Travel Information

Climate in Mongolia

Mongolia is a land of continental climate. Long subarctic winters are the norm and you can expect some snow storms. The summer though, is pleasant and warm. Summer temperatures can hit +30 degrees Celsius but winter winds often send the mercury plummeting to minus 40 degrees Celsius or lower. With over 250 sunny days a year, Mongolia is justifiably known as the "Land of Blue Sky".

Hovsgol National Park

• The northernmost aimag in the country, Hovsgol is dominated by the magnificent Hovsgol Lake, the highlight of the province and one of the most scenic spots in Mongolia. This is a land of huge pine trees and crystal-clear lakes, with water so pure you can drink it, icy streams, lush grass, open meadows and an abundance of wild flowers. Hovsgol Lake is surrounded by several peaks near 3000 m high. In surface area, this is the second-largest lake in Mongolia and the deepest lake (up to 262 m) in Central Asia.
• The alpine climate of the northernmost province Hovsgol can change from one extreme to another. In summer, temperatures are mild but weather can change quickly (rain showers are to be expected) and temperatures will range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day. At night they may drop to 10 to 5 degrees Celsius. In autumn (August), temperatures may drop to 0 degrees Celsius at night (please see information in Clothing & Equipment).
• Altitude at camp Toilogt is 1650 m above sea level. 

Travel seasons

June is a very pleasant time to visit. July and August gives you the best weather for the northern part of the country - usually dry and sunny with short spells of rain. July is also the time to see the Naadam Festival.

Flights, Meals, Drinks, Accommodation

• All flights will be economy class.
• Full-board in Ulaan Baatar, at camp Toilogt and on the trek. (Beer, other alcoholic drinks, mineral water and soft drinks are available against payment.)
• Breakfast : bread, jam, butter, coffee and tea. Cheese, sausage and Mongolian specialities. When available yogurt.
• Lunch and dinner primarily consist of beef, fish, vegetables, potatoes, pasta, rice and specialities of the country.
• Vegetarian meals are available on notice at registration.
• Should you have special food requirements, please advise us at registration to discuss feasible arrangements. You may also consider bringing special food you might require.
• Middle range hotel in Ulaan Baatar; comfortable double room with bathroom.
• At camp Toilogt you will experience the unique option to stay in a traditional ger (large white felt tent), like the ones used by nomads. These gers are nicely furnished an comfortably fitted with 3 beds. Blankets, pillows and towels are provided. Gers have electricity and a stove. On availability, participants may obtain a ger as a double room against an extra payment of US-dollars 50,--/day. Sinks, western toilets and hot showers are provided at the camp.
• On the trek 2-men tents are provided. 

Money, Costs and Purchases

• US-dollars and most major European and Asian currencies can be changed at several banks in Ulaan Baatar.
• At the airport, a foreign exchange office changes US-dollars cash.
• US-dollars Travellers' Cheques can be changed at most major banks and upmarket hotels in Ulaan Baatar.
• You can use Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards in Ulaan Baatar at upmarket hotels and some souvenir shops. You won't be able to buy anything on credit outside the capital.
• At camp Toilogt money exchange is difficult, but US-dollar notes are accepted.
• The Mongolian currency is called the tögrög (written as T).
  The exchange rate in June 2007 was: US$1 = about T1000
• If you don't plan to buy much souvenirs, a total of US-dollars 200,-- cash will do.