Must-SEE in Mongolia and travelling companions

Hi

We are two female friends (French and Austrian/Italian) in our thirties travelling to Mongolia this summer. We'll arrive by train from Irkutsk around the 18 th of July and plan to stay 3 weeks in Mongolia (have to be back in Russia around the 9th of August).

I have read a lot of threads and of course, i hesitate which itinerary to plan although as every traveller, i don't like things to be too fixed in advance .

-Is it better to rent tours for certains regions ? (Gobi)
-Is the Pass Mongolia worth it ..anyone ever had an experience with them?
-Is it better to arrange a jeep renting with guide with other travellers ?

As we plan to saty around Lake Baikal for 4 days, would Khövsgol Nuur be a bit too similar.
In other words, which places do you recommend us not to miss for the 17 days (if i exclude the 3/4 days in UB) that we've got in Mongolia.

thanks a lot for any valuable advice, if anyone wants to join us on that period, feel free to contact us..
ps: weather wise, i guess fleece, a few jumpers are more than necessary, does it get really cold or not?

Renting tours for certain tours is better in places rather than joining a group cause you decide where to go when.
In our case, we (two Brit girls) employed "Nomadic Adventures", was recommended by my brother, you can contact the guy at ganerdene_y@hotmail.com
I'm sure they will be able to send you several different options with quotes.
They give small groups(up to 4 people) this english speaking driver, which, of course the cost lower as opposed to having a guide and driver
I'd say Khuvsgul nuur would of course be too similar to Baikal, yes
Khongor sand dunes, Flaming cliffs in the Gobi, White lake, Baga Gazriin Chuluu-Rock Formations, Kara Korum would be good to see if you have about 10 or so days

Hi,
I will be in Mongolia also for 6 weeks , traveling solo and not liking tour groups since they are too rushed.

I have been in contact with the Pass Mongolia people and so far am impressed with their responses; it gives you the freedom to stay somewhere longer then the organized tours offer; there is also the opportunity to horse trek or stay longer with a nomadic family.
So I think I will do this since I feel that organizing a jeep with some people whom you don't really know a bit risky and I want to enjoy myself. feel free to sent me an email if you have further questions.

I wouldn't bother with Khuvsgul if you've seen Baikal.
I would do the central sights - Kharakhorin, Khustai Park, Terelj, Mnashiir Khid etc.
and then i'd do a 1 wek tour to the Gobi as this is the most geographically different and interesting area to visit. You could try looking at www.gobitours.com

bonjour e& ciao

you can have a look on may webpage in french and italian http://www.terramongolia.com and find any information to help you to arrange your tour
you can contact me in frec^nch or italin as I speak both (native both languages!)

we go often there so we can help by giving you real good advice and address

just have a look and contact me for more

bon voyage

buon viaggio

I've been trying to contact the Pass Mongolia people for a week now, with no success. Do you have an alternative email to pass.mongolia@gmail.com or perhaps a telephone number or street address. I'm from Australian and planning to be travelling in Mongolia for the period 4-19 July.