FAQs
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A: Sayat Travel is a specialised tour operator offering cultural and adventure tours in Mongolia and Western Mongolia, the camel ride in the Gobi desert, and experiencing the life of the reindeer herders of northern Mongolia, including eagle hunting experiences, and trekking in Altai Tavan Bogd.
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A: Sayat Travel is an eco-friendly tour company founded almost 10 years ago in Mongolia, dedicated to showcasing the incredible beauty of the country and it’s unique cultural traditions with the outside world. On all our tours we practice a “Leave No Trace” policy and expect our guests to help us protect the environment we are visiting.
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A: Mongolia is very safe regarding petty crimes – things like pickpockets or purse slashers don’t really exist here.
The only place that you should be a bit cautious about is Ulaanbaatar. As Mongolia’s largest city, it has a few crowded tourist hot spots that could be targeted by people looking to steal from tourists.
Be mindful of your belongings in busy malls such as the State Department Store or the Ulaanbaatar Department Store. The same goes for the local bazaars that are scattered throughout the city.
The Mongolian countryside is very sparsely populated and lacks a lot of infrastructure and can often have unstable and extreme weather. If you bring your prescription medications, appropriate warm and waterproof footwear/clothing, and extra layers for Fall and Winter months, you will not be in any serious danger.
An encounter with any dangerous animals such as snow leopards, bears, or wolves is extremely rare.
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A. Mongolia was fortunate to take early action in January and as of July 1 2020, has not had any local transmissions or local deaths.
https://medium.com/@indica/covid-underdogs-mongolia-3b0c162427c2
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A: You are not allowed to bring them on a plane, except for smaller knives for check-in. Please check with your airline ahead of time for their specific restrictions.
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A: You can communicate with the Sayat Travel team in English, Russian, Kazakh and Mongolian languages. Our guides mainly speak those four languages. Our drivers speak Russian, Mongolian, and Kazakh.
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A: We provide locally made camel wool sleeping bags (if you do not bring your own), foam mattresses, waterproof tents, kitchen facilities, a gas stove, a waterproof kitchen tent, lunch boxes, camp stools, and a camping toilet.
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A: What is the climate like in Western Mongolia?
The weather in Mongolia can be characterised as dry, cold, and sunny. Because the country is so far removed from the regulating influence of any oceans, the continental Mongolian climate brings great extremes in weather.
Western Mongolia compared to other parts of Mongolia is a bit cooler; the daytime temperature in the Altai National Park fluctuates from 15C to 18C. In the park, the temperature is unstable and always a bit windy.
This weather is suitable for activities like hiking, climbing, horseback riding, driving, and fishing. Winter temperatures can drop to -25C and below at night.
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A: A tourist visa is not required for the following countries: https://www.evisa.mn/en
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A: We can help your group book domestic flights at your convenience. Price quotes for tours can include or exclude the cost of domestic flights accordingly.
https://www.aeromongolia.mn or https://www.hunnuair.com/
For international flights you can check: http://miat.com/
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A: First-time travelers always ask about the appropriate amount of tips for local staff.
Though by definition a tip is never legally required, it is recommended when you are on tour. This is not spoiling the market or ruining hospitality, it is simply being fair and supporting the local community.
Tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the tour to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience.
Tipping in hotels and restaurants is up to the individual, 10% never goes wrong here.
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A: The best time to visit Mongolia for photography depends on what you wish to capture.
Summer (June to September):
This period offers mild weather and lush, green landscapes, perfect for nature photography tours in Mongolia. The Naadam Festival in July provides unique opportunities to capture traditional Mongolian culture.
Winter (February to March):
For stunning winter landscapes, this is the ideal time. It's also the perfect season to photograph the reindeer herders in northern Mongolia. Additionally, the winter migration of the nomadic eagle hunters in western Mongolia presents a fantastic photography tour opportunity.
Autumn and Spring:
These seasons are best for landscape photography, with the changing colors in autumn and the blooming flowers in spring providing picturesque scenes.
Cultural and People Photography:
Summer, autumn, and winter are excellent times for capturing cultural and people-oriented photos. The unique traditional aspects of Mongolian life are particularly vibrant and photogenic in autumn and winter.
Each season in Mongolia offers distinct and beautiful photographic opportunities, so the best time to visit depends on your specific interests and what you want to capture through your lens.
For unique traditional photography, autumn and winter offer the most captivating and traditional scenes.
Explore the Gobi Desert, capture the life of reindeer herders in Mongolia, or join a photography tour focusing on the eagle hunters' winter migration in western Mongolia. Each experience provides a different facet of Mongolia's beauty and culture.
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A: Mongolian eagle hunters, also known as berkutchi, are Kazakh nomads from the Bayan-Ölgii province in western Mongolia. These skilled hunters train golden eagles to hunt small game such as foxes and hares in the remote landscapes of the Altai Mountains. This ancient tradition has been passed down through generations and is an integral part of their cultural heritage. The relationship between the hunter and the eagle is built on mutual respect and trust, showcasing an incredible bond between human and bird. Visitors can witness these traditions during the Eagle Festival or through specialized tours that explore the cultural heritage of eagle hunting in Mongolia.
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Packing for Mongolia depends on the season and your plans, as the weather can vary a lot. Ulaanbaatar, the coldest capital in the world, often requires warm clothing even in spring or fall. Here’s what to bring:
Essentials for All Seasons
Layers: Mongolia’s weather changes quickly, so pack thermal layers, a sweater, and a waterproof jacket.
Comfortable Shoes: Whether exploring Ulaanbaatar or hiking, sturdy shoes or boots are a must.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, especially in summer.
For Summer (Best Season to Visit Mongolia)
Summer (June to August) is the best season to visit Mongolia, with warm days and cool nights. Pack light clothes, but include a jacket for chilly evenings. A sun hat is great for protection during outdoor adventures.
For Winter (November-February)
Mongolia’s winters are extremely cold, especially in Ulaanbaatar. Pack a heavy coat, insulated gloves, a scarf, and boots for temperatures well below freezing.
Extras for Your Adventure
Photography Gear: Mongolia is perfect for landscapes and cultural shots, so bring your camera, extra batteries, and a tripod.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated in the dry climate.
Camping Gear: If you’re camping, bring a sleeping bag suited for cold weather.
With the right packing list, you’ll be ready to enjoy Mongolia’s stunning landscapes, unpredictable weather, and vibrant culture!