16 independent reviews for Mongolia adventure vacation with festival option
Reviews for Mongolia adventure vacation with festival option
Gillian Mason review 29 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I will always remember the Mongolian people. Their decency, kindness and hospitality will stay in my heart forever. They welcomed me with smiles and milk tea and a full table of goodies. The exciting Horse Sled ride on Khovsgol Lake was amazing and rather exciting. Being taken over a frozen lake at speed, dressed in a huge sheepskin coat to keep warm was a great experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Forget home comforts. This is a trip at its most basic. Forget showers and inside toilets. Prepare yourself for the "long drop toilets" and take plenty of wet wipes. But the experience is worth it. Open your heart to a different experience, not a vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
By staying with local people certainly benefited them by giving them an extra income. Herding is a tough job so this income made a difference. Quite a few women made jewellery or bags which guests could buy which again supplemented their income. Many live in Gers using solar panels for electricity, again reducing their impact. Many also use dried sheep dung to heat their Gers which is very environmentally friendly. A completely renewal resource.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I would call this a trip rather than a vacation. I was there for 5 weeks so there was a lot of driving which was very tiring as the road system is mostly tracks rather than tarmac. But the experience of living amongst local people, sharing their food and a little of their lives will stay with me always.Anna Verey review 19 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Every day was packed with memories - holding eagles, connecting with local families and hiking up incredible mountains, to name but a few!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it! I would also say that if it’s your first time in Mongolia, August is a really good month to start with.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all the guides and drivers were local and we tried really hard to minimise our impact. We also had connection with families who were quite far out of the normal tourist circuits I think.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - I’m so sad to be home and so happy I have all those memories!Judith Hatton review 20 Jul 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nadaam was the highlight, as was meeting the eagle hunters, but throughout the trip the stunning scenery continued to delight, amaze, stun and impress. Staying in ger camps was great, as was meeting the locals.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for long days in the van, and rough roads - but this is a part of the fun of the trip - don’t come if you want smooth rides! Also be ready to accept that hotel accomodation is .... quirky! I am not a great meat eater and found myself pushing meat around on my plate embarrassing - I wish I had labelled myself a vegetarian for the trip. The meals were consistently too big for me which I found difficult as I hate waste. This is a personal comment though, not criticism!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We were able to take part in tree planting and met people who were working to make life better for others ( lake project in UB,) keep traditions alive - eagle hunters and embroiderer, and inject money into the community by making use of ger camps, camel riding, etc. we were also given information on which shops in UB worked to support local women. Use of local women as guides rather than professional guides helped us see Mongolia through their eyes - it was like being with a friend of a friend who became our friend. Drivers were great too.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We felt we got so much more from the vacation than we expected - our guides and driver continually looked to make the vacation good for us by adding things here and there - who can forget meeting the Eagle Hunter Star. - definilty an ‘overdelivery’ of service!Jennifer J review 28 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I can't sing the praises loud enough for the operator and their true welcoming, accommodating and approach. From the time I landed and was met by a driver at the airport to take me to my hotel, to the included UB city tour to fabulous guide, Baaska and driver Neema and their willingness to engage and make the trip everything I dreamed of can't be under estimated. They went above and beyond to help seek out a small town Naadam Festival (trip was in June), to diligently driving and seeking Takhi wild horses, reindeer herdsman while in Lake Kovsgol area, to horse back riding and camel rides. You name it, they found a way to make it happen. It was truly amazing. Of course there is no way to guarantee any trip will have some of the luck we had in finding all this variety but again, both Baaska and Neema worked overtime to make sure if they could make it happen, it would.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I am a very active person and did have some hesitation about the amount of driving. While on some days it did get a bit challenging for me, it made me truly relax and live in the moments (and there were many of them). I think if you are someone who is ok with down time or can relax into it and find the beauty of not rushing, this will be a truly memorable trip. It was because of a slower pace and driving large distances that we were able to capture and partake in all that we did. Well worth investing your soul and mind.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We stayed with many herdsman families, a few family owned get camps and 2 small town locally owned hotels. Not only did it immerse us into the culture and provide an ability to take part in everyday life but it helps these special families financially by opening up their homes. The other thing I appreciated was the steripen used to avoid bottled water! Also very conscientious while camping to leave no trace behind.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Superb, outstanding, highly recommend. This will be a vacation to always remember. Such lovely people and a lovely company to work with.Dan Denegre review 24 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Riding on horses and spending time with the families!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Engage with your travel guide, they will really help you immerse into Mongolia!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A+++Lolita Bizune review 27 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything!!!! But if I need to point one thing only- than I would choose horse riding at the White Lake2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Keep your minds open, it is chalanging in some points, like needing to hand wash your clothes in cold water, but you will discover that is not nearly as difficult as it would seem. The program is well balanced between activities and the lazy camping days3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Totally. We stayed with families, visited towns that normally are not on a tourist map, and EL is very serious about the "not leaving any tracks" behind4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
100 out of 100Josephine Tanti review 18 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Going over the sand dunes and staying in gers or in tents in what seemed to be in the middle of nowhere and then a herd of goats and sheep comes along.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
To be prepared for camping or for the whole group to sleep in a ger sometimes even sleeping on the sleeping mats on the floor.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The fact that we slept in local gers helped the locals financially4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was very well organized and it was the best way to experience MongoliaLynette Smith review 23 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Climbing the 'Singing Sand Dunes' (Khongoryn Els) at sunset was amazing! It was a big effort to make it to the top, but we were rewarded with once-in-a lifetime views over the vast sand dunes and Gobi Desert while mother nature turned on a spectacular pink and purple hue.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Read the itinerary carefully. It clearly outlines how long you spend driving each day. No one should be surprised or upset by the grind of the daily 9/8/7/6 hours spent in the van.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that my vacation definitely benefited local people. We mostly stayed with, or next to, local families rather than in tourist ger camps or hotels.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This trip shows Mongolia at its finest. Desert, mountains, lakes, grasslands, rivers - it has it all. There were six in our group and we were supported by four tour staff, so that's a huge amount of personal attention.Kat Kassim review 19 Aug 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The space and serenity of Mongolia. And watching sunrise and sunset caily in front of your eyes2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be mentally prepared for the long road trip. Someone in our group claimed to suffer car sickness and become a pain during the journey3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely supported the locals in terms of staying in the gers or giving jobs to the locals and teaching them english.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
8 out of 10.Paula Ridge review 27 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The amazing landscapes were very memorable as were the Mongolian people and their culture. The wild camp sites were a huge highlight of the trip.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Mongolia can be a challenging country to really travel around and experience but the operator made the journey as easy, comfortable and enjoyable as possible. They are up front and honest about everything regarding this overland camping journey. Don't hesitate to contact Jess if you have any concerns or are unsure about what to expect. The trip info provided is excellent. The small max group sizes also made the operator stand out from other tour operators.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people definitely benefited through employment and training. The operator certainly aims to support local people and this ethos shines through.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing. Trip of a life time.Kathleen Culliton review 23 Jul 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in family Ger Camps, especially the night that started with trying in Dellchs (the national coat/dress) and ended in a singsong, with songs from Mongolia, Ireland and Oz.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for the hard Ger beds and as a person who needs to be Gluten free, bring your own stock of bread & snacks.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All of the above - Jess is passionate about working at people and their communities level rather than using big business run camps, leading to more & More real contact with the people of the country.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was fantastic, with excellent local interaction with the families who owned the Ger Camps, fab views and an idea of the vastness of the country/ steppes.Sophie van het Erve review 26 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There was not one part of the vacation that stood out: the entire trip - all 23 days - made it amazing! The landscapes, the animals, the people, the small group we were traveling with: it all was just right and made for a mind-blowing vacation.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Come with an open mind and be flexible. Not everything goes according to plan, which is okay if you're open for it, as it provides you with new opportunities.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes -without a doubt. Only Mongol products were bought, Ger-camps were camps run by Mongolians, all employees are Mongolian. Camping spots were chosen in collaboration with rangers, and real efforts were made for waste reduction and cleanup. There was even a waste-clean up run!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very satisfied with this vacationViv McWaters review 20 Aug 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Impossible to answer - there were so many highlights: the vast landscapes, the variety of landscapes, the sunsets, the wilderness hikes, the wildflowers, the feeling of isolation, the fantastic campsites sourced by the team, the unexpected encounters with locals, sighting of birds and animals, just being immersed in the world of Mongolian herders and watching it unfold, the camaraderie and friendship of the team (trip advisors and drivers) and our fellow travelers, experiencing the day-to-day lives of Mongolians - traveling on their long, dusty, bumpy roads; showering in town showers; shopping in local markets; and eating their food (yes, even the mutton!).2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need to be open to whatever happens (and not tied to an itinerary), prepared to go without a shower every day, be happy to wash your clothes in a stream or wherever you can (certainly without a washing machine), be happy to enjoy what's happening right in front of you - the scenery, the changing landscapes, the passing flocks of sheep and goats, herds of horses, yaks and cattle - and not worrying about what time it is or what's happening on-line. You need to be comfortable going to the toilet behind a sand-dune or a tree, you need to care for the environment by responsibly disposing of toilet paper, drinking the local water (it's clean and safe) and you need to accept and enjoy the accommodation for what it is - not for what you might expect 'back home'. If you can do all that, you will be rewarded with amazing scenery and experiences, places and people.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Jess and the team practice what they preach. Shopping for food and other supplies is done locally, at markets and in small shops, spread amongst different suppliers. The small group size (four guests on our trip) meant that we had little impact when we arrived at an isolated camp-site or in a small community. We stayed with local families, sometimes ate in local restaurants, bought ice-creams in tiny shops in isolated communities - all payments going directly to local people. Good quality water was collected from wells and springs so as we could replenish our water bottles (no mountains of empty plastic bottles on this trip), and the team made it easy for us to act responsibly with toilet paper and waste, leaving no trace on the landscape. The operator also supports local environmental and social initiatives, both financially and practically.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our vacation in Mongolia was outstanding. We've been lucky to travel lots - to many different countries, many different styles of travel - and this was by far the best we have experienced. Jess, Turuu, and the whole team are committed to offering a real taste of Mongolia, in a responsible and environmentally-friendly way that benefits local people and communities. This vacation was my 60th birthday celebration and gift to myself. It exceeded my expectations on every count.Naomi Luck review 20 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything. We had an excellent group. The tour leader and drivers were wonderful. We felt like a group of friends enjoying the vast expanses of Mongolia with lots of positive energy. We were well taken care of - the company, the food, the blend of travel and time to just enjoy were all perfect.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go with the flow. Have no particular expectations and be delighted with Mongolia and the vacation company.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. From shopping in little shops that gave some money to the local areas, picking up rubbish and leaving no garbage of our own behind anywhere. Also the vacation operator supports some very valuable projects for Mongolia.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10 out of 10. I have been an independent traveler for more than 40 years, but would have wanted nothing different on this trip.Aiko Michot review 10 Jul 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The most meaningful moments were interacting with locals and the land in an authentic way. We stayed with our driver's friends, learned first hand on the herder's way of life,camped off the beaten path, washed in streams, made dung fires, identifyed birds and plants.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Set realistic expectations. Mongolia is a beautiful but harsh environment. Be prepared to enjoy the moments as they come... Versus holding on to western standards.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. The travel company works directly with locals to support their income. All trip assistants are women whom get to practice their English. Any add on tours support charity organizations.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Authentic. Poignant. Challenging but very genuine.Marian Herz review 3 Jul 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying with families rather than at ger camps and being able to interact with them during their regular routines. The scenery. Driving from place to place rather than flying to see the country and take advantage of ad hoc opportunities like shear shearing, horse mane cutting and Nadam horse race practice.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for rough roads. I've traveled all over the world and Mongolia does win the prize for the most consistent bumpy roads. That's part of the experience, though. If you truly want to see the real Mongolia you need to drive from place to place. Eternal Landscapes fully delivered on what was promised - the real Mongolia with no contrived experiences. They also took better care of their vehicles than some of the other companies.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed with local families who could use the extra income. EL hires local drivers and guides and pays them fair wages. Groceries were purchased from local stores and we were given the opportunity to visit local markets and buy local products. El also supports Mongolians through support of various projects throughout the country.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The operator delivered on what was promised. They are knowledgeable and experienced. I feel I experienced most of the various Mongolian climatic areas, from the desert to the mountains and northern lakes. We experienced local food and traditions and were able to build relationships with the local people. Staying at tourist ger camps would not have allowed us to do this. EL is flexible and will adjust the vacation to meet the various needs of their clients.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
