from Beijing through Mongolia - who goes with us?

[crasnale]

Hi,
we are looking for someone to join us in our trip through Mongolia from Beijing, Erenhot or Sainshand to Ulan Bator, via Gobi desert, and central Mongolia (Orkhon valley, Karakorum, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake). We are just two people at the moment, both from Poland – Ryszard (27) and Janka (25). As we are going to cross the land in jeeps, it would be great to have more fellow passengers:) – a nice companion makes the journey more entertaining;) and cheaper...

Here are some details about the plan of the trip:

26.08: departure from Beijing by bus to Erenhot [Erlian]
27.08: arrival to Erenhot, crossing border Erenhot / Zamyn-Üüd, train: Zamyn-Üüd->Sainshand, overnight in Sainshand
28.08: jeep: Sainshand ->Khamaryn Khiid ->Suikhent/Cagaan Caw->Dalandzadgad, overnight in Dalandzadgad (or on the road to Dalangzadgad).
29.08: jeep: Dalandzadgad ->Yolyn Am->Khongonryn Els->ovenight in ger near Khongonryn Els
30.08: jeep: Khongonryn Els ->Bayanzag flamming cliffs ->ruins of Ongiin Khiid->waterfall Orkhon, Turkic monuments of the Orkhon valley, overnight in ger or tent
31.08: jeep: Orkhon valley -> Karakorum, Erdene Zuu monastery, overnight in Kharkhorin
01.09: bus: Karakorum ->Tsetserleg, jeep: Tsetserleg -> Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake, overnight over Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake
02.09: jeep: Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur lake->Tsetserleg, jeep or bus:Tsetserleg ->Ulan Bator
03.09: Ulan Bator
04.09: departure from Ulan Bator to Ulan Ude (by the same train that enables to go Irkutsk)

The average prices for a jeep renting: driver 40$/day + UAZ 1$/litre*25litre/100km*(x km) = (40+x/4) $/day. Estimating that we will make generally about 200km daily by jeep, it gives 90$/day, but its better to assume 150% of this cost, due to the fact that the driver has to return to his initial place, and we also have to pay for this return. So we will assume something like 135$/day. 5 days of jeeping gives 675$, what, after division by three person gives 225$/person, while after division by four person gives 170$/person. The cost of food, sleeping, and buses is low. It should not take more than 100$/person for all trip (independently of the number of people). So, the core of the trip is about 325$/person in 3-person mode and 270$/person in 4-person mode.

In addition, let us mention that there is a cheap Brussels airlines plane from Frankfurt 25.08 to Beijing 26.08 which costs 490$ (all-including). The bus from Beijing to Erenhot costs about 26$, while getting from Erenhot to Sainshand costs about 14$. The cheapest way to get from Ulan Bator back to Europe is going to Irkutsk (for less than 40$) and then going by train to Moscow (for about 110$). It takes 5 days. The quicker but more expensive version is from Ulan Bator to Irkutsk by train and then by plane to Moscow (the plane costs 370$). In Poland the Mongolian visa costs 60Eu, Chinese visa costs 75$, while Russian visa costs 55$, but these prices probably differ between different countries. There are no vaccinations or other things necessary to get any of these visas.

All replies are welcome!
Greets!

Janka & Ryszard

[alleppocity]

Hey guys, nice itinerary. This looks like a trip of a lifetime..have a good trip!

[markwoodhouse]

hey guys,

Ulaan Baatar is very cold and It's just like a large country town but surrounded by mountains and concrete-looking soviet architecture

Be aware also that Mongolia is a very poor country and there are random holes in the footpaths and child beggars who hang onto your legs and won't let go but in general the Mongolian people are high spirited.

Btw, did you know Ulaan Baatar means 'red hero' .

Have a good trip guys!

[fopuls45]

When you're there, you must try the local cuisine that includes horse meat, stews and tasty dumplings.
If you can you must visit the Terelj National Park and explore the Mongolian wilderness and wildlife.

Amazing trip! I like your detailed itinerary, i wish I could make it! All the best

[tazclarke]

Hi, hope you had a great trip. I was sorry to be too late to try and join you, but I am thinking of doing something similar myself in a few weeks time. If you get a chance please post an update of the highlights and problems you encountered, it would be great to hear how it all worked out.

Thanks!!

[travelmania]

Hi Guys ,

I think you really enjoyed the trip...The trip is about 10 days and your planning is superb as you mention in the post.You guys will really have a great time.