Advice for planning solo + in Mongolia? On short time frame?

I'm still trying to convince friends to go along...that'd make planning easier. But at this point, I'm losing hope that'll happen. And I still want to get to Mongolia in 2008. I've got time constraints: I'd like to spend around 14 days, 21 at the outside. I'd like to spend more time overland than by plane; but still have good opportunity to hike, meet people. See at least Lake Khovsgol, some Gobi (dunes, cliffs, vulture's mouth), Tsetserleg and Arkhangi province, generally. If I could get west to the Altai, it'd be worth extending a 2wks trip to 3wks -- but that's really the most time I have. If anyone has suggestions re: packaged trips or proposals re: travel together, that'd be great. I'm figuring it's cheaper to travel outside of Nadaam and/or the solstice this year, which is great; but if travel during those times is reasonably possible (i.e., to see some of those sights), all the better.

14 days is not enough to see the Gobi and Lake Khovsgol unless you plan to fly. These places are in opposite directions from UB. Distances are great. Infrastructure is nonexistent.

I don't think it is cheaper to travel outside of Nadaam. Actually think about it. It might be more expensive. Lots of people head to UB two weeks before Nadaam, arrange accommodations for the period of Nadaam and then head out to see some of the country returning in time for Nadaam. After the festival the reverse is true. People come into UB for the festival and then afterwards want to see more of the country. In order for it to be cheaper, it has to be low season which is when the weather isn't the best.

Ruth

A agree that you can't really see all that in 14 days.

Travel in Mongolia isn't like other countries. There is no road or rail network. All travel is done by flying or offroad driving in a jeep or van.

Internal flights are not too expensive. If you can fly then you can see all you want. If you are going by jeep/vam I'd limit it to UB, Gobi, Kharakhorin and Khustai. Check out http://www.gobitours.com.

If you wnat to do it in the time that you have you can do it. Just go for it.
If you want to know how please contact me