Pre-Departure Information

MONGOLIA PRIVATE JOURNEY Table of Contents

TRAVEL INFORMATION Passport Visas Money Tipping Special Diets Communications Electricity

MEDICAL INFORMATION Inoculations Staying Healthy

HELPFUL INFORMATION Photography Being a Considerate Traveler Food Background Information

PACKING LIST The Essentials WT Gear Store Luggage Weight Limits Notes on Clothing Layers Clothing Equipment Personal First Aid Supplies Optional Items Prohibited Items

READING LIST Essential Reading Also Recommended Reminders Before You Go

WELCOME!

We’re delighted to welcome you on this adventure! This booklet is designed to guide you in the practical details for preparing for your trip. As you read, if any questions come to mind, feel free to give us a call or send us an email—we’re here to help.

PLEASE SEND US

Trip Application: Complete, sign, and return your Trip Application form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Medical Form: Complete, sign, and return your Medical Form as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Air Schedule: Please forward a copy of your email confirmation, which shows your exact flight arrival and departure times. Refer to the Arrival & Departure section of the Detailed Itinerary for instructions. Please review your proposed schedule with Wilderness Travel before purchasing your tickets. Passport Photocopy: Scan* a COLOR copy of your passport photo page and email it to us as a JPG or PDF attachment, or send us a high quality photocopy by mail (immediately upon reserving your trip). Vaccination Card: Please send us a photo or scanned copy of your completed Covid-19 Vaccination Card if you have not already done so. Just the front side of the card is sufficient.

*If you are scanning documents to email, we suggest a maximum resolution of 300 dpi.

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW

Travel Documents & Medical Information: Carefully review the Travel Documents and Medical Information sections of this booklet to familiarize yourself with Passport and Visa entry requirements for your destination, as well as any recommended inoculations. Optional Travel Insurance: Review the Trip Cancellation & Transfer Fee Schedule included in the Detailed Itinerary. We recommend that all trip members purchase Travel Insurance. Final Documents: Approximately three weeks before your trip, we will send you final departure documents, including hotel and local contact information and rendezvous instructions.

QUESTIONS?

Call: 1-800-368-2794, go to our website (www.wildernesstravel.com) or e-mail us at: [email protected]. Travel Information

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for your trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from Mongolia. In addition, we recommend your passport have at least two completely blank visa pages for every country you will be visiting. It is very important that the blank pages say “Visas” at the top. The last few pages of your passport, which say “Amendments and Endorsements,” and the final page of your passport, which may not have a page number, are not considered to be legitimate visa pages. The service of adding pages for visas was discontinued as of January 1, 2016. You can request a new passport through US Passport Services Office (http://travel.state.gov/passport) or use a visa service agency, which can take care of your passport renewal and expedite the process, if needed. We recommend Passport Visas Express (http://www.passportvisasexpress.com/?affId=2120). Be sure to allow sufficient time to acquire this before your trip.

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport’s photo page and any acquired visa pages for your trip (if applicable) in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

US citizens do not need a visa for Mongolia. If you are a US citizen traveling to/from Mongolia via Seoul, you do not need a visa for transit in Korea. If you are US citizen traveling to/from Mongolia via the following cities/airport in China, you do not need to obtain a visa for China prior to arrival if you stay less than 72 hours and hold an air ticket showing your connecting flight information (with a confirmed departure date and seat number): Beijing (airport code: PEK), Shanghai (airport code: PVG or SHA), Guangzhou (airport code: CAN), Chengdu (airport code: CTU), Chongqing Jiangbei (airport code: CKG), Shenyang Taoxian (airport code: SHE), Dalian Zhoushuizi (airport code: DLC), Xi'an (airport code: XIY), Hangzhou (airport code: HGH), Guilin (KWL), and Kunming (airport code: KMG). You will not be allowed to travel to other cities or provinces within China. If you would like to spend extra time in China (more than 72 hours) or you are flying via a Chinese city other than Beijing or Shanghai, you must obtain a China visa prior to your arrival. You can obtain a visa directly from the Chinese consulate or you may contact our recommended passport and visa processing service, Passport Visas Express(http://www.passportvisasexpress.com/?affId=2120) (PVE). PVE can also be reached by phone at 888-596-6028. Let them know you are booked on a Wilderness Travel trip. If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements. MONEY

Cash in the form of US dollars is accepted in most places, along with Mongolian currency, the tugrik. Bring small denominations of US bills (ones, fives, tens) and make sure they are crisp new bills (old bills are often not accepted).

ATM machines are available in Ulaanbaatar but withdrawal is only in Mongolian tugrik. Traveler’s checks can exchanged at a bank, with usually a 2% commission. Because the State Bank is only open during certain hours of the day, it can be difficult to coordinate cashing travelers checks with the day’s activities so we don’t recommend them. It may be possible to obtain a cash advance from your Visa and MasterCard at the State Bank. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted outside the capital. Personal checks are not accepted anywhere in Mongolia.

You will need to budget spending money for gratuities, for any meals not included in the trip itinerary, and for personal items such as snacks, phone calls, etc.

To use an ATM internationally, you must have a four-digit PIN. If you plan to use your credit cards, inform your credit card company before your departure that you will be using the card abroad.

TIPPING

Tipping is discretionary but customary. The following are recommended tipping guidelines:

For your local guide: $10-$12 per traveler, per day For your drivers: $6-$10 per traveler, per day ​For staff at ger camps: ​ $10 per traveler, per day For hotel porters: $1-$2 per bag For restaurants: travelers are not expected to tip waiters, but 5-10% tip is appreciated

SPECIAL DIETS

We will do our best to accommodate special dietary needs, however, please keep in mind that certain cultural differences or limitations due to logistics can make it extremely difficult and at times impossible to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please inform us at least eight weeks before your trip if you have a restricted diet. It is important to bring a flexible attitude and supplemental snacks. COMMUNICATIONS

Time Zone Mongolia is 15-16 hours ahead of San Francisco and 12-13 hours ahead of New York, depending on daylight savings.

Telephone The international dialing code for Mongolia is +976. Please contact your cell phone company for specific instructions for international use.

Email & Internet Access Internet access is available at our Ulaanbaatar hotel (this may come at additional charge), but will be unreliable or unlimited outside of the city.

ELECTRICITY

Mongolia has 220-volt current. Bring a converter and plug adaptor kit for appliance use. The ger camps have electricity for charging appliances. Medical Information

The following recommendations should be used as a guideline only; consult your physician for medical advice. It is vital that you let Wilderness Travel know of any medical problems, allergies, or physical limitations you may have. Please fill out and return the personal medical questionnaire, and feel free to consult us if you have any questions about your ability to undertake this particular trip.

Wilderness Travel is not a medical facility and has no expertise or responsibility regarding what medications or inoculations you and your physician decide are necessary for your safe participation in the trip.

Traveler's health information is available from the Centers for Disease Control. (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm) Medical travel products are available from Travel Health Medicine (http://www.travmed.com) and from Magellan's Travel Supplies. (http://www.magellans.com)

INOCULATIONS

Entry requirements are subject to change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. This provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans. We recommend you discuss the following with your physician: Polio People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals). Hepatitis The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries. Tetanus Booster A booster is strongly recommended (effective for 10 years). Typhoid The CDC recommends the shot or the oral vaccine, Vivotif Berna. Meningitis The CDC also recommends that you consider the meningococcal vaccine as meningitis has been known to occur in Mongolia.

STAYING HEALTHY

Treated drinking water is provided at camp. In hotels, don’t brush your teeth with tap water; use bottled water. Don’t use ice in your drinks unless you are sure it was made with treated water. When in doubt, ask your Trip Leader for guidelines. In hotels, don’t brush your teeth with tap water; use bottled water. Don’t use ice in your drinks unless you are sure it was made with treated water. When in doubt, ask your Trip Leader for guidelines. Helpful Information

PHOTOGRAPHY

Camera Recommendations With the many advances in digital technology, a simple compact digital camera or even your smartphone is capable of taking pictures suitable for the needs of most people. For higher quality images and the ability to use long lenses for closer wildlife pictures, a DSLR camera is well worthwhile, though heavier. Most digital cameras and phones have good video options, but you may want to consider a GoPro for a lightweight, waterproof option. Always practice ahead of time with new equipment and bring your manual with you. Camera equipment is available for rent from Borrow Lenses (https://www.borrowlenses.com/discount/wildernesstravel), with a 10% discount offered to Wilderness Travel clients. This is an especially good idea for renting large zoom lenses that you may need for just one trip.

Camera Accessories We recommend bringing at least two large capacity memory cards or a small digital storage unit (or tablet) to back up your photos, freeing space on your memory cards. Don’t forget to bring a battery charger and a backup battery so one is always charged and ready to use. For trips where you may be away from power sources for multiple days, consider looking into a solar-powered battery charger or buying additional backup batteries, and check that you have the appropriate adapter for the electrical outlets in your destination.

Sharing Your Images We would love for you to share photos from your trip, and with your permission, may even use your photos in our marketing materials or on our photo blog. We request that you send us a small sample of your best images. Please email your photos to [email protected] or tag us @WildernessTravel on social media.

Photography Etiquette When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Approaching people with a warm smile and using polite gestures or simple phrases to ask permission to photograph them usually works well. It is always recommended to engage people in conversation before asking to photograph them, but if people do not wish to have their photo taken, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which makes it harder for future travelers to have a meaningful personal interaction with local people. Please always heed your Trip Leader’s guidelines for what is appropriate.

BEING A CONSIDERATE TRAVELER

Please show respect for the cultures we are visiting by observing local customs concerning appropriate dress, particularly in sacred places. Your Trip Leader is always available to answer any questions that you may have regarding this. If it is necessary to use a cell phone during the trip, please do so privately. Smoking is rarely an issue these days, but if you do smoke, please do so only away from the group. FOOD

Mongolian food reflects the influence of Russia and China. Dairy products, breads and meat (primarily mutton and beef) form the basis of the Mongolian diet. Some typical dishes include: shorlog (Mongolian Barbecue or shish kebab), horhog (roasted sheep), buuz (steamed dumplings with mutton or beef), and guriltai shol (mutton noodle soup). Food is generally oilier than you may be used to, and many dishes served are fried. Noodles, rice and/or breads are likely to be a part of most meals. Although vegetables and fruits are not widely cultivated or consumed in Mongolia, most meals are also likely to include potatoes, carrots, cabbage, cucumbers and/or tomatoes. Fruit is usually canned. Mongolian vodka is excellent and you may have the opportunity to try the national drink of airag (slightly fermented mare's milk).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

We offer background information on Mongolia on our website(http://www.wildernesstravel.com/explore/mongolia/mongolia). Packing List

THE ESSENTIALS

Air tickets (or E-tickets) Passport One other picture ID, such as a driver’s license Expense money

WT GEAR STORE

To help you prepare for your next WT adventure, we've put together a great collection of top brands including Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Eagle Creek, and more at our WT Gear Store (http://wildernesstravel.newheadings.com).

LUGGAGE

Soft-sided luggage with small padlock (must be unlocked for air travel). Daypack, large enough for a sweater, water bottle, camera, and other items you want with you during the day Small roll-up duffel to carry home extra purchase

IMPORTANT! Valuable or essential items such as camera equipment or prescription medications should always be hand-carried on any flight to avoid loss or damage.

WEIGHT LIMITS

Domestic airlines in Mongolia require that you limit your checked baggage to a maximum weight of 33 pounds per person for flights within Mongolia (11 pounds for carry-on luggage and 22 pounds for checked luggage). Excess baggage weight is charged at approximately $3.00-$500 (subject to change) for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) over the limit. Any excess baggage charges are your responsibility and fees may increase without warning. NOTES ON CLOTHING

You can expect a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions in Mongolia—be sure you bring clothing that protects you in the coldest conditions. In general, dress is informal. When dining in the capital, field wear is not appropriate but casual sportswear will suffice. For visiting monasteries, you will need modest clothing that covers your shoulders. There will be few opportunities for doing laundry during the trip.

At our ger camps, you must have several layers of good quality clothing for warmth for walking around camp in the cool evenings. Even if you don’t use extra layers while hiking, you’ll appreciate them at night in camp.

Laundry Laundry service is available at our hotel in Ulaanbaatar but not at the ger camps.

LAYERS

Fabrics Synthetics insulate and keep you warm even when they are damp. Polypropylene, Capilene, fleece, and other synthetic fabrics are excellent insulators and are far lighter than wool; they also have the added benefit of drying quickly. Cotton is not a good insulator, especially as a first layer next to the skin. Once it gets wet from perspiration, it stays wet and keeps you cold. Cotton is fine for city wear and touring.

Shell Clothing Shell clothing includes jackets and pants that protect from rain and wind. Gore-tex and equivalent fabrics are waterproof and breathable, so they are the best choice. Shell clothing should be roomy enough to fit over other layers of clothing. CLOTHING

The clothing list below is provided as a guideline only; we encourage you to pack as lightly as possible. Comfortable lightweight to medium-weight hiking boots with good traction Running shoes or other comfortable shoes for city and camp wear Waterproof sandals such as Tevas (for use in the bath and toilet facilities at camp) Warm fleece or down jacket Fleece vest, optional, depending on how easily you get chilled Hiking pants; synthetic hiking pants with leg zippers are a practical choice. Sturdy hiking shorts Lightweight cotton pants, jeans, or khakis for city wear Long-sleeved shirts. Fleece or quick-drying “travel” fabrics like nylon are practical. Shade hat with wide brim Fleece hat for warmth Fleece mittens or gloves T-shirts for city wear Hiking socks, such as Thorlo brand (synthetic) that work with your boots Sleepwear—we recommend a set of medium to heavyweight long underwear for nights at camp Sports bra(s) for women Bathing suit for hotels in the cities Bandana or face mask (for dusty drives)

EQUIPMENT

Water bottle, 1 qt. capacity Good quality sunglasses with case Plastic bags or stuff sacks to organize items in duffel and protect against dust Small supply of Kleenex packets Flashlight or headlamp, spare batteries Toiletries, including biodegradable soap, shampoo, etc. Towel and washcloth, thin, quick-drying PERSONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES

Every trip member should bring a small kit for personal use. Your own experience will influence your choices. Sunscreen SPF #30 or higher. We recommend mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they do not contain harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Brands such as Honest Company, Badger, and Alba Botanica are found in most sporting goods stores and drugstores. Lip balm with sunscreen Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headache, Tylenol PM for sleep Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores Insect repellent. Repellents with DEET are recommended. DEET content of about 30-35 percent is ideal (higher DEET content is not recommended). Wipe DEET off your hands before touching plastic surfaces (such as binoculars) because it can damage plastic. Aerosol repellents are useful for spraying on clothes. Blister kit. Look for the long-lasting gel-type bandages that you can apply directly on blisters, such as Band-Aid Advanced Healing Bandages or Curad Gel Multi-Day Bandages. “Liquid band-aids,” such as New-Skin, are useful because they dry rapidly to form a tough protective cover over a blister. Dramamine or other medication for motion sickness (for long days of road travel) Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing (at least 60% alcohol to be effective) Antihistamine such as Benadryl Decongestant (daytime and nighttime types) for colds, sinus headaches Cough drops (for dry throat caused by altitude) Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician. Prescription medications properly labeled Spare contact lenses or spare prescription glasses

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Therm-a-Rest pad or other compact sleeping pad if you particularly need extra comfort at the ger camps Camera, spare batteries Reading/writing material Converter/plug adaptor for appliance use in hotels. Mongolia has 220-volt current. Plugs usually have two round pins. Binoculars (small, lightweight) Travel clock Extra snacks: we recommend dried fruit or nuts for good trail snacks Money belt or neck pouch. Always carry your passport, credit cards, and cash with you in a money belt or neck pouch tucked down inside your shirt or blouse.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

Satellite phones are no longer allowed to be brought into India. This also applies to travelers who are just transiting through India on the way to/from their actual trip. If you bring a satellite phone to India, it will be confiscated and you could be subject to serious penalties, including arrest. Please double-check entry requirements on your own before traveling. Reading List

ESSENTIAL READING

Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World Mongolia Map Jack Weatherford Gizi Map 2005, 352 PAGES 2012 Weatherford interweaves his own travels and field work This attractive map (1:2,500,000) includes a small street on the Central Asian steppe, much of it on horseback, with plan of Ulaanbaatar. a lively portrait of Genghis Khan and the world of the medieval Mongols

Lonely Planet Mongolian Phrasebook Odyssey Guide Mongolia J. Bat-Ireediu Carl Robinson 2014, 212 PAGES 2010, 536 PAGES A handy pocket guide to Khalkh Mongolian, the language For this comprehensive illustrated guide, Robinson spoken in Mongolia and surrounding parts of Russia and incorporates contributions from friends and colleagues, China. including American Museum of Natural History paleontologist Mark Norrell and Smithsonian ethnographer William Fitzhugh.

Modern Mongolia, Reclaiming Genghis Khan On the Trail of Genghis Khan, An Epic Journey Paula Sabloff Through the Land of the Nomads 2002, 148 PAGES Tim Cope This slim primer, richly illustrated with 120 color 2015, 528 PAGES photographs, covers the sweep and excitement of 20th- Inspired by the nomadic tradition, award-winning century Mongolian history, the country's nomadic heritage adventurer Tim Cope travels by horseback across the and the legacy of Genghis Khan. entire length of the Eurasian steppe from Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, through Kazakhstan, Russia, Crimea and Ukraine, to the Danube in Hungary, documenting the unbounded hospitality of the people of the steppe.

ALSO RECOMMENDED Hearing Birds Fly Wild East, The New Mongolia Louisa Waugh Jill Lawless 2004, 270 PAGES 2000, 230 PAGES A transporting account of the people, landscapes and Lawless captures the startling contrasts of emerging challenges of life in westernmost Mongolia. The author is technologies, MTV culture and crumbling Soviet heritage attuned to the diverse ethnic mix of the region with its on the wide, open plains in this entertaining tale of life in dominant population of Muslim Kazakhs, Mongol Halkhs modern Mongolia. and Altai Tuvans.

Lonely Planet Mongolia The Mongols Michael Kohn Stephen Turnbull 2014, 304 PAGES 1986, 48 PAGES A comprehensive guide in the Lonely Planet style Short, yet informative, this military history of the Mongol featuring 46 maps, background detail on the country and Empire in the Men-at-Arms series features full-color culture and practical information for the traveler. depictions of the medieval Mongols, archival illustrations and an overview of Mongol history, warfare and sieges.

The Secret History of the Mongols, The Origin of Women of Mongolia Chingis Khan Martha Avery Paul Kahn 1996, 187 PAGES 2005, 240 PAGES An astoundingly diverse sample of contemporary The 13th-century Mongolian account of the life of Chingis Mongolian women from every segment of the country. Khan, adapted as a prose poem in the tradition of Virgil Each woman is profiled with a photograph and a brief and Homer. It's a heroic tribute rich in details about the first-person description of her life. daily life, history and culture of the nomadic clans of Central Asia.

In the Empire of Genghis Khan, A Journey Among The Secret History of the Mongol Queens Nomads Jack Weatherford Stanley Stewart 2011, 336 PAGES 2004, 266 PAGES Weatherford (Genghis Khan and the Making of the Mixing anecdote and history, this spirited tale is an epic Modern World) turns to the wives and daughters of the journey across Eurasia to Mongolia, much of it on great medieval leader in this bold history of the women of horseback. Stewart captures the warmth and spirit of the Silk Road. people he encountered.

Walking the Gobi Mongolian Folktales Helen Thayer Hilary Roe Metternich 2008, 272 PAGES 1996, 131 PAGES Thayer weaves her experiences on a camel trek with a A well-chosen collection of stories with dramatic paper-cut portrait of the region's nomadic cultures and natural illustrations by Norovsambuugiin Baatartsog. history. Dinosaurs of the Flaming Cliffs Culture Smart! Mongolia Michael Novacek Alan Sanders 1997, 352 PAGES 2016, 168 PAGES Novacek pens an amazing tale of discovery in the Gobi A concise, no-nonsense guide to local customs, etiquette Desert that captures the thrill of exploration and the and culture with a short overview of the land and people challenges of field work as well as the story of along with practical travel advice. paleontology and travel in the footsteps of the legendary Roy Chapman Andrews.

Eagle Dreams, Searching for Legends in Wild Hunting With Eagles, The Kazakh Eagle-hunters of Mongolia Mongolia Stephen Bodio Palani Mohan 2015, 224 PAGES 2015, 128 PAGES Charmed from a young age with Kazakh nomads, Stephen In this collection of 90 dramatic images, award-winning Bodio travels to Mongolia, circa 1990. The country has photographer Palani Mohan celebrates the world of just celebrated its independence, but Bodio is more Mongolia's Kazakh tribes, nomadic peoples who hunt on interested in traditional life as he explores the birthplace of horseback with golden eagles. His duotone photographs falconry and observes the time-honored traditions that and explanatory text show a way of life that is rapidly have survived the ages. changing.

Moving With The Seasons The Mongols, A Very Short Introduction Liza Carter Morris Rossabi 2013, 189 PAGES 2012, 160 PAGES Writer and photographer Carter collaborated with a Rossabi, a leading historian, revises the popular perception Mongolian family in making this book, an intimate season- of the Mongols as savage conquerors to show them as wise by-season account of nomadic Mongolian life on the rulers who adopted shrewd economic policies, patronized steppe. Carter's personable prose and excellent the arts and helped foster peace in the lands they photography capture the people's daily lives, in many ways controlled. still untouched by modernity.

Genghis Khan, His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy The Blue Sky Frank McLynn Galsan Tschinag 2015, 512 PAGES 2007, 224 PAGES In this astute biography, McLynn measures the deeds of Set in the Altai Mountains of northern Mongolia, this Genghis Khan against the conclusions of history. novel confronts the clashes between the nomadic Tuvan Although Khan and his Mongol hordes have the historic ill people's ancient way of life and the pervasive influence of repute of being a bunch of criminals and thugs, McLynn modern society. First of a trilogy that includes MGL78 captures Khan's genius as an empire-builder and and MGL77. innovator. The White Mountain Birds & People Galsan Tschinag Mark Cocker 2014, 272 PAGES 2013, 595 PAGES This gripping and lyrical novel is Tschinag's third Part natural history and part cultural study, this book installment on life in Mongolia, a coming-of-age story describes and maps the entire spectrum of human which details the vanishing culture of his native Tuvan engagements with birds, drawing in themes of history, people. It finds Dshurunkuwaa, now an adult, using his literature, art, cuisine, language, lore, politics and the shamanic powers and poetic gifts to describe the tragedy environment. and magic of life in his native Altai Mountains.

Birds of Mongolia Sundev Gombobaatar 2013, 224 PAGES This first modern field guide to the diverse birds of Mongolia features 83 color plates, species descriptions, and maps.

Revised: October 18, 2018