Mongolia travel partners for 28/29 May - 9 June

Hello,

I'm traveling by TransMongolian from Moscow to Urkutsk and Urkutsk to Ulaan Baator, arriving in UB on 28 May. I'd like to immediately leave UB by the next day on a small group tour, about 12 days. (My flight leaves UB about midnight 10 June.) I am budget-minded, and I prefer to travel without the frills and fancy comforts that are not naturalistic to Mongolian life.

Since this trip is last minute for me, I haven't had much of chance to read about Mongolia to figure out what I'd like to do, except I like horseback riding, and I'd like to go to the Gobi, despite the higher chance of sandstorms this time of year. (And yes, I realize that 12 days is not much time for that, but might be just enough...)

If anyone with similar travel dates would like to join up, let me know. Or, are there places in UB where people post messages looking for people to join their trips?

Thanks all!

Christene

Hi Christene

Last year I spent 12 days in UB just trying to find a group to join--even though I was willing to go ANYWHERE in Mongolia. I ended up travelling independently for 3 months. Tour guides will tell you, "No problem" until the camels come home, but the trip never happens. I plan to go to the Gobi around your dates--maybe a few days earlier, but I could wait. I am in no hurry. Independent travel is not as hard as people say (especially if you are with someone who has done it, which I wasn't, but now am), and you definitely save money.

People post messages in the hostels, but as I said, a group doesn't often coagulate in a timely fashion. With limited time, it's best to have a plan in advance and go with it.

--Will

Hi Will,

I'm definitely up for independent travel, and as mentioned very much want to go to the Gobi. I arrive about 6am on 28 May. I would even be willing to leave that day after a shower as I have a hard stop on June 9. (My plane leaves UB at midnight June 10, and I can't miss it.) I have been in contact with Golden Gobi hostel (due to a travel friend's recommendation) and so will probably head there that morning. Do you want to leave word for me there or stop by that morning? Or, PM me and we can discuss in greater detail. I leave Moscow tomorrow evening and on the train won't have access to email for 4 days. I'll try to check back before then.

Christene

Hi Christene

I'm meeting some people tonight who just got in on the train today. I'll see how they feel about your dates.

You would have to fly or take a bus or van back to UB because we are looking at 3 weeks. I got a real deal on van and driver.

Will

Hi Will,

No problem about getting back to UB myself. What's the tentative plan? Let me know if the dates work.

Thanks!
Christene

Hi Christine

The dates work just fine for me. I am not in a hurry. The other guys decided to go to a part of Mongolia that I spent a month in last year, so | am am not going to repeat the same location. I will wait for you, and I will tell you absolutely the best guest house in UB by far-I know them all.

I will tell you privately. My secret, for my special friends. Wode tian, the difference.

12 days. I have 3 ideas. I will get back to you tomorrow. The free internet is closing.

Will

Christine, check your mailbox. Anyone who wants a Gobi trip at super budget price starting May 28, let me know. I am happy to plan menu and cook for the group. I can camp cook for omnivores and vegetarians. I do not ask for money for this--I just want to make a good group trip where we decide where to go. I have all maps. Please contact me ASAP so I can arrange the food and equipment and driver and van so we can leave the day Christine arrives.

Perfect group size is 5 or 6, 7 is OK.

-Will

I have a driver and van for 30 USD per day (not per person. 30 split amongst us.) Check it out, it is 60 elsewhere.

I have a Frenchman ready to go, and Christene.

Free equipment for camping if you dont have it. Free tent, free sleeping bag. The price is so low, we will go anyway. But we welcome 2 to 4 more people,

I am a guide and camp cook who is doing this for free.

I will take you to real Mongolia. Not the tourist places. I do not charge for my service. I dont promote anything except love for the Mongol culture.

Will

Thanks for your message, Will, take a look at your mail. See you soon!

Christene

Travell partners from 28.june to 20. august 2009

Hi Will,
I will be travelling in Mongolia from 28th of June till about the 20th August. As I don't know nothing about mongolia till now my plans are not detailled till now. Some ideas about going to the west (altai) and Gobi. But I am generally not to fixed on this and flexibel. I would like to join some nice people and getting around together. Therefore I am interested in yout plans, too.
Are you still travelling in July or August? And where.
Just let me know about your plans.
I'm traveling by TransMongolian from Beijing to Ulaan Baator, arriving in UB about 28 June.
To leave UB soon would be a good idea, even if I probalbly have to extend my visa first.

If anyone else with similar travel ideas and dates would like to join up, please tell me.
Best wishes
Britta

Hi all,

I’m looking for a companion who likes canoeing the Tuul River. I´ve got the boot, all the needed equipment and the car for transportation. All you need is a sleeping bag, thermal mat, shoes to walk in the water, a little condition and willing to enjoy a very beautiful nature. Sharing costs for food. Start at the National park of Terelj (1 hour by car from UB) and we will end in UB. Start on Friday, 29.May 19:00 and back on Monday, 1.June afternoon.
I work here in UB and I´m always free on weekends and national holydays (like 1.June). Other activities like hiking and cycling.

Frank

Tel.: +976-95165157

Hi Frank,
good idea! Check your private messages please.
Britta

We are now planning to leave May 29 for a shorter (10-day) trip. I plan to travel in Mongolia until the end of September this year, so other trips will happen. I suggest we go to the SE on this short trip--volcanic steppes, herds of wild animals, unspoiled (rarely visited areas).

Later I plan to backpack or horse trek in Khentii maybe 3 weeks, and also the same or longer in Arkhangai. We don't need a van to get to those last 2 places. We can go by bus. A Gobi trip is too far for a short trip and a van or jeep would be needed.

Frank, I'd like to join you sometime. I sold my canoe before I left America 15 months ago and I miss paddling.

Britta, as I said, I will be here throughout your stay. I am also flexible except I don't want to repeat what I did last year. Since you will be here a long time I suggest you get a SIM card ($7 includes time). I use Mobicom because my phone works on their system. The other company has better coverage in the coutryside. I forget their name. You can ask for directions at the info desk of the main post office. Walk straight through all the way to the back.

--Will

Hi Britta,

check your private messages now.

Frank

Damn! I always forget to check private messages. They should hit me over the head. I am about to walk from Bayankhongor to Tsetserleg. A bit crazy, I know. I'll be OK. I know there will be snow on the pass. Hope to meet you both some day. Say, Frank--I guess I should catch Nadaam in Tsetserleg? Because tickets will be sold out and also beds in UB?

Will

check you private messages now, Will!
:-)))) Good trip,
see you
britta

I don't remember if I mentioned that the Great White Lake in Arkhanghai Aimag, NW of Tsetserleg, is a good place for a 2-week horse trip.(Which you mentioned as a priority.)

Keep in mind that there is more than one Tsetserleg. This is the Aimag capital, available by bus on paved road from UB. A luxury you will appreciate later, when you have to take a jeep with 9 people inside.

It is cheapest to do horsetrips in pairs, because usually there will be one guide and one packhorse for each 2 people.

--Will