Plan Your Trip Road Trip - Mongolia - page 66

Agreeing on Terms
It is vital that you and the driver agree to the terms and conditions - and the odometer
reading - before you start.
Ask about all possible 'extras' such as waiting time, food and accommodation. There
are several private bridges and tolls around the countryside (each costing about T500),
which are normally paid for by you. If you arrange for a jeep to pick you up, or drop you
off, agree on a reduced price for the empty vehicle travelling back one way.
Trip Preparation
Supplies
Food Drivers from tourist agencies will assume that you will feed them along the way. On
a longer trip it's easiest for everyone to cook, eat and wash up together. If you don't want
to do this, you will have to agree on a fee for the driver's food or supply the food yourself.
This shouldn't cost more than T15,000 per day.
Cooking gear Experienced drivers will have their own Soviet-era petrol stove, though it's
a good idea to bring your own stove as a backup, and to boil water for tea while the other
stove is cooking dinner. If you are cooking for a group you'll need a big cooking pot and a
ladle. Everyone should bring their own penknife, cutlery, bowl and torch. Avoid drinking
from the same water bottles as this spreads viruses around the group.
Camping gear Breakdowns may force you to sleep by your car, so be sure to have camp-
ing equipment.
Other gear For long expeditions, also equip your vehicle with the following items. Most of
these items can be purchased from the Naran Tuul Market ( Click here ) in Ulaanbaatar.
» jerrycans, for extra petrol
» water drum
» wide-mouthed plastic drum (useful for storing food, as boxes will rapidly disintegrate)
» resealable bags (useful for opened bags of sugar, pasta etc)
» water- and dust-proof bag (your backpacks will get filthy so it's a good idea to put them
in one)
» bungee cords/luggage straps (handy for storing gear in a luggage rack)
» jack and lug wrench
» torch (flashlight)