Mongolia Frequently Asked Questions
What is the skill level of this climb?
Climbers should have completed our 6-day training course or have equivalent experience. It is a moderately technical, glaciated climb and requires climber has a good comfort level on crampons. The requirement is also based on our desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Trekkers need to be in good physical condition
What is the physical conditioning level needed for this climb?
Very good to excellent physical condition. We spend a fair amount of time acclitimizing in the build up to summit day which can be 12 hours or more of climbing.
Any tips on how a climber can maximize their chances of success?
Along with the required crampon skills, review cardio training on the training page of our web site. This climb generally boasts 100% success.
Who is the guiding team (how many guides? ) composed of (Climber to guide ratio) ?
These are generally small team trips with group size of 6-8 an Alpine Ascents guide and 1-2 local guides depending on group size.
What is the best season to climb / which dates will have the most chance for success?
July and August are the best times to climb Mt. Khuiten
How many climbers are on this expedition?
Most teams have had 6-8 climbers and 2-3 trekkers.
Will I be sharing a tent or lodging with other climbers?
In the towns you can opt for a single room otherwise we use shared tents
How much will my pack weigh?
On summit day, climbers carry approximately 50-55 pounds.
What gear will I need?
Please review the gear list on the Mongolia page of the web site.
How does your gear rental system work?
Those requesting rental gear must submit an expedition rental form with payment by fax or mail. All rental gear will be mailed to the climber prior to the climb. Climbers are expected to clean all rental gear and return following the expedition.
Any further advice on gear and using your gear list?
While all items are required there may be times when some of the items on the gear list may not be used (such as warm weather or changing conditions). The gear lists are created by the guides to assist in having climbers be prepared to summit in any conditions.
While it is impossible for us to list all brands for certain gear, we do offer a wide variety of equipment in our Gear Shop, that has been hand-picked by our staff of mountaineering experts. Please feel free to call our offices with any gear questions or substitutes. Plastic boots are required for this climb.
How is drinking water treated?
We boil and or use iodine for all drinking water
What will the meals on the expedition be like? Can I bring some food from home?
Meals are generally of the meat and vegetable variety. There is an excellent supermarket in Ulaan Bator and thus we can keep meals up to our usual standard. You may bring power bars, Gu, or similar high energy foods. All meals will be provided on this climb.
Are there any innoculation requirements?
No requirements at this time.
What is the best air route to my destination?
The best way to travel is via Korea so no further visas are needed. One may also travel via Russia or China but additional visas will be needed.
When should I book my flight? Do I need to use your Travel Agent?
Fares are generally less expensive when booked early. You may use our Travel Agent (Charles Mulvehill 1-800-727-2157) or book flights your self. Please note that flights booked on-line are often difficult to change. Please send us a copy of your flight schedule as early as possible as this allows us to book pick ups and hotels.
What time should I arrive and leave and where do I meet the guides?
Your guide or an Alpine Ascents representative will meet you at the airport. Look for a large Alpine Ascents sign.
What if I arrive early or depart late? Can you arrange extra night lodging? Is there a single room option for this expedition?
We are happy to make arrangements such as personalized tours, extra hotels rooms, airport pick ups and arrange for private rooms. Please indicate that you would like a private room on your application and we will contactwith information on single room supplement costs (for hotels only).
Are there any entry or Visa requirements?
Visas will be pre-arranged and picked up upon arrival in Ulaan Battar
Is there any communication while we are on the mountain?
In the cities and in hotels telephones are readily available.
Where can I get more information on history, books, and additional activities in the region?
Please see our reading list for Mongolia.
Can I contact the others on the climb? How about the guide?
You can always call our offices and your guide will contact you prior to your departure--generally about 1 month before trip departure. 30 days prior to departure, we will mail a list of other team members to you.
How much should I budget for this expedition? How much cash should I plan to bring?
$500 should easily cover any extra expenses and tips. Most climbers prefer to bring about $1000 and have credit cards.
How much should I tip my guide and staff?
$150 is the suggested tips for all local guides and you may have some perfunctory tips at hotels and at time of transport. Tipping is not required but a common practice. Climbers may also opt to tip the Western guide ( $100+ is an average tip)
How do I register for this expedition?
You may call our offices with a credit card or mail/fax an application with a check or credit card number. See our registration information.
What paperwork do I need to send in?
Each climber should submit an application and flight information.
When is the money due for this expedition? What kind of payment do you except?
We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, personal checks and Alpine Ascents gift certificates. To reserve a space the deposit is $700.00 and balances are due 90 days prior to departure. Unpaid balances can result in forfeiture of trip.
What is your cancellation policy? What is your refund policy?
Mongolia Cancellation/Refund Policy
Note: Alpine Ascents International highly recommends trip cancellation insurance for all expeditions. Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, Alpine Ascents International must adhere to a stringent refund policy.
Full refunds, less registration fee, will be provided 90-days or more prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
50% refunds will be provided 60-89 days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
No refunds will be provided 59-days prior to course, trek and/or expedition date.
All refund requests must be made in writing and be received in our office within the 90-day period, as stated above.
All balances are due 90 days prior to departure date unless otherwise specified.
Participants whose balances are not received by the 90-day deadline as stated above, risk forfeiture of their place on the expedition.
Note: Alpine Ascents reserves the right to waive any fees. As we offer personalized service, we will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations when necessary, waiving certain fees when feasible.
What happens if I need to leave the expedition early?
As our Mongolia climb travels to multiple locations, early departure may be difficult. If a climber needs to depart early our guides will assist in obtaining the necessary transportation and reservations to get you home as quickly as possible. We also have local Mongolian staff at our disposal for assistance.