At the start of the tour I was provided with a small booklet that had how to communicate with the hosts at a basic word/phrase level, e.g. hello, good by, good afternoon/ evening how to introduce yourself ask names etc. and was advised the hosts appreciate you trying to communicate at this level. All other communications was via the interpreter and they are willing to let you know herd sizes, were they move from/ to details of their history, and family. On family this is very important to them so it is best to bring photos of any family you have as they will be keen to know about your family and see pictures. If you are staying with them they will be keen to show you how they make butter, yogurt and other foods, you will also may be offered to assist in making things like dumplings and they seemed to have a laugh at my lake of ability and I would suggest that if you know how to make them they would be impressed. The hosts would generally spend time with you on arrival and at meal times and between these times they get on with doing what they do on a daily basis and are quite happy for you to watch, be involved and ask about daily life. For my tour the guide was never very far away and if I wanted to asked a question that I was not sure if I should ask I would check with her first. The 2 families I stayed with were very different and these details were posted up thread. As for life style they generally seem happy with their choice. Under Russian control the nomadic way of life was essential forbidden although there were still some, when the Russians left in 1990 almost a third of the population chose to return to the nomadic life.
Are you going on a tour, if you are the tour operator will most likely give you details for phases and the do's and don'ts and there are a few of these. @Mattg is also heading to Mongolia in a few weeks I have given him my book. Provided you give the tour operator and special food needs they should be able to accomodate these. I will write up a summary of the trip but have not yet got to that.Thanks for sharing your trip. I'll be there in a few weeks, so it was handy to get a few insights.
Somehow, I don't think I'll be enjoying the food.
I am aware that Ulaanbaatar is the coldest Capital City in the world. During conversation with the senior host at the second family he informed me that in his winter location it can get down to -40c and wanted to know what was the coldest place I had been to. Through the guide I let him know it was -29c in Harbin, China he gave a smile nodded and responded. The guide interpreted his response and informed me he was impressed and I have been invited back to say with him in the winter. The the senior host at the second family was quite a character and very accomodating.Loved this although you should have gone in winter you woos
Thanks for sharing your trip. I'll be there in a few weeks, so it was handy to get a few insights.
Somehow, I don't think I'll be enjoying the food.
I'm arriving in Ulaanbaatar 10th July and joining a tour with Wild Frontiers 13th July. I didn't realise when I booked, but I'll be there for one of the major festivals called Naadam. I decided not to go to the opening ceremony, but I'm sure it will make the city more lively.
You may get a good guide and they pick up on what you will and wont to eat.
It's not too important.
Thanks for putting together your trip report. It's fascinating to read about Mongolia, and the people you met. I'm convinced that the word "Travel" is based on the Greek phrase "...when nothing ever goes to plan"
Are you on a tour?
