December in Mongolia

Hi, I'm hoping to be in Mongolia for 3-4 weeks from mid-December 2012 to early-January. I know, its going to be cold, but I do have most of the gear/clothing with me... but what can I expect at this time of the year in Mongolia?

• can you suggest an itinerary, hostels to stay in (using UB as a base) and things to do / places to see? Does christmas and new year have any effect on the country and costs and the places that are open?

After my trip to Mongolia I will be heading over to China (Beijing)... can I expect a smooth onward train journey, or with it being Winter should I expect delays?

Look forward to hearing your experiences and suggestions.

Thanks
Cal

Hi!

Cold might be a slight understatement... We have -20°C and it's the beginning of winter.

For an initerary I can't really help, since I'm one of the people who want to see everything. If you have the chance to head a bit further north, I suggest Amarbayasgalant Monastery, although I don't think there is another way to get there aside from hiring a taxi. In the hostel you'll stay in there should be some tours layed out, maybe you can grab two or three people (if there are any) to take along. Maybe someone else has ideas?

As for Hostels, I've had really fantastic experience with the Golden Gobi and the Lotus Guesthouse. The owners are really nice and friendly and they try hard to make everything perfect for you. Also they look really homely and there has been a lot of love put into the interior. As for prices, the Golden Gobi is cheaper than the Lotus, but I have to admit, the value is pretty much the same (in my eyes. Maybe I'm wrong)

Christmas and New Year: Aside from decoration, there is no impact what so ever. Those are not Mongolian holidays, so they're not celebrated in anyway other than decoration. I'm sure just about everything will be moving normally on Christmas Day and probably New Year as well.

As for the train, I can only tell what I've heard. And that means aside from a long wait and the possibility of having to let the train the searched top to bottom, it should run smothly.
Again, I've never done that, so someone else will have to help a bit more on that one.

As for the expecting part, just expect the unexpected to happen and keep your cool. Getting annoyed is just not worth the hastel and will only make the people not like you. It gets no where.

Have fun
raaawr