Bus from UB to Karakorum and back

Hi Bahabi,
Plan certainly seems doable. Only recommendation I might make is to pre-book ger camp accommodation at Kharakorum (unless you plan on camping) as it can get busy around this time of year. Also, take a good book for the bus journey as it will probably take between 5-7 hours although good roads all the way.
Otherwise seems perfectly reasonable.
Good luck!

Hey Chris, thanks for the reply!

Does anybody know if it's easy to score bus tickets the same day for the ride from UB to Karakorum?

How about the time of the return bus (Karakorum to UB)?
Thanks!

Hi

Bus from Kharkhorin to UB leaves at 10:00am every day, cost about 18,000MNT.
Bus from UB to Kharkhorin leaves at 11:00am every day, cost about 18,000MNT, leaves from Dragon bus station on the west side of the city.
In addition there are minivans that leave in the afternoon when they fill up, look for Хархорин sign on the wind shield.
Come early, there should be no problem to get a ticket the same day.

Karakorum is the name of the ancient capital.
Kharkorin (Хархорин) is the name of the town today.

More on public transportation.

Have a nice ride
Dan

Hi there,

We're going to arrive in Mongolia at the end of September, staying till mid October.

We were wondering about a few things concerning transportation:
1. It seems as though the only way to get by using public transport in Mongolia is going from UB to any location, then going back to UB (thus wasting a lot of time). Is this really the case? Would you recommend hiring a driver/guide instead?
2. If we do hire a driver/guide, will they also join us at the treks (leaving the car to "wait")? Otherwise it prevents us from doing any trek because we prefer a guide with us on the trek.
3. at the season when we travel, is there still public transportation and drivers for hire? (we assume there are still some tourists, no?)

Thank you in advance :)

Hi

Q1: using public transport in Mongolia is going from UB to any location, then going back to UB..Is this really the case?
A1: Yes this is the case. The advantage of public transportation is the cheap cost. But it comes with limitations, and it is time consuming. For a 2 week tour I would recommend hiring a driver.

Q2: If we do hire a driver/guide, will they also join us at the treks ...we prefer a guide with us on the trek.
A2: most drivers do not join treks, and those that do, know the popular ones only. You will have to negotiate this with your driver, and make sure he knows the trek you have in mind.

Q3: when we travel, is there still public transportation and drivers for hire? are still some tourists, no?
A: Public transportation runs all year round. September October is the tail end of the peak tourist season. There are tourists, but not many. Drivers will be happy for a job.

Get ready for cold nights
Have a great time

Dan