Mongolia in end of September and beginning of October - trekking & sites

Hi I_M,

1. Weather in autumn is OK. It will rain a lot and will get rapidly colder during your trip but will be fairly steady going. I wouldn't expect anything really rough. Definitely bring good waterproofs, watertight boots and very warm clothing just in case. You'll see some snow but it shouldn't be too heavy. Think as if you were planning to hike in Canada at the same time of year.

2. Terelj is great for trekking. Stunning scenery and loads of mountains with caves, cliffs and cool rock formations to hike through. Also there are loads of ger camps. It is also very easy to get to being about a 40 minute drive from Ulaanbaatar on paved roads.

3. I would recommend hiring a guide and driver, preferably through a tour agency. All companies will be able to offer you a range of options depending on your budget and expected level of comfort. The really great thing about this is that if you do run into any trouble then you have someone with you who can get help, interpret or properly plan the next stage of your journey to make sure you get the best out of it. I would recommend emailing a few in advance of arriving to discuss with them what you want to see, do and how much you want to spend. Even if you don't end up going with their suggestions at least you know that the option is there.

Hope this helps and have a great time!

Chris.

Thank you for the great tips!

A follow-up question if I may -
We got the (possibly wrong) impression that by the end of September (our time of arrival) the country almost "empties" from tourists, hence from tour-guide and tourist-transportation facilities.

From what you say, we should still manage to find other tourists to join in on the tours and guides, etc. ?

Thanks again!

Hey,

I have been to Mongolia in Septembre/Octobre and I think you just have to be prepared for cold nights. In the daytime I wore a sweater and a waterproof windstopper. I think these two months will be drier dan the summer, so you shouldnt expect snow and rain on a daily basis.

Trekking is definitely possible. I think you could hire a driver and car and visit Kharkhorin, maybe Tsetserleg and then go to Khuvskhul. With how many people are you? I have a friend that drives a Toyota Prius, so he can definitely take you guys for a good price and has a reliable and comfortable car. I also know a guide that arranges horse trekkings/motorbike tours in the Kharkhorin area. If you want I can get you in touch with them.

If you want to go to Terelj thats easy and definitely possible. I just think it would be great to make most of your 3/4 weeks. Mongolia is a beautiful country to travel to, the only restriction is the time it takes to travel from one spot to the other. If I were you I would visit some more remote places because you guys have enough time.

With how many guys are you? If you take a car like a Prius the costs shouldnt be too dramatic, even if you are with 3-4 people. I can think with you if you want.

Hi maximeh,

Thanks for the info!

We are 4 people altogether. We would love to have the contacts you mentioned. It will probably help us get around once we arrive (or even before we arrive?)

About traveling to remote places - that was our concern, that more remote places (like the far west and north) might be closed off at those times due to cold weather and snow. In addition, we are still not sure about the preferred ways of transportation (bus? train? private driver?)

I guess it will become clearer as we get closer to our arrival :)

Hey I_M,

Could you give me your email adress? Then I can send the info to you.

Of course there is high probability that there will be snow/rainfall. And there can be cold days (so bring some gloves, a scarf and good socks), but the average temperatures are not too bad: http://www.weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Dalanzadgad,Mongolia

Maybe it is a good idea to plan a horse trip in September, when there is the highest probability on rainfall or snow. Travelling by horse is not limited to rain or snow, while travelling by car/motorbike can be.

You could also plan a day or two in UB on your way back, instead of before you leave to explore Mongolia. At least you will have a back up plan/some time to spare in case something does happen along the way (For example snow fall).

Maxime

Maxime -

That would be lovely.
Could you send the details to me in a private message?
(just click the icon of my name and you should see the option).

I will contact them soon.

Thank you again!

Hi,

You'll still find quite a few backpackers in September/ October. There is a huge festival in Bayan Olgiy (Golden Eagle festival) at end of September so people will be returning to UB afterwards and for a week or two town will be pretty busy with people wanting to organise additional travel after visiting the far west.

Not sure how far a Toyota Prius is going to get off paved roads (most roads in Mongolia are not paved so you need a 4*4) and I wouldn't want to get stuck in autumn. If you're on a budget I'd recommend a Russian van or if you want to spend more look for a Starex.

Without meaning to sound alarmist I'd urge a little caution when hiring independent people without personally acquired knowledge and based only upon the recommendations of strangers. They're often just part-time taxi drivers who don't know the countryside well and are happy to take quick cash without making any commitment. Literally any tour company will be able to put together a package to suit any budget, using real, trustworthy local people with some fall back if they fail to deliver in some way. They definitely won't leave you in the middle of nowhere and just go home which occasionally happens with guys hired off the street. if you have to go for independents then ask for references, never send money in advance and pay in instalments to make sure there's an incentive to complete the tour.

Finally, quite often "recommendations" on forums are actually written by the people themselves. Look at their posting history before you give them serious credence.

Good Luck!
Chris.

Hi there,

I'll be visiting Mongolia from 15-22 Sep and I'd love to join your group for a tour during that time. I agree with Chris that it's best to go through a tour company and have a 4x4. (they hold 5-6 people) The website has some good tour ideas and a rough guide for pricing: http://travelgobimongolia.com/private-package-tours.html. I'm an English teacher from San Diego, California so I won't be able to book a tour on my own. If I can't meet up with you guys, I hope your trip goes well!

Marcus

Dear Chris,

I think you are right about the 4x4 when it comes to going to the far west (including the Eagle festival). If you go that far you dont want to take any risks because of possible flight/train departures after that, and you dont want to spoil your precious time in Mongolia when your driver's car breaks down. BUT.. if you want to visit cities like Kharkhorin, Tsetserleg, Arvaikheer, Darkhan there is no need for a 4x4. Even if you go to the countryside surrounding these cities there is no need for a 4x4.

And about the taxi drivers and independent people: I know what you mean about hiring independent people. You should be careful about that. But I have read stories about irreliable tour companies on this forum as well, so you should be careful in both cases. The people I recommend are personal friends of mine that I have known for several years. I am not looking for profit, so no worries. I just want to help them fiend some clients because there English is not as good as staff at tour operators.