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Mongolia Guide · 1 min read

First-Time Mongolia Planning Checklist

Planning a first trip to Mongolia? Start here. Our step-by-step checklist, counted backwards from departure, for everything we've learned guests wish they had known.

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First-Time Mongolia Planning Checklist

180 days before departure

Decide length (we recommend 10-14 days). Decide season (June, July for Naadam, September for photography). Request planning call with our team. Reserve flights.

120 days before departure

Lock itinerary with us. Pay deposit (typically 25 percent). Book international flights. Apply for visa if not visa-free.

90 days before departure

Arrange travel insurance (our requirements sheet). Visit a travel medicine clinic. Renew passport if within 6 months of expiry. Check vaccinations (none required but boosters sensible).

60 days before departure

Receive our personalised gear list based on your itinerary. Begin breaking in new hiking boots. Order any specific kit we recommend.

45 days before departure

Final payment to us (75 percent balance typical). Buy needed gear. Begin any riding practice if your itinerary includes multi-day horse.

30 days before departure

Flight-day logistics lock. Hotel in UB confirmed (we handle). Local SIM card option confirmed. Download key apps: UB Cab, Bolt, offline maps.

14 days before departure

Final briefing call with us. Review weather forecasts. Finalize gear. Any last medical concerns communicated.

7 days before departure

Pack. Photograph passport and key documents. Share copies with emergency contact. Download entertainment for long flights and quiet ger nights.

Day before departure

Check flight. Confirm ride to airport. Pack medications in carry-on. Charge all electronics.

Arrival day in Mongolia

Our driver will be at Chinggis Khaan Airport with a Rara Avis sign. Check into hotel. Rest. Gentle welcome dinner. Begin to adjust.

Day 2

Morning exploration of UB. Afternoon: equipment check at our office. Final questions answered. Dinner with your guide if countryside travel begins Day 3.

Post-trip: we stay in touch

Photo exchange with host families (mail a print to their family, we handle). Testimonial request (honest feedback welcomed). Invitation to our annual guest dinner in UB or select cities worldwide.

Travel with the people who wrote this

Every journey we run is private, built around your party, and led by our own Mongolian team. Tell us what caught your eye and we will design the rest.

Shall we talk?

The fire is already lit.

Tell us who is travelling and roughly when. A senior member of the team replies within four hours in Ulaanbaatar office time, and always within 24. Then we design the journey around you.