We've put together a list of gear you will need and a useful personal first-aid kit. Also check out the information about visas and vaccinations further below. No doubt you will have lots of questions about other stuff to bring, so just ask us.
What to Bring
Camping gear
- Sleeping mat
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Pillow (OK we admit it, we’re soft!)
- We will supply 2-person tents, eating equipment (plate, bowl, mug, utensils) and cookers for when we want a quick cuppa, without getting a fire going.
Riding / Camping clothes
- Boots / walking shoes
- Comfy trousers (jeans will rub in all the wrong places!)
- Shirts / T-shirts
- Spare trousers
- Shorts
- Spare shoes / sandals
- Thermal tops and leggings
- Jersey / polar fleece
- Raincoat
- Socks
- Comfy undies (G-strings not recommended)
- Swim wear
- Sun hat
- Beanie/warm hat
- Gloves
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Personal medication
We will be supplying chaps unless you want to bring your own (chaps are the things that stop your lower leg getting rubbed – you don't need the full length version modelled by Sam G above!). WE WILL NOT BE SUPPLYING HELMETS, however if you wish to bring one please do.
Personal first aid kit
We will have a comprehensive first aid kit for the group, but we suggest you have your own kit containing items listed below. Mongolia is actually a very ‘healthy’ country because of the climate, so no problems with malaria or other tropical nasties. The plague did I hear you ask? Well yes, it does occur but is nothing to worry about.
- Diarrhoea - Imodium or Lomotil
- Rehydration salts (to recover from above)
- Constipation – mild laxatives. Remember you’ll be on a near zero-fibre diet!
- Stomach upsets - Alka Seltzers
- Headache or other mild aches and pains - paracetamol or disprin
- Respiratory infections - nasal decongestant, throat lozenges
- Skin care - sun block, after sun cream, lip balm
- Wound care - betadine solution or prep pads, Neosporin ointment, Band-Aids, gauze, tape
- Insect repellent and after-bite cream
Other useful things
- Head torch
- Camera (and loads of spare film, batteries, memory cards)
- Sunglasses
- Plastic bags for keeping gear dry
- Cord for washing line
- Fishing rod / handline
- Pocket knife
- Photo album (to show the locals your family etc.)
- Spare boot laces
- Book
Visas
Visa rules and regulations can change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest information. Getting a one-month visa to Mongolia is straightforward. We can help with any questions you might have, or obtain one for you, but most things you need to know can be found on your country’s Mongolian Embassy website:
UK: Mongolia's embassy in the UK
New Zealand: Consulate-General of Mongolia in Sydney
United States: Mongolia's embassy in the US
Or try Mongolia’s own site: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The main points to note are:
- Duration - One month is standard, an extension for an extra month can be had once you are in Mongolia, and anything more than that may or may not be possible (if you really want to stay longer than 2 months, let us know).
- Price - The normal rate is £40, but as always if you pay an ‘express fee’ the embassy staff will process it straight away.
- Requirements - 6 months validity on your passport, photo, and completed application form.
If you are coming through Russia or China, visa information can be found at
Russia's embassy in the UK
China's embassy in the UK
(If you are transiting through Moscow or Bejing, you may still need a visa).
Vaccinations
We strongly recommend that you consult a specialist travel doctor before travelling to get the latest information on what vaccinations are required. As an indication these are the vaccinations we had before travelling to Mongolia on the last two occasions.
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Polio
Rabies is present in Mongolia and some travellers do get vaccinated for it. Consult your doctor and don’t pat the dogs!