How difficult would it be to travel independently around Mongolia by bus or by train? Have been to Tibet where I did a tour as there weren't really any buses. Is Mongolia similar? Not sure what to expect. Thank you for your help. Sarah.
1
golanyoni
Hi Sarah,
Traveling in Mongolia independently isn't easy but it is absolutely possible and in my opinion is the preferable way. Time though is a big issue so consider as traveling alone takes more of it. The two big barriers of traveling independently are language and infrastructure - Once you step out of Ulanbataar very few people will speak any English and the roads and transportation in general are not well organized.
I've been 2.5 months in Mongolia without organizing any tour, enjoyed every minute and been pretty much all over. I also met other people who did it and some women too.
I gather from your other posts you've been around so I believe there is no reason you won't be capable of it. I suggest having a phrasebook (you can get one once you get to UB) and to bring time, patience and a big smile with you.
If you want specific info about practically getting around and doing things fell free to PM me or post here.
Good luck and good travels
Yoni
2
tomongolia
Hi Sarah
To add some practicle information to Yoni's post, here are 4 featured destination to help you plan
copied from Public Transportation
A map showing the main routs of public transportation to the country side.
North (Khovsgol lake)
To go to Khovsgol lake take the bus to Moron.
Distance: 684 Km.
Cost: 24,500 Tugrug.
Departure Station: Dragon.
Departure Days: every day.
Departure Time: 15:00
Travel Duration: 20h to Moron + 3h Moron to Khatgal
In Moron you wait with others for a van to fill up-
going to Khatgal, the village on the southern shore of Khovsgol lake.
South (Gobi desert)
To go to the Gobi take the bus to Dalanzadgad
Distance: 575 Km.
Cost: 20,500 Tugurug.
Departure Days: everyday.
Departure Time: 8:00AM.
Tickets purchase: the evening before departure.
Travel Duration: 18h to Dalanzadgad
From Dalanzadgad hire a jeep to take you to the popular destinations.
Try and go with partners on the bus to share the cost of the jeep.
West (Altai Mountains)
To go to the west take the minibus to Olgii
Departure Days: Everyday
Departure Time: 15:00-20:00 leaves when full
Distance: 1,709 Km
Cost: 63,000 Tugrug
Departure Station: Dragon
Travel Duration: 45h to Olgii
In Olgii hire a jeep to the mountains (i.e. to Tavan Bogd).
East (the steppe)
To go to the east take the bus to Choibalsan
Departure Days: every day
Time for bus: 8:00
Time for Minibus or Van: 9:00-10:00 leaves when full
Distance: 661 Km
Cost: 24,000 Tugrug
From Station: Bayanzurkh
Travel Duration: 12h
Have a pleasent trip
Dan
3
lunasiatica111
hi, maybe more ideas and solution by readinf my website http://www.terramongolia.com? we go often there so amybe we can help and give some address? by bus is not so easy but you can do it of course and also why not stay more days tto a monad family and so ahve a opportunity to divide tradionnal nomadic life??
have nice trip
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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