advice

"Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we almost there? Are we there yet?"

I can provide some input into questions #2, 3 and 4.

2) I don't know Ger to Ger, but I've seen mixed reviews about it online. I'd recommend checking out Khongor (http://www.khongor-expedition.com). I went on their 7 day/6 night Gobi Desert tour in late August/early September 2010 and had an amazing experience. I was recommended Khongor by others. Their price per person goes down as more people join the trip (min. 2 people and max. 6 people). With 6 people, we paid $32 USD p.p.p day and most of us paid after the trip was over. They offer other trips that you can check out on their website.

3) I volunteered in Mongolia and lived with a host family for a month. I took an afternoon trip into the countryside just outside Ulaanbaatar with the host family's friend and was able to experience nomadic life but for someone without any connections to nomads in Mongolia I would suggest looking into local tour operators (you'll find quite a few along Peace Avenue) that offer short trips where you can experience nomadic life. Terelj National Park is a popular place.

4) When I went in August 2010, the weather was nice (no humidity). Most days I wore jeans/capris (you can wear shorts too) and a short-sleeve shirt, and usually a light sweater for the morning. There were a few days where it rained or was very hot, but it was mostly blue skies and sun.