mongolia

I am planning to be in Ulan bataar in the first week of April. We are a group of 3 and are there primarily with the idea of a digital video shoot. In 4 days-if we set base at a decent hotel, what are the places we can travel to and back? I mean the plan is to set out early in the morning and return every evening and cover as much as possible from dawn to dusk. Does anyone know if Mongolia is strict with filming, can I shoot on the streets, bars, landscapes? I am also looking for any western tourists who might be there to work with me as extras on a days shoot-will pay. I need help to know where I can set out to and return on a daily basis in a private car. Places that are not too far out,practical and of course, beautiful. Is the weather in April bearable?

I can't see you having any problems with filming. As long as you don't try to film military installations I doubt anyone will approach you for any reason other than curiosity.

Locations within a day's drive: to the north-west of UB is Khangait (hills, alpine forest, summer houses); if there is not still snow on the ground in most places, it definitely will be in the woods;
to the west Gachuurt and Terejl, both on the Tuul river.
to the south is Bogd Khaan National Park. You could either go straight up onto the mountain from the UB side, or go round the park via Zuunmod, to Manzushir Khiid (partly renovated monastary). South of Zuunmod is the start of the flat semi-desert environment.

Weather in April is OK temperature-wsie, but unpredictable. The streets in UB are likely to be icy, there will probably be snow on the ground which could make driving difficult. The temperatures will be both above and below freezing, which makes is very icy - and potentially muddy when it is warm. You can get to all the places I have mentioned by tarmacked road, but the best scenery is a little distance away from human settlements, so you will need a jeep. You could also experience snow, hail or sandstorms, but it's probably a bit too early in the season for that.

Unfortunately I don't get to Mongolia until 12th April ;-)

Thank you so much.Just one question-Which is the closest lake we can get to from UB.I mean I would love to shoot water that is on an expanse.

You can do filming on the streets, bars and landscapes. There are some closer National parks which has a pretty good landscapes for filming.
If you need a car for your transportation, then I can drive you to places you want to visit!
The weather could be bit windy that time you will be in Ulaanbaatar.
You can just feel free to email me if you need any informations of your staying here in Mongolia!

i'm planing to get to mongolia in april...
i'm israeli guy, travelling alone.
let me know if you want to meet, espically when.

roi.

There isn't a lake within day-trip distance of UB that I can find on the map, but someone who knows the area might be able to take you to a large pond.

I'd recommend Khustai National Park, only a few hours west of UB. You can film the wild Mongolian horse there.

hello. there are 3 of us (from UK, all 19). we will be in mongolia from the 23rd march to april 10th or so. I am very much interested in film-making and photography and my 2 friends are very adventurous and friendly people too. I would love to help out with your shooting and I'm sure my friends would love to help too. we will be in mongolia a week earlier than you and im sure we will be off exploring the area so im sure we will have invaluable info about locations etc etc etc. email me on '[ozwozzle@hotmail.com]'

Hello Chukksang,

I have been working as a tour guide since 1995 and have spent much time travelling around Mongolia. In answer to your questions, you need a permit to film in Mongolia which I can arrange for you. It would be much easier to have someone inside Mongolia arrange it rather than try to do it yourself. As for hotels and transport I can also arrange these for you - even helicopters or planes. It's better to stay away from the centre of Ulaan Baatar if you want to avoid traffic jams and get to locations away from the city easily. There are hotels on the outskirts of Ulaan Baatar. Ulaan Baatar itself is small so travelling into the city is easy. There are 3 national parks close to Ulaan Baatar which can all be travelled to within one day. If you don't mind staying away for more than one day then you can reach the Gobi desert and Husvul lake. The weather is ok in April. The smow is gone but at the night it's still cold.

Eric

Legally you have to have it so to avoid it you'd better having someone who can solve that problem.