When is the best time to come to Mongolia?
May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.

How do I get to Mongolia?
All direct flights come into Ulaanbaatar – most of them from Beijing, Moscow, Seoul or Berlin. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing makes a particularly exhilarating entry into the country. There are domestic flights and trains from Ulaanbaatar to the rest of Mongolia. Many of the tours use a 4WD Japanese and Korean vehicle to transport you to your destination.

What visa requirements are there?
Your passport should have 6 months validity on it, and you will also need a visa. Visas are available from the Mongolian embassy in your country. One month visas can be obtained on the spot once you arrive at the airport or railway station – you will need an official confirmation letter from Black Ibex Expeditions if you choose to do this. There will also be a fee of $53US. Click here to learn more

What is the accommodation like?
If you are staying in Ulaanbaatar, you will be in a hotel. During any trips around the country, you will be camping in tents and in traditional Mongolian ger. All accommodation offered by Black Ibex is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.

What should I bring with me?
Warm thin layers of clothing are the best, try and bring a hat or headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Insect repellent, sun cream, water purifying tablets and all your camera equipment as these items are not plentiful in Mongolia. If you are planning to backpack, you should have a high quality tent, mattress and sleeping bag, and a cooking stove and equipment. These items are available to buy in Ulaanbaatar should you have any difficulties.

How’s the food?
Mutton, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian.

How do I make payment in Mongolia?
US Dollars are often accepted, especially in Ulaanbaatar, but it is also useful to carry some cash in the local currency, the Tugrik. 1USD=1190 Tugrik /Augugst 2005/ Many businesses accept American Express Travelers checks. The American Express card is acceptable in hotels and some banks, as are Visa and Master Card. Also JCB card is acceptable. There are no branches of International Bank. However international bank wire transfers are possible. Several banks accept and issue Travelers Check. Traveler Checks may be cashed into Tugriks for 2% commission.

Black Ibex are here for any queries you may have and will be pleased to make any arrangements for special requirements that you may have. Your satisfaction is our ultimate goal.