Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m leaving for Bishkek tomorrow for work. I’ve decided to extend my business trip by 3 days. What can I do during those 3 days, considering I’m a solo female traveler and don’t have a driver’s license? I’m looking for nature and I’m not sure I won’t get altitude sickness above 3,000 meters! ;) (I’m used to traveling on a budget and taking local transport)
As a senior woman, I’m planning a solo trip to Uzbekistan this time. I arrive in Urgench on April 18 and leave from Tashkent on May 9, so 3 weeks.
1 - Aral Sea: I’d like to start there. Has anyone had a recent experience to share? Depending on your feedback, I’ll decide whether to go or not—my whole itinerary shifts based on that!
2 - What’s the best way to get around between cities? The train seems preferable, but booking and paying from France is complicated… and I’d have to plan everything in advance 😕
3 - Has anyone gone directly from Samarkand to Fergana? If so, by what transport? Or is it mandatory to go through Tashkent?
4 - Any tips for the most frequent and reliable transport in the Fergana Valley?
5 - I’d also love recommendations for accommodations (hostels, guesthouses) and nice restaurants in the country!
Feel free to share whatever advice you can… Thanks so much in advance! 😉
Hello everyone, after our trip was canceled due to COVID, I’ve decided to travel alone at 66 since my husband is no longer healthy enough to join me. I speak a little English and, while I’m taking this trip as a challenge, I’ll admit it stresses me out a bit. I’ll be leaving in May for 3 weeks. If it’s easy to plan the route and accommodations with Airbnb, I’m a little worried about transportation. Do you think it’s better to hire a guide for visiting the cities? I’d love all your tips. Corinne
Hello, so happy to be back on the forum! I’m heading off alone in mid-January for 5 weeks in Mongolia. I’d love all your tips—transport, accommodation, you name it…
For the cold, I think I’m used to it since I used to travel in Siberia, but that’s over now.
