What to Expect
- Physical requirements:
This adventure is suitable for OAT travelers who live an active lifestyle, enjoy good health and mobility, and are comfortable participating in 6-8 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. You should be able to walk 3 miles unassisted over the course of each day. This adventure is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances, send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group's experience.
- Climate & terrain:
Due to the varied geography of Mongolia, you will experience a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. This trip involves frequent overland 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.
- Pacing:
9 locations in 18 days, with three 1-night stays. We’ll experience lengthy overland travel (2 to 8 hours each) on several days. We also have 5 internal flights of varying length. Be prepared for delays in regional air service.
- Transportation:
Most transfers are by air-conditioned coach (no toilet on board), except in the Gobi Desert, where we ride in a van with no air-conditioning.
- Accommodations:
Lodgings in Ulaanbaatar are hotel-standard. In many locales, we stay in traditional ger tents, with Western-style bath facilities available in the main lodge. Air-conditioning is not available in our ger camps, and meals are served in a central tent or lodge.
- Group size & leadership:
16 travelers and 1 resident Trip Leader.
Visa Information
U.S. citizens will need a visa (or visas) for this trip. In addition, there may be other entry requirements that also need to be met. For your convenience, we’ve included a quick reference list, organized by country:
- Mongolia: Visa not required.
- China (main trip and optional extension): Visa required.
- Russia/Siberia (optional extension): Visa required.
Travelers who are booked on this adventure will be sent a complete Visa Packet— with instructions, applications, and a list of visa fees—approximately 100 days prior to their departure. (Because many countries limit the validity of their visa from the date it is issued, or have a specific time window for when you can apply, we do not recommend applying too early.)
If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.
Vaccinations Information
For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website.