Mongolia is vast and raw – and you’ll find it is unlike any other country you’ve experienced. From the undulating hills dotted with felt-tended gers to the rugged horsemen standing on their stirrups calling as they gallop into the sunset – it is not just a holiday but a wild adventure!
At Crooked Compass, you will experience complete immersion into this rugged country, which can be exciting and mind-blowing, but we are mindful that it isn’t for everyone.
As a former communist country that has rapidly undergone social and economic change, there are aspects of travel here that require an adventurous spirit and open mind – and, after all, isn’t that what travel is all about?
Before embarking on an adventure to Mongolia, it’s important to know if this unique, rugged travel experience suits your travel style. To help guide your decision, here are some aspects of travelling in Mongolia that past travellers have faced—are you ready for the adventure?
Accommodation
In rural and remote areas of Mongolia, your accommodation will be in Gers. These are cylindrical shaped-domes that are quite simple. They may have a stove in the centre for heating, rugs on the floor and either an elevated bed or mattress on the floor. In some places, you will encounter “tourist gers” which are ger camps that have been set up for tourists and have more facilities, such as electricity – although intermittent at times and charging stations can be very limited – showers and flushing toilets which are shared facilities often in a common block. In winter and late Autumn, it is not uncommon for pipes to freeze making it challenging for showers – we always encourage carrying wet wipes. We also have stays in basic or temporary gers, these are ger camps that have been set up by our guides or local community to be close to festivals. These often have earthen floors. Don’t be precious about your luggage getting dusty and dirty. It can’t be avoided. In basic gers, you might find the toilet is just one pit toilet shared by many guests that require a walk to get to – as these are pit toilets, they can often be 100m away from your camp for hygiene reasons. Power may be sporadic or non-existent and there may be no showers. We suggest carrying power banks. Can you embrace the adventure of wild camping and living like the locals for a few days?
Guides
Mongolia’s tourism industry was hit hard by Covid and since then more and more people are moving to Ulaanbaatar for work opportunities. This means our local teams are having to bring on new guides who may not have formal education and years of experience. While all our guides are trained and guided by our amazing local team they may not meet the standard you would expect in other countries in terms of their knowledge and English level. Enjoy getting to know them as locals and come to appreciate that you are helping to rebuild one of their most important industries. Crooked Compass is proud to support this next generation of young tour leaders in Mongolia.
Timekeeping in Mongolia can be quite relaxed. Events may not always start at scheduled times, and guides or drivers might not always arrive exactly on time. Can you stay patient and enjoy the moment if things are on a local timetable?
Food
Meals are often basic. You can expect hearty, basic ingredients. Meals might include dishes involving horse meat, yak, and even fermented mare’s milk. The cuisine reflects the Mongolian lifestyle: practical, rustic, nomadic and tailored for endurance in the expansive steppe. If you have dietary there will be options but they may be limited. That said, the food you eat will be fresh, authentic and natural.
Going Off Grid
If you rely on your device, the lack of charging points and power-outs might test your patience. Are you okay with unplugging and embracing a digital detox? Wifi? Don’t even think about this. Some camps say they have wifi, but the chances of it being a solid connection are worth embracing just being disconnected. No need for connectivity anxiety out here!
A large portion of the population still lives by the traditional nomadic methods — moving their herds (sheep, horses, cattle, goats, and yaks) from one area to another. Even now they ride and they hunt. Mongolians have much more of a wild sense to them than other Asian cultures. Locals may celebrate noisily during festivals. Animals are not treated as pets but as working livestock, and sometimes this can be confronting to travellers.
Remember you are in a country where the majority of the population is still nomadic and still live off the land. Nomads slaughter sheep and other animals for their livelihood. This is part of their every day lives.
In remote places of the world, things rarely go to plan. While our team at Crooked Compass do our best to prepare you for your journey it’s good advice to always expect the unexpected and embrace this as part of the wild experience. While this can be annoying for some, it also means you might get some wonderful surprises along the way – one of our trips recently took a slight detour to follow some snow leopard tracks leading to a cave with evidence of the big cat’s many kills down below – this meant the group arrived late to their ger camp but was also an unexpected thrill for our travellers.
Hotels and ger camps can change unexpectedly due to availability or local conditions. Are you adaptable if your lodging doesn’t match your expectations (or your itinerary)?
Sometimes local events may not go as planned. Poor weather or bad roads can mean festivals start later than initially advised or there may be last-minute changes. Events may not be as organised as you might find at home, however, the cultural experience will be unlike anything else you have seen.
There might be days with no showers, and toilet stops may require squatting in open landscapes. Don’t expect roadside service stations. It’s often ladies on one side and men on the other. Are you ready to embrace basic conditions for an authentic experience?
Mongolia is huge, and driving times may take much longer than anticipated depending on road conditions. A lot of the time you will be driving off-road which is a thrilling experience in itself – especially in the jaw-dropping landscapes Mongolia will deliver. That said our vehicles are comfortable and our drivers are very experienced. Could you enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way, even if you’re on the road longer than expected?
Embracing the unexpected! Mongolia’s vast, open landscapes come with their own rules, including a strong culture of mutual assistance. Vehicle breakdowns, punctures, and even getting bogged in the challenging off-road terrain are common. When this happens, it’s customary to stop and help others, as there’s limited connectivity and long stretches between incredibly remote towns. These unexpected pauses aren’t just a delay; they’re part of the Mongolian journey and a testament to the cooperative spirit that defines travel here.
Mongolia offers raw, untamed beauty, but it also requires a sense of adventure and resilience. If you’re up for these challenges, the rewards are breathtaking landscapes, warm locals, and unforgettable experiences. Ready to take on Mongolia? Then pack your sense of adventure and prepare for the unexpected! Chat to our team to find our more!
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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