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GUIDELINES
FOR THE TRAVELERS
Before you go …
1. Read about the places you are going to visit.
2. Check on the health and visa requirements.
3. Check on the health and visa requirements.
When you are on tours ….
Travelers, who have never been to Mongolia shouldn't
fail to notice the following tips, which are essential for
touring both the city and countryside, visiting a nomadic
family and riding Mongolian horses. Every country has its
own code of etiquette. Mongolian customs, which are unique
for guests from any other countries, passed down trough the
centuries. A tourist, who is attending a horseback trip, should
also be prepared to treat Mongolian horses, that are different
from their European counterparts both in appearance and behavior,
as well as, be aware of the climate.
• Request for a copy of your tour itinerary
on your arrival. Ensure you read it thoroughly and note
the time of departure. Be punctual to avoid inconveniencing
others.
• Encourage drivers to stop engines when vehicles
are parked.
• All tours must be guided by local Mongolian guides
• Keep the place clean before you leave the area and
carry out the litters for proper disposal.
• Always use the natural resources including water
and energy efficiently.
• Stay on the trails to minimize damage to the surrounding
area.
• Dress appropriately at all times. Respect the sensitivities
of local cultures.
• Do not disturb/harass or feed wildlife when viewing
them. Keep noise level low.
• Abide by the local regulations.
• Support local economy by buying locally made goods
and foodstuff but do not buy items made from endangered
species.
• Share the enthusiasm to discover off-the-beaten-path
destinations. Greatest reward is a treasure that can only
be lived and experienced: an unrivaled hospitality that
is inherent to nomadic people, a generous welcoming manner
that is the heart of the Mongolian people.
• If your car stops by an Ovoo, the sacred mounds
of stones, you are expected to circle the stones clockwise
three times and toss something onto the file. A stone will
always do the best in that case.
• Don't step to the eastern side of the Ger, when
you visit a nomadic family. It is customary for visitors
to sit along the western side of a Ger.
• Always accept some food or drink. You don't have
to eat everything, but it's rude not to accept a gesture
of hospitality. Both food and drink are passed with and
accepted by the right hand.
• It is very unusual to pay for staying in a ger and
offering to do so may be seen as an insult by your host.
Give a small gift instead.
• Give little children some candies and small items
that can be interesting for them, if it is possible. It
is usual that they expect something from visitors, as they
are inaccessible to shops and entertaining places.
• Don't ever whistle when in a Mongolian ger, as this
is really rude.
• Never step over dishes and cooking utensils when
they are placed on the ground. The hosts of the family can
be badly offended.
• Putting your feet up on someone's table is also
very offensive.
• One of the most important rules is-never places
someone's hat on the floor. Because a man's or woman's hat
(or deel sash) represents his or her fortune, according
to Mongolia's etiquette tradition. If they are placed on
the floor it is bad lack for the wearer.
• Take both light and warm clothes. Though it might
be not during the day time, the weather gets chilly during
nights and early in the morning in the countryside.
• Don't approach a horse from the hind and the right
side. He may kick you, as he can be scared.
• Mount or dismount a horse only from the left.
• Don't put your feet deep into the stirrups. It can
be dangerous, if the horse is scared from something.
• Put on long-legged trousers and jeans. Mongolian
traditional saddles with high wooden frame and silver decorations
may make your legs sore, if you ride with shorts.
• Don't wear too bright colored clothes or those with
loose flaps. Because it may scare your horse.
• Don't take pictures with a flash-light camera whilst
riding.
When you return …
Provide feedback to the local operator
and your travel agent and government agency if necessary on
your holiday experience.
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