Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In Mongolia
There are dozens of travel agencies in Ulaanbaatar (UB) although many are little more
that cowboy outfits, happy to take your money and drive you around the countryside for
a few days, but with little knowledge of quality customer service or sustainable tourism.
The agencies included in this chapter are recommended for their reputation and experien-
ce.
Cost
Per-day costs start at around US$100 (for two people), including food, accommoda-
tion, tickets to sights, a guide (who will double as a cook), driver and jeep. These costs
can go up or down depending on several factors (eg whether you're staying in tents or a
ger camp).
Guesthouse tours
The tours run by guesthouses get mixed reactions from travellers, but
they are recommended for day trips in and around UB and Töv aimag as prices are usu-
ally much lower than what the bigger companies offer.
Outside UB
Note that nearly all tour operators are based in Ulaanbaatar. The exception
is Bayan-Ölgii, where you can find a handful of independent tour companies, the best of
which is Kazakh Tour (
Click here
).
Professional Tour Operators
Active Adventure Tours Mongolia
( 11-354 662;
www.tourmongolia.com
;
Erkhuugiin
Gudamj) Good for bike and horse trips, this eco-conscious Mongolian-run outfit also runs
traditional homestays (per night, full board $15) and employs sustainable tourism prac-
tices by hiring local guides rather than shipping them out from Ulaanbaatar.
Active Mongolia
( 11-329 456;
www.activemongolia.com
; Seven Summits) This reli-
able Scottish-German operation specialises in rugged hiking, rafting and horseback trips,
plus mountain biking. Most of the trips are to Khövsgöl, Arkhangai and Khentii aimags.
Co-owner Pete Weinig runs many of the tours. It's based at Seven Summits, opposite the
central post office.
Black Ibex
( 7012 0011;
www.discovermongolia.mn
;
Sükhbaatar Gudamj, Metro Busi-
ness Centre, Room 1101) Mostly generic countrywide tours. Good for logistics such as
vehicle hire and train tickets.
Drive Mongolia
( 9911 8257;
www.drivemongolia.com
; Sükhbaatar District, Bldg 33,
Entrance V) This unique company specialises in driving tours of the countryside - as in,
you drive the car. You can head off by yourself or bring along a guide. Motorbike tours are
also available.
Goyo Travel
( 9959 8468, 11-353 010;
www.goyotravel.com
; Peace Ave, Golomt
Town, Tower A, Door 1A) An experienced and reliable British-Mongolian outfit, Goyo has
a variety of countrywide trips and some unique tours that can include hot-air ballooning
