 MAR 27-6 74-50 0.2 34-9 48 0.2 APR 44-23 66-40 0.5 46-24 39 0.3 MAY 59-37 64-37 0.9 57-33 40 0.5 JUN 68-48 73-43 2.5 66-44 56 1.7 JUL 71-53 78-50 3.1 69-47 68 4.3 AUG 68-50 80-49 3.3 67-44 68 1.9 SEP 58-38 76-46 1.6 59-34 55 1.4 OCT 43-23 75-48 0.5 46-22 45 0.5 NOV 21-3 79-60 0.3 29-6 47 0.4 DEC 7 to -8 83-72 0.1 19 to-1 50 0.1

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MONTH LAKE KHOVSGOL, Mongolia Dalandzadagad, Mongolia (for SOUTHERN GOBI) Temp. % Relative Monthly Temp. % Monthly High-Low Humidity Precipitation High- Relative Precipitation °F (avg) (inches) Low Humidity (inches) °F (avg) JAN 5 to -20 69 0.2 16 to -7 65 0.2 FEB 15 to -12 65 0.2 28-1 59 0.1 MAR 32-3 54 0.1 41-16 47 0.2 APR 48-21 43 0.1 55-30 37 0.2 MAY 61-32 42 0.5 68-43 33 0.3 JUN 70-46 52 7.0 79-54 40 0.5 JUL 73-50 64 3.3 81-58 48 1.7 AUG 71-46 67 2.3 79-56 50 1.5 SEP 61-32 58 0.5 68-44 46 0.5 OCT 46-16 56 0.6 54-28 43 0.0 NOV 24-0 61 0.1 35-11 59 0.3 DEC 9 to -13 67 0.2 23-0 63 0.1

MONTH KUNMING, China IRKUTSK, Russia (optional extension in Yunnan Province) (optional extension) Temp. % Relative Monthly Temp. % Relative Monthly High-Low Humidity Rainfall High- Humidity Rainfall °F (am-pm) (inches) Low (am-pm) (inches) JAN 58-36 85-41 0.4 9 to -8 86-77 0.4 FEB 62-39 79-39 0.5 19 to -4 85-65 0.3 MAR 67-44 75-37 0.7 33-10 85-55 0.4 APR 73-52 77-39 0.8 49-27 83-44 0.6 MAY 74-59 82-52 3.5 64-38 81-38 1.2 JUN 74-63 88-68 6.9 73-49 90-47 2.6 JUL 74-63 91-72 8.1 77-55 95-59 3.8 AUG 74-62 92-68 8.0 72-51 95-60 3.2 SEP 71-59 92-67 5.0 60-40 94-55 1.8 OCT 67-54 90-62 3.1 46-27 89-57 0.8 NOV 62-46 90-56 1.6 27-11 88-72 0.6 DEC 57-38 89-48 0.5 13 to -3 87-81 0.6

Online Forecast Monthly temperature averages for the countries you will be visiting, plus a current 10-day forecast, are available online through the My Account feature of our website www.oattravel.com .

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6. Packing Just What You Need Your Luggage & Locks

Luggage Suggestions

Checked luggage One duffle bag or suitcase. Due to space limitations on our motor coaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy-duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic clamshell) suitcase.

Carry-on bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during driving excursions and walking trips. Consider a backpack or waistpack that keeps both hands free and distributes the pack’s weight onto your back or hips.

TIP: The popular wheeled carry-on bags often do not fit in local overhead compartments, particularly on our motor coaches and smaller aircraft. If you decide to bring a wheeled carry-on bag, be sure to include the wheels when you measure its dimensions. Or factor the space the wheels take up when selecting a carry-on.

A small, lockable duffel bag: This small bag is a necessity for certain portions of your trip. It should have a luggage tag and a lock. You can use this smaller bag as your carry-on for the international flight or pack it into your main luggage. You’ll need it for those times when luggage storage is so limited that we must leave some luggage behind. (For example, for flights to/from the Southern Gobi on the main trip.)

(At these times, we stow your main luggage in the Ulaanbaatar hotel, while you carry just what you need for 3 to 4 days in this small duffel. Then we’ll pick up our main luggage when we return.) A waterproof bag is preferable, to protect your things from rain.

TIP : When traveling with a companion we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack 2 outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Locks To reduce the risk of damage to your luggage, either do not lock your bags when checking in for flights that originate in the U.S. or use TSA-approved locks. (These are locks that TSA screeners can open and relock with a special tool, avoiding damage to your luggage or lock if a physical inspection is required. Look for the words “TSA” or “TSA-approved” on the lock’s packaging.)

Outside of the U.S., we strongly recommend that you lock your luggage as a preventative measure against theft.

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LUGGAGE LIMITATIONS In addition to the international flights, you will also take domestic flights within the region on your main trip. The luggage limits on these flights are less than the average allowance for international flights. This means that even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions, as indicated in the following chart.

Number of Type of Luggage Weight Restrictions Special Size Pieces Restrictions? Main trip One Duffle bag or soft- 33 lbs TOTAL* checked Standard airline size: only checked bag sided suitcase. and carry-on together Checked luggage and one Please do not bring a within Mongolia; may should not exceed 62 carry-on per hard-sided bring up to 55 lbs total* linear inches (length+ person (clamshell) suitcase. checked and carry-on width + depth) Also an extra bag—a together if using hotel’s small duffle—to left-luggage service Carry-on should not work around the *(see note on next page) exceed 45 linear strict weight limits in inches Mongolia. Pre- and Same Same Same Same post-trip extensions Remarks and Suggestions *Luggage limits in Mongolia: Some of our flights within Mongolia have very strict luggage limits—33 lbs TOTAL , all luggage added together. However, your flights from China to Mongolia and from Mongolia to China have a larger limit—55 lbs total.

So what does this mean for your adventure? It means you may bring up to 55 lbs total to Mongolia, but if you do, there are times during the trip that you must leave extra luggage behind at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Bring an extra bag—either as your carry-on for the international flight, or packed into your suitcase—that you can use to carry what you need for 3 to 4 days while the rest of your luggage is in Ulaanbaatar.

The “Dirty Harry” luggage rule: The limits in the chart above are based on the airlines’ published restrictions. The enforcement of luggage limits is a matter of airline corporate policy. It may not be consistent in all situations and may include random spot checks, especially for carry-on luggage. Airline penalties and fines, however, will probably be immediate when and if enforcement occurs. Before you choose to go above the airline’s published restrictions, you should first ask: Do I feel lucky?

Remember, these limits can change. If the airline(s) notifies us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. You should also confirm both luggage restrictions and luggage fees directly with your U.S./international airline a week or so before your departure . Doing so will keep you up-to-date on any last-minute changes, new security measures, or new fees. Most airlines are now charging fees for checked luggage, even on some international flights. These fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website under the FAQ section.

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Clothing Suggestions

Functional Tips As you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions, we suggest several layers of clothing. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, look for fabrics that will dry out overnight. You can buy clothing designed especially for travel, with features like wrinkle-resistant fabric or built-in sun protection.

Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip, and walking over some rough and slippery surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes, light hiking boots, or similar supportive sports shoes that offer good traction.

Style Hints Dress on our trip is functional and casual, consisting of basic pants or everyday skirts, shirts, and sportswear. Your dress should be somewhat conservative, to be respectful of the local, traditional culture.

Traveler’s Checklists Did you know that the top two comments travelers have about packing are “I wish I had brought less” and “I wish I had thought to double-check the weather”? In an effort to help you bring less, we offer these lists, which have been compiled from suggestions by Trip Leaders and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in this handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. And finally, remember the Golden Rule of Packing Light—whatever you think you need at first—take half the clothes and twice the money.

Recommended Clothing Checklist ß Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts. ß Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best. Avoid tight-fitting jeans for comfort and ease of movement. ß Shoes and socks: Shoes should be comfortable walking or running shoes ß Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection ß Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood ß Light cotton or wool sweater ß Fleece jacket or heavy sweater for the mountains (Yes, even in summer. It gets chilly at night.) ß Underwear and sleepwear ß Optional: Swimsuit, in case a hotel has a whirlpool or pool

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Seasonal Clothing Recommendations: For June through August departures, add these items to your list: ß Walking shorts: Cut long for modesty. Most likely you won’t want shorts for every day of the trip, but they can be useful in the warmest places, like the Gobi. Shorts are also useful this time of year for the optional extension in China.

Other Essential Items ß Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc. Our hotels will provide the basics like soap and shampoo, but if you are sensitive to fragrances or new products, you may wish to bring your preferred brands. Most hotels do not provide a washcloth, so you may wish to pack one. ß Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses, sunglasses ß Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger ß Insect repellent with DEET (30%-35% strength) ß Light folding umbrella ß Moisturizer and sun-blocking lip balm ß Pocket-size tissues ß Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial "water-free" hand cleanser ß Flashlight, extra batteries/bulb –especially useful in the Mongolian camps ß Electrical transformer & plug adapters: see "A Word About Electricity" for details.

Medicines & First aid Gear ß Your own prescription medicines ß Travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, headache and pain relief, laxatives and anti-diarrhea tablets, something for upset stomach. Maybe a cold remedy, moleskin foot pads, antibiotic cream, or allergy medication. ß Prescription antibiotic for gastrointestinal illness ß Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes ß Optional: Motion sickness medicine if you are susceptible ß Optional for travelers on the Yunnan extension: Altitude sickness medication ß Optional for travelers on the Yunnan extension: Anti-malarial medication—discuss with your doctor

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Optional Gear (These are items that other travelers have suggested might be useful—not requirements. The extra spaces at the end are for you to add whatever you don’t want to forget.) ß Travel alarm or travel watch with alarm ß Lightweight binoculars ß Basic sewing kit ß Cold-water hand-wash laundry soap such as Woolite and plastic hang-up clothespins ß Hair dryer ß Reading materials ß Travel journal/note pad and pens ß Home address book ß Photos or post cards from home ß Small gifts for Home-Hosted visit(s) ß Phrase book ß Folding walking staff (or ski pole), sold in most camping stores. Useful when exploring hilly sites. ß Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates ß Inflatable seat cushion for bumpy roads ß ______ß ______ß ______

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A Word about Electricity When traveling overseas, there are a few differences to keep in mind about electricity. First, the voltage is usually different. Second, the plugs might not be the same shape. Lastly, the availability of power can vary.

Voltage : Electricity in Mongolia and China is 220 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Plugs : The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet— Type A, Type B, and so on. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

• Overall, C will be the most common/most useful plug type on this adventure. C plugs will also fit into E and F sockets. • Mongolia: C or E • China: A (same as the U.S.) or I • Russia: C or F

To plug something from the U.S. into a C, E, or I socket you’ll need an adapter that fits between the plug and the socket. Because there are many different types of plugs in this region, it may be easier to purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them at large retailers too, like Target or Walmart. If you forget to bring an adapter, you might also find them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination.

Availability: Travelers dependent on electricity supply for health reasons may want to consider a different OAT adventure. Sleep apnea machines are not recommended for the main trip because a constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. At the camps in Mongolia electricity is only available in the evening, from approximately 8:30pm to 11pm. We strongly recommend bringing a flashlight with you.

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7. Learn about Your Destinations Before your trip, we encourage you to learn about the regions of the world you will soon be exploring. The ancient and contemporary cultures of these areas are rich and complex. Even a small amount of background reading can help you make sense of the kaleidoscope of facts and impressions that will come your way. Having some knowledge in advance can complement and enrich what you can learn from your expert Trip Leader.

Mongolia at a Glance Facts & Figures • Area: 603,909 square miles • Capital: Ulaanbaatar • Languages: Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, and Russian are spoken. • Ethnicity: Khalkh 81.9%, Kazak 3.8%, Dorvod 2.7%, Bayad 2.1%, Buryat-Bouriates 1.7%, Zakhchin 1.2%, Dariganga 1%, Uriankhai 1%, other 4.6% • Location: Mongolia is bordered by Russia and China. • Geography: Mongolia encompasses a wide range of terrain, with mountains, grassy steppes, and vast flat desert. Most of the north and west of the country is mountainous or hilly grasslands; the Gobi Desert takes up most of the south and the east. The country is land-locked, and although there are lakes and streams in certain areas, the combination of the terrain and low water supply means that a very small percent of the land is arable. • Population: 2,953,190 (2014 estimate) • Religion : Buddhist 53%, Muslim 3%, Christian 2.2%, Shamanist 2.9%, other 0.4%, none 38.6% • Time Zone: Mongolia observes Ulaanbaatar Time, twelve hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in Ulaanbaatar.

Historical Overview Prehistory Human habitation in Mongolia stretches back a surprisingly long time. The earliest traces date from 800,000 years ago, when Homo erectus lived in caves in the southwest. Modern man (Homo sapiens) arrived much later—only 40,000 years ago. These early ancestors left striking cave paintings, carvings out of ivory and bone, and stone tools in their cave dwellings. Over time, they began to leave the caves and settle in agricultural villages. But it was in the Copper and Bronze Ages that a key development of Mongolian culture came into being—horseback riding. With this development many of the local tribes turned away from farming, and took up a nomadic existence instead. As a result, horses, horseback riding, and a nomadic way of life were to become hallmarks of Mongolian culture for thousands of years.

Early History For the next 2,000-3,000 years, the Mongolian tribes continued to be generally independent of each other. Although some groups—the Okunev, the Andronovo, and the Karasuk—seem to have developed large spheres of influence, they are typically thought of as cultures, not cohesive governments. It wasn’t until 209 B.C. that an official confederation of tribes emerged under a single head—King Modu Chanyu of the Xiongnu tribe. His military force soon emerged as the greatest threat to the Chinese kingdom, and prompted the Chinese emperor to build a very large defensive wall. (Today it’s known as the Great Wall of China.)

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The Wall may have helped keep the raiders out, but it didn’t stop the rise of the Xiongnu Dynasty within Mongolia. From 209 B.C. to 93 A.D. they ran an empire that was larger than modern-day Mongolia. Subsequent dynasties, such as the Xianbei (93-234 A.D.), the Rouran (330-555), and the Gokturks (555- 745) continued to enlarge the empire’s holdings. It was most likely the Rouran who were the first to use the words “Khan” as a title meaning “king” and “Khagan” meaning “emperor”.

The Age of the Khaganates The use of two titles reflects the feudal nature of the society at the time—as no one man (or woman, there were “Khatun”)—could hold such a large territory, each region or tribe tended to have it’s own leader, equivalent in rank to a king. The Khagan, or emperor, was typically the strongest of these kings, and the one who would lead the others in military campaigns. This arrangement worked well as long as the different kings were loyal, or if one clearly dominated the others militarily. But when more than one strong king rose to power, the title of emperor was up for grabs. Such a situation occurred in 745, when the Uyghur, Karluk, and Basmyl tribes all rebelled against the ruling Gokturks. In the resulting power vacuum, the Uyghurs dominated the other tribes, and formed their own empire.

In fact, the Uyghurs were so successful and powerful that in 756 they formed an alliance with the Tang Dynasty in China. Although ultimately defeated by the Kyrgyz (the ancestors of modern-day Kyrgyzstan), the Uyghurs left a strong cultural legacy—it was their script that was adopted as the official writing of Mongolia by Genghis Khan in the 13th century.

Genghis, or How to Rule a Large Chunk of the World With the decline of the Uyghurs, a period of uncertainty, weak leadership, and outside influence set in. The Mongolian empire splintered, and it wasn’t until the rise of a chieftain named Temujin that the core of the old empire was reunited. In 1206, he took the title Genghis Khan, meaning King Genghis. (Despite his power, he wasn’t actually called a Khagan, or emperor, until after his death.)

As one of the most famed and feared names in history, Genghis had quite a life. If the records left after his death are to be believed, he started life as a nobleman’s son, but when his father was murdered by poison, he and his family lived in poverty. At age 9, he was engaged to Borte (later his chief wife), at age 10, he killed his half-brother in what might have been an accident, and at age 16, he and Borte were married. Not one to settle down to a quiet life, Genghis began to unite the Mongol tribes, survived an assignation plot, rescued Borte (she had been kidnapped by a rival tribe), and executed his sworn “blood brother” Jumaka—all before turning 39.

Yet despite the excitement of his early life, it wasn’t until his 40s that Genghis really came into his own. After his election to the title of Khan in 1206—at the age of 44—he began a remarkable series of military campaigns across Asia and Europe. The result was the largest continuous land empire that has ever existed in human history. At its height, the Mongol Empire covered roughly 22% of the world’s landmass. Yet when the Great Khan died in 1227, he was buried in an unmarked grave, in accordance with the customs of his tribe.

After the Empire The effects of the Mongol empire and the true personality of its most famous leader are still hotly debated today. Some historians, such as R.J. Rummel, have estimated that 30 million people were killed under the Mongols. They point to the fierce and frightening reputation of the Mongol hoards as proof of Genghis’ bloodthirsty nature. Other historians have dubbed the era the “Pax Mongolica” because of the stabilizing effect the empire had on the conquered territories. These historians point to the increased trade on the Silk Road, the religious tolerance of the Mongol court, and Genghis’ policy of promoting people based on merit instead of birth as signs of an enlightened reign.

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In any case, both groups seem to agree that empire was largely based on the larger-than-life personality of the Khan himself. So it would be logical to presume that his death posed a huge threat the empire’s survival. Yet surprisingly, the Mongol Empire actually gained lands and fame under Genghis’ immediate descendents. The most notable of these successors was his grandson Kublai Khan, who founded the Yuan Dynasty in China. (It was his court that Marco Polo visited in the 1200s, and inspired the poem “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge.) It wasn’t until the fall of the Yuan in 1368 that the Mongol Empire collapsed back into smaller states.

For the next 200-300 years, the tribes of Mongolia would follow a pattern of fighting amongst themselves, uniting briefly under a strong leader, and then retuning to disunion. The many rivalries created some interesting leaders, such as the warrior Esen Taishi and Queen Mandukhai the Wise. (The queen’s story sounds like a soap opera: After her first husband’s death she adopted the last remaining heir of Genghis Khan, successfully upheld his claim to the throne in battle, and eventually married him when he turned 19. They had 10 children together despite her tendency to go to war while pregnant.) The constant shifts in power only ended with the conquest of Mongolia by the Chinese Qing Dynasty in the 17th century.

Modern History In many ways, the Qing simply added new layers to the existing Mongol hierarchy. The Mongol nobles still attended on the Mongol emperor, who in turn was a vassal of the Qing emperor. The biggest change was at the bottom level of society—the Chinese assigned different levels of serfdom to the Mongol peasants. The Chinese also divided Mongolia into different areas of administrative control; this is where the terms “Inner Mongolia” and “Outer Mongolia” come from.

When the Qing Dynasty collapsed in 1911, Mongolia turned to Imperial Russia for protection and recognition as an independent state. Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, China reasserted its claim; ultimately Outer Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A communist regime was installed in 1924, and remained in power until a peaceful democratic revolution in 1990. (Inner Mongolia remained a part of China. Today Inner Mongolia is still considered an official part of China, but not quite Chinese—like Tibet or Hong Kong.)

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China at a Glance—optional extension Facts & Figures • Area: 3,705,407 square miles • Capital: Beijing • Languages: Standard Chinese (Mandarin) is the official language; Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghaiese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese) are also spoken, along with various Chinese dialects • Ethnicity: Han Chinese 91.6%, Zhuang 1.3%, other (includes Hui, Manchu, Uighur, Miao, Yi, Tujia, Tibetan, Mongol, Dong, Buyei, Yao, Bai, Korean, Hani, Li, Kazakh, Dai and other nationalities) 7.1% • Location: China is bordered by Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, India, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Vietnam. • Geography: The geography of China must be viewed in terms of its grand proportions. China's vast area of nearly 4 million square miles ranks third behind Russia and Canada. The Himalayas on China's border with India are the world's tallest mountains. More than two-thirds of China’s land area is mountainous or desert. • Population: 1,355,692,576 (2014 estimate) • Religions: Buddhist 18.2%, Christian 5.1%, Muslim 1.8%, folk religion 21.9%, Hindu < .1%, Jewish < .1%, other 0.7% (includes Daoist), unaffiliated 52.2% • Time Zone: Officially all of China is on Beijing time, which is 12 hours ahead of EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 6pm in China (add an hour for daylight saving time). Unofficially, residents in distant provinces may use a local time zone for everyday use and Beijing time for official purposes. Hong Kong is also on Beijing time.

Historical Overview Early History (3000 B.C. – 500 B.C.) Archaeological records of a highly developed civilization in the area now known as China date back to around 4000 B.C., suggesting that the Chinese people have shared a common culture longer than any other people on earth. China's first dynasty, the Shang, is believed to have been established around 1800 B.C. At that time, the country remained split into many feudal states. Although the King was recognized for his ritual role, power was dispersed among feudal lords, and warring between feudal states was common.

The Shang kings called themselves the “Sons of Heaven” and presided over a cult of animal and human sacrifices to ancestors and nature gods. Ancient writings tell of frequent invasions by nomads from the north, often referred to as “Barbarians” (literally meaning anyone not of Chinese descent). However, the nomads always moved on after their conquests, and the dynastic rulers remained in power.

By 1500 B.C., the Chinese had already made great advancements in the areas of science and mathematics. They also were producing fine art, including jade and ceramic products and bronze castings. However, the majority of the Chinese people still made their living from a combination of hunting and agriculture. The peasants owned the land on which they farmed, but owed military service to the nobles. As in all agricultural societies, the family was the dominant social unit. Often, large extended families lived together under one roof, and groups of families living in the same geographical area sometimes adopted common surnames and formed clans.

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The Classical Age (c. 500 B.C. - 202 B.C.) Around 400 B.C., a new class of learned men began to form, giving rise to what is sometimes called the Classic Age of Chinese thought. The most famous of these men was Confucius. Confucius asserted that social harmony depends on each individual understanding and acting in accordance with his or her ‘station in life.’ Confucius’ teachings would have a greater influence on China’s development over the next 2,000 years than perhaps any other man, as Confucianism was the official state teaching from 202 B.C. to A.D. 1911. This strict ethical system, more than anything else, provided the basis for the long- standing unity of the Chinese people and the relative stability of the dynastic system of government for nearly 40 centuries.

Another philosophy also rose to prominence in China around this time. Taoism promoted the concepts of inner peace and harmony with nature. Practitioners sought mystical knowledge through meditation. While Taoism never became an official state teaching, it was embraced by millions of Chinese as an alternative to the rigid precepts of Confucianism.

Around the 1st century B.C., Buddhism, which originated in India, found its way to China. Whereas Confucianism and Taoism were more or less ethical guides, Buddhism was a proper religion. To the follower of Buddha, life goes on in a series of reincarnations; it is a cycle of rebirth and suffering. The goal of life is to escape this cycle—to stop being born as a suffering individual with selfish desires. To do this, Buddhists follow what is called the “Eightfold Path” —a series of steps that lead to the blissful state of Nirvana, or “no-self.” While Buddhism was not advanced as an official state teaching, it nevertheless flourished in China for centuries.

The Age of the Imperial Dynasties (221 B.C. – A.D. 1911) In 221 B.C., China’s first empire was established. Called Qin, it differed from past dynasties in that one emperor ruled over a unified China. The first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, centralized political power and standardized language, laws, weights, measures, and coinage. Unfortunately, he also suppressed learning and tried to destroy most religious texts. His dynasty lasted less than 20 years. Although specific Imperial dynasties came in and out of power, the structure of the Imperial dynastic system, with its administrative divisions and central bureaucracies, remained intact until the early part of the 20th century.

In 202 B.C., the Han rose to power. The next four centuries of Han rule were a time of great historical significance to the Chinese. The Han instituted the “Mandarin bureaucracy,” a merit system by which local officials were selected based on their knowledge of the Confucian classics. They also advanced the teachings of Confucianism, with its strict adherence to the class system. Both of these measures remained in force for nearly 2,000 years. Also during this time, China’s first university was founded. A new emphasis on learning and education gave rise to an age of great scientific discovery and artistic accomplishment.

Over the next several centuries, life in China continued much as it had during the age of the Han. New dynasties rose to power, but the Imperial dynastic system, with its central bureaucracy and administrative divisions, remained intact. More importantly, foreign influences did not significantly alter the underlying culture. The people remained largely agricultural, and Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism remained the prevailing philosophical and ethical guides. However, a significant change occurred in the late 14th century, during the reign of the Mings. Trade with the west was introduced.

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At first, open trade with the west appeared to pose little threat to the Chinese way of life. But, over the next 300 years, a new commodity was introduced that would prove disastrous to Chinese culture: opium. By the late 19th century, opium addiction had severely damaged Chinese society and drained vast amounts of wealth overseas. This led to war with Britain, a chief source of the deadly drug. The Chinese, who had failed to keep pace with western arms technology, were soundly defeated and forced into a series of uneven treaties.

The Rise of the People’s Republic By the dawn of the 20th century, China was wracked with internal rebellion and economic stagnation. A Western-influenced political leader named Sun Yet-sen convinced the Chinese to adopt a republican form of government in 1911, touching off a prolonged period of civil war. Then, in 1949, bolstered by the success of Russia following World War II, Communists rose to power and took control of the government, establishing the People's Republic of China. The first 30 years of rule by the Communist Party were marked by cycles of failed economic policies, disunity, and political purges. In particular the 1960s and early 1970s saw a period of economic, political, and social change known as the Cultural Revolution.

Begun in 1966, the Cultural Revolution was described by Mao Zedong (the Chairman of the Communist Party) as a movement to counteract “liberal bourgeoisie” elements that wanted to return to capitalism. Through speeches and other propaganda, the Party leadership affiliated certain Chinese traditions with Western decadence; both were to be condemned and purged.

Two key elements of the Cultural Revolution that would affect China for years were the mass relocation of urban population to rural labor camps and the creation of the Red Guards. Most were students who were encouraged to actively challenge cultural institutions, their teachers, and even their parents. The term “the Four Olds” (old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas) was introduced to sum up everything that a good revolutionary should avoid. Religious buildings were defaced, art smashed, intellectuals and teachers abused and imprisoned. Although the Cultural Revolution officially ended in 1969, most historians agree it continued until Mao’s death in 1976.

After Mao’s passing the backlash from the Cultural Revolution lead to the arrest of four influential Party leaders, called the Gang of Four (one of whom was Mao’s widow). The public began to turn away from the hard-line communism that had dominated China, and in the mid-1980s, the government adopted far- reaching economic reforms with market-oriented incentives. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s reforms were slowly introduced, and in 2003, the Party even changed its membership rules to include a new type of member—“red capitalists”. Nonetheless, modern China is still far from being an openly democratic or capitalist society; today they name their new political system “socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

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Siberia at a Glance – optional extension Area: 5,207,900 square miles (part of Russia) Capital: Moscow Languages: Russian is the official language. Location: Russia is bordered by Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the North Pacific Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. Geography: Russia spans two continents, with the part west of the Urals considered to be in Europe while the rest of the country is in Asia. Population (Russia): 142,470,272 (2014 estimate) Siberia: approximately 38,700,000 Religion: Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2%. These are estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule. Time zone: Russia spans numerous time zones. Siberia is 13 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET). St. Petersburg and Moscow are eight hours ahead. If it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 2pm in St. Petersburg and Moscow and 7pm in Siberia.

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Cultural Insight & Points to Know

Your Departure Date: A Reminder Travelers who have booked their air with OAT: The departure date that shows on your invoice and other materials will most likely be the day before your international flight. This is because many flights to Asia leave in the early am hours—at 1 and 2am—but you’ll need to be at the airport earlier for check-in. Therefore you’ll be checking in before midnight, which is technically the day before. For example: If the flight to Asia leaves at 1:40am on May 2nd, you would want to arrive for check-in at 11pm on May 1st. You can confirm the date of your international flight by referring to your preliminary air itinerary.

Flights in Mongolia and China Domestic air travel in Mongolia and China is frequently subject to flight delays and schedule changes on short notice. Your Trip Leader will do everything possible to keep your trip running smoothly, but your own acceptance that some unpredictability is part of the adventure of traveling in a developing country will help!

Language Barrier You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball rolling. Keep in mind, however, that it is always good form to know at least a few words in the local language.

Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should show a respect for local tradition. This means you should dress in a relatively modest style. Avoid revealing or tight-fitting outfits and excessive jewelry.

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Cuisine

By now most Americans are very familiar with the cuisine of China (which we visit on an optional trip extension), but Mongolian and Siberian may be new to you. Here’s a brief description of what to expect:

Mongolian: Only a very small percentage of Mongolian land is arable, which means that few crops grow there. Most agriculture is based in livestock—cattle, goats, horses, and camels. The result is a cuisine that leans heavily on meats and dairy but is light on vegetables. Mutton, barley, yogurt, cheese, a few vegetables, and either noodles or rice are common ingredients that Mongolian cooks use to their advantage.

Some typical dishes include: • Meat-filled dumplings—often described by the cooking method: Buuz are steamed, bansh are boiled, and khuushuur are fried. • Arvain guril —a barley porridge made with cream and sugar • Guriltai shul —chunky soup with onions, meat, and fried noodles • Tsuivan —stew with cabbage, root vegetables, meat, and noodles

On special occasions, meat is cooked over hot stones. Two stone-cooked dishes of note are khorkhog , which is mutton cooked in a container or a can, and boodog , which is meat (usually goat) cooked from the inside out. Yes, you read that correctly—the hot stones are inserted inside the animal’s stomach cavity, and then left to cook the meat from the inside. Only an experienced cook should try to prepare boodog, because if left too long, the steam from the hot rocks can build up pressure and cause a goat explosion.

Along with meat, dairy products are also a mainstay of Mongolian cuisine. Butter and cheese is made from many types of milk—cows’ milk, goats’ milk, sheep milk, yaks’ milk, and even the milk of camels. Cheese may be in a form familiar to the West, or may be aaruul , dried curds. Butter, or urum , is similar to clotted cream. It may be served in tea, or it may be caramelized into khailmag . Milk even takes on an alcoholic edge with airag , which is fermented mare’s milk, and arkhi , which is a milk-based liquor. (With about 2% alcohol by volume, airag is closer to slightly spiked yogurt. Arkhi is stronger, usually about 10% ABV.)

Siberian: The extreme climate and the vast natural resources have a hand in Siberian cuisine, which uses hardy ingredients and has a tendency towards substantial meals. The food of Siberia has also been influenced by the many different cultures that have settled (or been forced to settle) there: Aboriginal, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Lithuanian, Jewish, and Mongolian.

The long-standing mix of cultures means that some traditions have developed along similar lines as other cuisines many miles away. For example, if you like Italian food, then one typical Siberian dish—the pel’meni —may look surprisingly like tortellini pasta. That’s because both pel’meni and tortellini are thought to have roots going back to Medieval China. But what makes pel’meni different isn’t just the filling (each family has their own ground meat and spices mix) but also the production. Siberian families used to spend days making buckets of pel’meni in the fall, and store them outside the house in the frozen air for a quick and easy dish that would last all winter.

Another group that has left their mark on the food of Siberia are the Buryats, a Mongolian people. Today you’ll find the Buryat specialty called posy served at most restaurants the Ulan-Ude area. There’s a knack to eating posy—you hold one in your hands, bite the top off, drink up the juices, and then continue eating. (If you don’t get the juices first, they’ll end up on your chin.) Wash down a meal of posy with Buryat tea—green tea with milk and lots of sugar.

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Taking Photographs

The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older woman. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject, try to have a bit of social interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Leader can help. Safety & Security

Common Sense and Awareness As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people.

Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in a travel pouch or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don't leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

Pickpockets Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers. Communications To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

How to Dial When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. The country codes on this trip are: +86 for China, Siberia (Russia) +7, and +976 for Mongolia. Phone numbers abroad may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even numbers within a country can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone can accept one.

Calling Cards and 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.).

One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

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8. Additional Resources Suggested Readings We’ve listed a few of our favorite books about the region you'll be traveling. Most of these are available in large bookshops (especially those that specialize in travel or international books), by mail order, and from Internet sites

Mongolia: Hearing Birds Fly by Louisa Waugh (Travel Narrative) A charming look back at her year teaching English in a Mongolian village. Winner of the 2004 Ondaatje Prize, which is awarded by the Royal Society of Literature for a work that evokes “spirit of place”.

Khubilai Khan's Lost Fleet: In Search of a Legendary Armada by James P. Delgado (History) How could a fleet of 700 ships, owned by the most powerful empire on earth, be lost in only 15 years? Archeologist Delgado joins with a Japanese dive team to try to answer that very question. But first they must locate the lost fleet, which most historians consider nothing more than a legend.

The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by Jack Weatherford (History) An inventive look at the female descendants of the Great Khan by a professor of anthropology at Macalester College. A good source for the full story of Queen Mandukhai the Wise.

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (History) An in depth look on how this iconic and legendary figure helped shape the modern world in such a short span of time. (Weatherford has been awarded the Order of the Polar Star, which is Mongolia’s highest national award.)

Mongolia, Travels in the Untamed Land by Jasper Becker (Travel Narrative) Originally published in 1992, this new edition continues to inspire with its wide-ranging descriptions of Becker’s journey into Mongolia after the fall of the Soviet Union. (As a British journalist based in Beijing, Becker was one of the first Westerners allowed into the country after the collapse of communism.)

Modern Mongolia, From Khans to Commissars to Capitalists by Morris Rossabi (Economics/History) A detailed, critical, and scholarly look at Mongolia’s dramatic shift from communism to capitalism after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The author is a professor of history at the City University of New York, and has also written a book on Kublai Khan.

Women of Mongolia by Martha Avery (Culture) An interesting mix of written word and photography, this book pairs Avery’s interviews of Mongolian women with lovely black-and-white photos of the women themselves. The book was originally published in the 1990s, so it my not be in stock at the local bookstore, but should be available online or by special order.

Wolf Totem by Jiang Rong (Literature) Hugely popular in China, and well-received in the West, this novel tells the story of a Chinese student who is sent to Inner Mongolia during the Cultural Revolution. While there, he develops a special fascination with the Mongolian wolf, and even attempts to raise one himself. Although set in Inner Mongolia (not Mongolia proper) the novel, which is based on the author’s real-life experiences during the 1970s, give a strong sense of Mongolian culture and the nomadic life.

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China: Beyond the Great Wall by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid (Food/Cookbook) For over 20 years the two authors have traveled to remote parts of China— Yunnan, Inner Mongolia, and Tibet—and this cookbook reflects the gourmet diveristy that they found there.

China Road by Rob Gifford (Travel Narrative) On the road from Shanghai west to the Gobi and China's distant border with Kazakhstan, Gifford writes with warmth and affection of his many encounters along fabled Route 312 with fellow travelers, truckers, and ordinary folk

China in Ten Words by Yu Hua (Culture) Ten essays on wide-ranging aspects of Chinese culture, such as economics, history, and politics, each summed up by one word or phrase like “leader” or “revolution”.

Postcards from Tomorrow Square: Reports from China by James Fallows (Culture) Originally a series of articles for Atlantic Monthly , each chapter can be read as a stand-alone piece or as part of a whole. The same author has also written China Airborne , which focuses on China’s aviation industry as a way of understanding the modernization of China.

Leaving Mother Lake by Yang Erche Namu and Christine Mathieu (Biography/Memoir) In this international bestseller Namu recounts her childhood amoung the Mosuo people, a matriarchal tribe that lives in southwestern China. Recognized early for her singing ability, Namu left the tribe for the big city and a possible musical career, but not without experiencing homesickness and culture shock—in her own country. An interesting insider’s look at a little-known ethnic minority in China.

Siberia: The Shaman's Coat, A Native History of Siberia by Anna Reid (History) Part history, part anthropology, and part travelogue, Reid’s book follows her trip to Siberia to discover and interview members of the various aboriginal peoples—the Khant, Buryat, Tuvans, Sakha, Ainu and Chukchi—who live there.

In Siberia by Colin Thubron (Travel Narrative) A classic account of a trans-continental long haul (about 15,000 miles) across Siberia, part of which was done on the Trans-Siberian railway.

Tent Life in Siberia by George Kennan (Exploration) Would you leave San Francisco for a job in Siberia? George Kennan did just that—exploring Siberia in 1865 with the hopes of being able to establish a telegraph line there. In the end, the people and landscapes of Siberia seem to have interested Kennan more than the telegraph line…luckily for us.

Siberia, A Cultural History by Anthony Haywood (History) This recent volume is a useful and reliable history of Siberia with chapters on specific locations such as Irkutsk and Lake Baikal.

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Guidebooks: Your Trip Leader will be happy to provide recommendations and suggestions during the trip, so a guidebook is not a necessity. But a good one can be invaluable as a one-stop reference, so for those travelers who have asked for suggestions, we offer these guidelines. Since different guidebook series each have their own target audience and structure, it is well worth your time to browse your local library or bookstore to find the one(s) you like best. To get you started, here is some general information on the most popular series:

Culture Smart! – Focuses on local customs and etiquette instead of sights, dining, etc. DK Eyewitness – Innovative visuals make these books easy to use and a nice souvenir once the trip is over. The focus is primarily on the sights and activities. Fodor’s – A classic guidebook with strong information on activities, shopping, and dining. Good mix of upscale recommendations and budget suggestions. Frommer’s – A comprehensive guide series that is known for its restaurant recommendations. Insight – Offers more information on history and culture than usual, nice visuals, good maps. Lonely Planet – Practical guides geared towards a more adventurous traveler on a budget. National Geographic – From the same company that publishes the magazine. Excellent photographs, good information on history, nature, and culture. Rough Guides –For the independent traveler on a budget. Particularly known for their maps.

Maps: Most hotels will provide maps free of charge at the reception desk or in your room. These maps are usually sufficient for our travelers, but if you plan on any independent exploration, you may wish to consider purchasing a map before your departure. This can be especially useful in a country that doesn’t use the Roman alphabet as the hotel maps may only be printed in the local language.

Some recommended map series include: Rand McNally international maps (especially the StreetWise series), Insight’s FlexiMaps, and Rough Guide’s destination maps. We suggest that you visit your local bookstore or library to get a better sense of which type of map is best for your needs before making a purchase.

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Suggested Movies Here are few of our favorite movies that are about, or set in, or from the region you’ll be traveling. Most are available at movie rental stores and websites—or even your public library. Sometimes films produced outside of the US may be harder to find, but they are usually available online.

Mongolia:

Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan starring Tadanobu Asano, Khulan Chuluun, and Ji Ri Mu Tu (2008, color) The first installment of a proposed trilogy about the famous leader, this sweeping historical epic focuses on the early life of Genghis Khan. (The second film, tentatively named The Great Khan , is expected out in 2012 or 2013.) The director used Mongolian actors and filmed on location. In Mongolian with English subtitles. And if you’d prefer a non-fiction approach, look for Genghis Khan: Terror and Conquest from A&E’s Biography series.

The Way Back starring Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Saoirse Ronan, and Colin Farrell (2010, color) A group of escaped gulag prisoners make their way out of Siberia across Mongolia, facing possible recapture, harsh conditions, and moral dilemmas (such as when is it right to leave someone behind) along the way.

The Horse Boy directed by Michael O. Scott (2009, color) In this heartfelt documentary, a family travels from Texas to Mongolia to try a combination of shamanic healing and horseback riding therapy for their autistic son.

Dinosaur Hunters: Secrets of the Gobi Desert produced by National Geographic (2002, color) Part of the wide-ranging National Geographic series, this documentary follows a join expedition by members of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and the American Museum of Natural History.

The Story of the Weeping Camel directed by Byambasuren Davas (2003, color) A film that focuses on a Mongolian family’s attempts to save a rare white camel that has been rejected by its mother. Nominated for a “Best Documentary” Oscar in 2004.

The Cave of the Yellow Dog starring Batchuluun Urjindorjyn and Babbayar Batchuluun (2005, color) A gentle fable about a nomadic girl who takes in a stray dog. The film won several awards, including “Best Children’s Film” at the Deutscher Filmpreis (Germany’s Oscars). By the same director as The Story of the Weeping Camel .

Babies directed by Thomas Balmes (2010, color) An usual documentary that follows fours babies—one in Mongolia, one in Japan, one in Namibia, and one in the U.S. There is almost no narration, just a camera following the kids as they go from newborns to their first birthday.

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Useful Websites

Tourist information http://www.cnto.org/ China http://www.mongoliatourism.gov.mn/ Mongolia

Overseas Adventure Travel Store http://www.oatshop.com

International health information: CDC (Centers for Disease Control) http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Electric current and plug types http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets

Foreign exchange rates http://www.oanda.com/converter/classic

ATM locators http://www.mastercard.com/atm for Cirrus ATMs http://www.visa.com/atmlocator for PLUS ATMs

Travel books http://www.amazon.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com

World weather http://www.intellicast.com http://www.weather.com http://www.wunderground.com

Foreign languages for travelers: basic terms in more than 80 languages http://www.travlang.com/languages

Travel tips: packing light, choosing luggage, etc. http://www.travelite.org

Net café guide: 100s of locations around the globe http://www.cybercafes.com

U.S. Customs & Border Protection: traveler information http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel

Transportation Security Administration (TSA): agency that screens luggage in U.S. http://www.tsa.gov

National Passport Information Center (NPIC): for passport information http://www.travel.state.gov

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