Upaya Zen Center JOURNEY TO MONGOLIA: BUNKHAN CAMP ...

Upaya Zen Center
JOURNEY TO MONGOLIA: BUNKHAN CAMP
with Anthropologist Carroll Dunham and Photographer Thomas Kelly
July 14 - August 3, 2010
Upaya has long wished to offer a special journey to Mongolia. Good friends of the Center have
made it possible for this to happen.
In the camp itself, beautiful yurts are nestled into a private valley with a cottonwood tree forest
nearby. This is a great place for practitioners and families— for writers or artists, meditators and
yogis or those who love to read and soak in quiet wilderness. We can fish, practice archery,
photograph, horse ride and explore and visit forests, rivers, hidden valleys and grasslands, and
spend time with nearby nomads. Meals are lively engaged discourse filled with tales and poetry.
We will have daily yoga and meditation practice in addition to a deep introduction to the
wilderness and nomads of this country. We’ll be harvesting medicinal plants with local healers
and joining nomads for their annual Nadam festival. We will horse ride up to the remote Blue
Lapis Lake, a sacred Mongolian Pilgrimage power spot for those who want some adventure.
We’ve been challenged to put together a ramshackle polo team with the nomads from our valley
to challenge the nomads and rustabouts from the valley north. Journey to Mongolia is a rare and
wild time for meditation, practice, poetry, riding, and deep renewal.
DAILY ITINERARY:
Day 1(July 14)
Depart from USA. Mongolia is a popular summer destination so you'll need to book plane
reservations way in advance. Korean Air (KE) via Seoul and United from the West Coast,
are recommended carriers with direct flights Ulaanbattar, Mongolia.
Day 2 (July 15)
Fly to Ulaanbattor. Wild Earth Journey staff will meet us at the airport and we will transfer
by coach to the Imperial Hotel, a centrally located hotel within walking distance of
museums and shops for a goodnights sleep.
Day 3 (July 16)
Orientation with Carroll/Thomas followed by a visit to Ganden Monastery, the seat of
Buddhism in Mongolia. Although Buddhist monasteries were either destroyed or
converted into museums during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, Gaden Monastery
continued to operate as a showpiece for government officials and today is a thriving
monastic center. Optional visit to the Zanabazar Museum, where there are the best works
of the Bodg Haan Zanabazar, the King of Mongolia of the 17th century. His works like
White Tara, Five Dhyana Buddhas are listed as World Classics.
Day 4 (July 17)
Visit Ulaanbaatar's Black Market to shop for traditional Dels, riding boots and silver
horse bridles. Travel by comfortable AC bus through Mongolian grasslands and arrive in
the afternoon at Hustainuur, where we will stay in a traditional ger camp and visit the wild
Takhi horses.
12.04.09

Day 5 (July 18)
Early morning visit to iron age archeological burial tombs. Travel through typical
Mongolian grasslands and arrive in the afternoon to Kharhorin, ancient capitol of Khublai
Khan. Overnite at traditional ger camp, Ganzorik.
Day 6 (July 19)
We start our day with a visit to beautiful Erdene Zhu monastery. The great Ghengis Khan
and his son created the beautiful and legendary city of Kharhorin in the 13th century to
serve as the heart of this monolithic, Mongol empire. There are only a few traces left of
this once great city, but Mongolia's largest monastery, neighboring Erdene Zhu, was
reputedly constructed from the ruins of Kharhorin in the 16th century. Erdene Zhu has
been a place of Buddhist activity for more than 500 years. We will explore the monastery
grounds and observe the monks as they perform their prayers and rituals. Drive to to
Bunkhan in Bulgan Sum for sunset and supper. Gher camp.
Day 7-11 (July 20-24)
We ger camp next to the river, located next to the nomads camp. Morning, yoga with
Carroll and Thomas. Horse riding tips by Namkha, and horse riding practice in the vast
valley of Teel. We can swim in the river, fish, practice archery or enjoy the forest solitude.
The nomads beckon for those who wish interaction. Traditional Mongolian barbeque for
the evening. On day 10 you'll be host to a mini Nadam, horse racing, wrestling and rodeo
events.
Day 12-17 (July 25-30)
Horse trip to Blue Lake. Your horse adventure begins. You ride about 3 hours to Tolgin
Butts and camp in a beautiful meadow setting, with a late afternoon mountain walk to
take in the beautiful Mongolian steepes. (Jul-26) The second day of our horse journey is
an invigorating ride over beautiful mountain passes, past Buddhist Ovoos, through wild
flower valleys to Mandal Mountain, a sacred place for the Mongols. (July-27) The third
day, we ride to Jargalantiin, past the five sacred springs visiting nomads along the way.
(Jul-28) The forth day is to Blue Lake Valley, nestled high in the steepe region
overlooking the glacial valleys and nomad camps. (Jul-29) The fifth day, we reach the
magnificient Blue Lake, home of the lake goddess, Palden Lhamo. (Jul-30) The sixth day,
we enjoy the solitude of the lake, with an optional Mountain walk.
Day 18 (July 31)
Jeep drive back to Bunkhan. For experienced riders, thunderhoof back to camp on your
trusted steed.
Day 19 (August 1)
Rest day at Bunkhan, journal writing, and packing.
Day 20, 21 (August 2-3)
Heading back to UB, with a stop at Tsetserleg to visit local Budhist monastery, overnite
at Khankhar Khad, traditional ger camp and then enjoy a farewell dinner in Ullanbattor.
Day 22 (August 4)
Travel back home.
12.04.09

Trip cost: US $4500; Deposit $500.00. Single Supplement $300.00 extra; also plane ticket back
from Kharhorin will be approximately $100.00 US extra and only breakfast and lunch are
included in Ulaanbaator. Dinner will be a personal charge.
Children under 12: US $120/day (outside of UB), and $160/day inside of UB.
The price includes: Carroll Dunham/Thomas Kelly as guides, transport in Mongolia, all meals,
lodging in hotels and gers, double occupancy, (single hotel occupancy extra supplement), ger
living in Bunkhan, (two to a ger) horses, horsemen, saddles, hotels in UB, meals, airport
transfers, museum entrance fees.
The price does not include international flights, alcohol drinks or tips to the horseman and staff.
Cancellation Policy. Final payment is due May 1. In the event of cancellation within 31-70 days
prior to departure date, there will be a refund of 75% of the land portion of the trip fee. In the
event of cancellation within 40 days prior to the departure date, there will be a refund of 50% of
the land portion of the trip fee. There will be no refund in the event of cancellation within 39 days
of departure date. Travel insurance is recommended.
Carroll Dunham is a Princeton University anthropologist, writer, documentary filmmaker,
Buddhist and yoga practitioner and is the founder and director of WildEarth Nepal, a cooperative
producing hand crafted Himalayan luxury herbal products in Kathmandu. She has authored the
books: Sacred Landscape and Pilgrimage in Tibet-In Search of the Lost Kingdom of Bon, Tibet:
Reflections from the Wheel of Life, The Hidden Himalayas, all published by Abbeville Press, NY,
NY. She has led cross-cultural trips throughout South Asia, Tibet and Mongolia.
Thomas Kelly, a native of Santa Fe, has lived in Nepal since 1978. Formerly a Peace Corps
volunteer and Care Program officer, he has been a renowned professional photographer since
1985 and is now a documentary film maker. He has led cross-cultural trips throughout South
Asia and Mongolia. His photographic books include Abbeville’s Sacred Landscape and
Pilgrimage in Tibet: In Search of the Lost Kingdom of Bon, Tibet: Reflections from the Wheel of
Life, The Hidden Himalayas, Kathmandu: City on The Edge of the World, Fallen Angels: Sex
Workers of South Asia and Sadhus-Himalayan Yogis. Check out the following websites.
Thomas and Carroll’s children (Liam11 and Galen 6) love nothing more than when families with
children come and this trip offers a family camp and a chance for time-deprived families to have
quality bonding time unplugged and deep in wilderness.
www.ThomasLKellyphotos.com, www.Wildearthjourneys.com, www.wildearthnepal.com
12.04.09

MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM
To be prepared for medical emergencies during our time together, we require all participants to
supply the following information. Although we treat this information as confidential, we will
encourage you to share information about pre-existing conditions and any personal concerns
with others in your group, so they can help you in the best way possible in any emergency.
NAME: ______________________________________
Age: _____ Height: _____Weight: _____
Please circle any of the following that apply, giving details in the space provided or on the back
of this sheet:
• Current medications: (since __/__)
• Allergies (including insect bites/stings):
• Hypoglycemia: (since __/__)
• Altitude sickness:
• Susceptibility to headaches:
• Hospitalized in the last year? If yes, why?
• Appendicitis (date: __/__):
• Diabetes:
• Epilepsy:
• Heart problems/Blood pressure:
• Kidney disease:
• Current medication:
• Back, knee, or other joint injuries? If yes, when?:
• Counseling history:
• Other concerns:
Your degree of fitness (in your own words):
Dietary preferences:
Medications/remedies you would like us to add to the First Aid kit:
Medications & remedies that you will be bringing:
12.04.09

Health Insurance: _______________________
Group #: _______________________
Last medical visit (date and doctor): (__/__) _______________________
Last medical check-up (date and doctor): (__/__) _____________________
Last tetanus shot (date): __/__
Your doctor: ________________
Medical Group: ______________
Hometown/Phone: ( )___________
Contact in case of emergency: _______________________
Relationship: _______________________
Hometown/Phone: ( ) ____________
Does this person know you are participating in this journey? Y / N
This information is accurate and complete. I agree to cooperate with Upaya to design my
wilderness practice and pilgrimage with full consideration of my health history and health
concerns.
Signed: __________________________
Date: ______________
Name (print): __________________________
12.04.09

RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK FORM
Please return to: Upaya Zen Center
1404 Cerro Gordo Road
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Tel: 505-986-8518, Fax: 505-986-8528
UPAYA ZEN CENTER RISK AND LIABILITY
Upaya Zen Center and its staff and representatives hereby give notice that they are acting as
agents for hotels, transportation operators, tour guides and suppliers, and will not be held liable
for any change or alteration of schedule due to natural causes, airline delays and changes,
political unrest, illness, or other factors which are beyond their control. They are able to assume
no responsibility for with the condition, operation or safety of any aircraft, vehicle, or
accommodation, which may be made available to participants in an Upaya trek. Upaya Zen
Center reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a trip member at any time. In the
case of any inconvenience, injury, loss, or damage to clients, any extra cost in the abovementioned
situations should be borne by the clients. Upaya Zen Center reserves the right to
change, cancel or re-price any portion of this trip when deemed necessary. In the unlikely event
of a trip cancellation, Upaya Zen Center will reimburse clients all monies due based upon the
difference between the quoted trip price and the cost of services already provided. Participants
on this trek assume the responsibility to be in good health and physical condition before the
departure date, and are responsible for studying all pre-departure information as well as
obtaining all of the necessary provisions as described in the trip information packet.
I acknowledge and understand the risks of travel in remote areas where injury, delay, or
unpredictable events may occur. I am aware that trip activities necessarily involve certain
dangers and risks, including but not limited to: forces of nature; injuries that may be associated
with exposure to the elements; injuries that may be associated with hiking, backpacking,
climbing and swimming; injuries that may be associated with traveling to and from the
pilgrimage/wilderness site; disease associated with international travel. With this awareness,
affirming that my participation in any activity either at Upaya or in the field is my own choice, and
in partial payment for the right to participate in this program, I do hereby assume full
responsibility for such dangers and risks, and I do expressly release and will hold harmless
Upaya and its agents and associates from any and all liability, actions, causes of action, debts,
claims, or demands of every kind and nature whatsoever, which I now have or which may arise
from or in connection with this program/pilgrimage or participation in other such activities. I
agree to indemnify and hold harmless Upaya for all special expenses incurred by it in
connection with any injury or danger suffered by me. The terms hereof shall constitute a release
and assumption of risk by me and by all members of my family, including minors accompanying
me, and shall be binding on my heirs, executors, and administrators, and on those of my family.
I agree that if any portion of this release of risk/liability form is found to be void, the remaining
portions of this agreement will remain valid.
Signature:_________________________________
Date (mo/da/yr): _________________________
Name (printed):_____________________________
12.04.09

Please fill out and return this form to Wild Earth Journeys/Thomas L. Kelly.
www.WildearthJourneys.com
TRAVELER PROFILE / MEDICAL PROFILE
During you trip, you will be exposed to circumstances and living conditions that are likely to
differ from those at home. Our programs involve a variety of activities that may include physical
activities. The level of participation in a program activity is at all times completely up to the
individual. It is possible that you may suffer an emotional or physical injury and /or disability.
There is a risk, which must be assumed by each participant.
By giving WEJ/Thomas L. Kelly a deposit for a trip and signing below, you are certifying that you
do not have any physical or other condition, which would create a hazard for yourself or other
travelers. It is essential that WEJ be informed in writing below of any medical condition you
might have which requires regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, high
altitude, heat, cold or other natural phenomenon or particular foods. This information is kept
confidential and is available only to trip leadership/Thomas L. Kelly. If your trip requires a
doctor's statement of adequate health an additional form will be mailed to you.
1.) Do you have any limitations to participating in normal group activities (i.e., walking, climbing
steps)? Yes No (If yes, identify and explain:)
2.) Do you have any allergies or reactions to medication? Yes No (If yes, identify and
explain:)
3.) List prescribed medications you are currently taking and for what conditions?
4.) Are you currently under the care of a medical professional? Yes No
(If yes, a medical release must be provided by your doctor.)
5.) Do you have any restrictions or food preferences in your diet? Yes No (If yes, give details:)
6.) Is there any other medical conditions which might affect your ability to participate in this trip?
7.) Do you smoke? Yes No
8.) Do you snore? Yes No I don’t know
Person who will be available to contact in case of emergency:
Name:____________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Relationship:______________________
Fax:_____________________________
12.04.09

Release of Liability
I understand that parts of this journey may be physically and/or emotionally demanding. I affirm
that my health is good, and that I am not under a physician’s care for any undisclosed condition
that bears upon my fitness or ability to participate in activities. I recognize the inherent risk of
injury or disability in activities. I understand that each participant must assume the risk of
physical injury that could result from any of the activities, including horse riding. I understand
that a participant may choose not to participate in any of the activities. I understand that the
program is flexible, and may change due to cultural, weather, or other reasons. I release Wild
Earth Journeys/Thomas L. Kelly/ Carroll Dunham and it’s staff, and the staff of any sponsoring
organization from all liability for any injury or tort, implied or otherwise, to me from participation
in a journey planned by Wild Earth Journeys.
Traveler’s Signature________________________ Date:____________________
Please Print name_____________________________
12.04.09

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: Early bookings strongly encouraged
If you would like assistance with flight arrangements, Roshi Joan has worked often and with
great success with Govind Shahi of Himalayan Travels. He can be reached in his No. California
office on Monday – Friday from 9am – 5pm at 1-800-223-1813 (or 510-222-5307) or feel free to
e-mail him at Govind@himalayantravels.com
TRAVEL INSURANCE
If ever there was a country where you needed travel insurance, Mongolia is it. With the outdoor
lifestyle, unpredictable weather and bad roads, accidents are not uncommon. Agencies like
Council Travel, Trailfinders, Flight Centre, and Campus Travel sell insurance along with their
tickets. Some policies specifically exclude “dangerous activities” which can include horse riding.
Ask about an amendment at a higher premium. Few, if any medical services in Mongolia will
accept your foreign insurance documents for payment; you’ll have to pay on the spot, get
receipts for everything, save all the paperwork, and claim later. For Mongolia, a “medivac”
clause or policy, covering the costs of being flown to Beijing or Hong Kong or home is essential:
staying in Mongolian hospital will probably only make you worse. (Dr. Martin Springer, former
doctor at Kathmandu’s CIWEC clinic, is now head of SOS International's clinic in Beijing. He
specializes in emergency and trauma. An hour and 40 minutes from UB, which is where we
recommend one be evacuated to unless you have contacts in Hong Kong.)
Reminder: Copies of all important documents (passport data page and visa page, credit cards,
travel insurance policy, air/train tickets, etc.) Leave one copy at home and keep another set with
you separate from the originals.
EXCHANGING MONEY
Depending upon your spending and drinking habits, it’s always good to have some extra cash at
hand-$300-$800 dollars depending what your taste in Mongol souvenirs is like.
At several banks and countless licensed money changers in UB, you can change most major
European and Asian currencies. The US greenback is still the easiest to change in UB and is
the only currency you might be able to change in the countryside. Note that money changers will
give you a slightly better rate for new post 1998) US dollar bills and for higher denominations. In
the countryside anything larger than a US$20 will be hard to change. You can change US dollar
traveler checks into US cash in UB for a 2% commission. American dollars can sometimes be
changed for togrog at banks in aimag capitals but it is bound to take forever as officials try to
figure out the official exchange rate, much lower than in the capital. Watch out for counterfeit
American dollars in Mongolia.
Most major banks and top-end hotels in UB will change travelers checks but only those in US
dollars from major companies usually with no commission and minimum fuss. If you lose your
American Express checks or credit card, or Thomas Cook checks, contact Trade and
Development Bank in UB.
12.04.09

CREDIT CARDS
You can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express in UB at top-end hotels, expensive souvenir
shops, airline offices and most travel agencies. The Trade and Development Bank can arrange
cash advances on your Visa, Mastercard, and American Express Cards for 4% commission.
International transfers, tend to be wrought with problems. It can be done through the Trade and
Development Bank and takes 3-5 days and costs $40 plus 0.01% of the amount transferred.
SECURITY
At some point in a trip to Mongolia most travelers end up carrying a fair amount of US dollars or
togrog. All you can do is bury it deeply in your money belt and in several different places, with
only small sums in wallets and outside pockets.
SUMMARY OF RISKS
Except for getting frostbite in winter, Mongolia is generally a healthy country to travel in. The dry
cold climate and sparse human habitation means few infectious diseases that plague tropical
countries. Mongolian food may not taste too good but it’s usually safe to eat.
Mongolia, however, is a terrible place to get ill. The numbers of doctors are chronically low and
the standard of medical training is patchy at best and often very bad. There are now about 850
poorly trained and under equipped Mongolian medical graduates struggling to maintain health in
a country gone broke.
If you do become seriously ill in Mongolia, there are a few western doctors in UB. If you are
suffering from an illness or injury that could be very serious, but not immediately life threatening
makes a beeline for Beijing. IN a real life-threatening emergency, international medical
evacuation services claim they can send a private plane form Beijing to fly you out of Mongolia,
but we haven’t heard of it happening. This service does not come cheaply, unless you know
your travel insurance company will bear the cost, which can be tens of thousands of dollars.
Most hospitals and clinics in Mongolia are critically short of medical supplies, especially
antibiotics, and it’s a good idea to take all your medical supplies with you, especially if you
require regular medication. You can hardly be expected to carry your own traveling pharmacy,
but tetracycline in 250 mg caps taken four times daily for seven days (28 capsules) is a fairly
standard course for most general infections.
12.04.09

MEDICAL CHECKLIST
Aspirin or paracetamol- for pain and fever
Ibuprofen- for swelling, pain in knees, after injury
Antihistamine- (diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies, hay fever, to ease itch from insect
bites or stings, prevent motion sickness, itching, watery eyes, runny nose, relieves, hives,
dermatitis. Dries up runny nose. Can make you quite drowsy. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a
decongestant, it will make a congested nose run.
Cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges, nasal decongestant
Multivitamins
Antibiotics
Loperamide or diphehoxylate-“blockers” for diarrhea (Imodium or Lomotil)- Not to be used with
fever or blood or pus in your stools
Prochlorperazine or metoclopramide for nausea and vomiting
Rehydration mixture
Insect repellant, sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops
Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera- ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites and
stings
Antifungal cream or powder- for fungal skin infections and thrush
Antiseptic (such as providone-iodine) for cuts and grazes
Bandages, Bandaids (plasters) and other wound dressings
Water purification tablets or iodine
Scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited on
airlines)
Pepto Bismol tablets
Laxatives- Kaolin or Pectin
12.04.09

IMMUNIZATIONS
No specific vaccinations are legally required to enter Mongolia. Peace Corps Mongolia asks that
volunteers have IPV (Inactivated Polio booster dose), Mumps, measles, rubella, typhoid,
diphtheria, tetanus, rabies, hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis B vaccine, Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A vaccine (e.g. Avaxim, Havrix 1440 or VAQTA) provides long term
immunity (possibly more than 10 years) after an initial injection and booster fix at six to 12
months, Alternatively, an injection of gamma globulin can provide short term protection against
Hepatitis A -2 to 6 months depending on the dose given. It is not a vaccine but a ready-made
antibody collected from blood donations. It is reasonably effective and unlike a vaccine it is
protective immediately, but because it is a blood product, there are current concerns about its
long-term safety. Hepatitis A vaccine is also available in a combined form with Hepatitis B
vaccine. Three injections over a six-month period are required.
Meningococcal Meningitis -A single injection gives good protection against the major epidemic
forms of the disease for 3 years. Protection may be less effective in children under 2 years.
Hepatitis B- Travelers who should consider vaccination against hepatitis B include those on a
long trip, as well as those visiting countries with high levels of hepatitis B infection, where blood
infusions may not be adequately screened or where sexual contact or needle sharing is a
possibility. Vaccination involves three injections with a booster at 12 months. More rapid
courses are available if necessary.
Rabies- Vaccination should be considered by those who will spend a month or longer in the
countryside. Pre-travel rabies vaccination involves having 3 injections over 21 days. If someone
vaccinated is bitten or scratched they will only require two booster injections.
Make sure you are healthy before you start traveling. Make sure your teeth are ok. If you wear
glasses, take a spare pair.
12.04.09

BASIC RULES:
FOOD
There is an old saying “if you can cook it, boil it, or peel it, you can eat it, otherwise forget it.”
Vegetables and fruit should be washed with purified water or peeled where possible.
Fortunately we will be using cooks who have experience cooking for westerners and understand
our hygienic concerns. Peace Corps Mongolia uses the following advice:
FOOD PREPARATION
1. All fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed to remove surface dirt.
2. All fruits and vegetables, which are eaten raw or unpeeled, must be soaked for 30 minutes in
a bactericidal solution. Two iodine tablets dissolved in one quart provides such a solution. Rinse
with cool boiled water.
3. Cook vegetables at a rolling boil for 5 minutes.
4. Fruits or vegetables that can be peeled require only washing to remove surface dirt.
5. Be certain your meat is well cooked. Raw or rare meats may harbor parasites or bacteria.
6. Store foods properly. Foods left at room temperature become contaminated quickly. If it is old
or smells bad throw it out.
7. Not all local milk is pasteurized and therefore could harbor tuberculosis and brucellosis.
Bringing the milk to a rolling boil substitutes for pasteurization. Mongol suutei tsai (milk tea)
should be safe since it is boiled. Yogurt is safe because it is heated during preparation.
WATER
Mongolians insist that the tap water in UB is safe to drink. However there can be occasions in
later summer when the water becomes unsafe to drink—but public health alerts are issued. The
number one rule is to be careful of the water. If you don’t know for certain that the water is safe,
assume the worst. Surface water from rivers and lakes may well have been contaminated by
livestock feces and should be purified. If you do any camping, you may find it occasionally
necessary to drink unboiled surface water. It’s always better to drink moving rather than
stagnant water, and select a stream away from livestock.
It’s essential to carry your water bottle with you, regardless of where you are traveling. Dairy
products in the countryside are always unpasteurized and should, in theory, be treated with
suspicion, though boiled milk is fine if kept hygienically.
The simplest way of purifying water is to boil it thoroughly. Vigorous boiling should be
satisfactory. Consider purchasing a water filter for a long trip. There are two main kinds of filtertotal
filters take out all parasites, bacteria and viruses and make water safe to drink. Iodine
tablets are effective, and best when used with grapefruit seed extract to take away the taste.
WATER PREPARATION
1. Boiling is one completely satisfactory method to ensure safe drinking water. A rolling boil for 5
minutes is effective. Store boiled water in clean covered containers.
2. Iodine tablets may be used to treat water. One tablet per quart is sufficient, two if the water is
cloudy or very cold. Mix well and allow to stand 25 minutes before use.
3. Chlorine bleach 5% active add two drops of bleach to each liter of water, 4 drops if cloudy.
Allow stand 30 minutes before use.
12.04.09

4. Filtering water except with very high tech and expensive camping filters is not sufficient.
Parasites and bacteria can easily pass through. It will, however make dirty water look and taste
more pure. Peace Corps Mongolia advises using Boiled water. Use of iodine treatment for your
drinking water for more than 6 weeks is not recommended.
Infectious diseases to be aware of in Mongolia: brucellosis, bubonic plague, diarrhea, hepatitis,
and rabies.
Before you get angry and complain about why things just don’t work as well as they could or
should, take a second to think about what Mongolia has experienced and is still enduring: years
of Chinese domination and Soviet Communism; a perverse climate; a terrible road and transport
system; lifestyle based on nomadism, which rarely compliments western thinking and
economics, a young, sparse population which suffers from poverty and poor health and
unrestrained capitalism and development since 1990.
THEFT
Mongolia is a very safe country and Mongolian people are some of the friendliest and most
helpful in Asia. Most Mongolians are very poor and foreign goodies are a real temptation. Theft
is seldom and violence against foreigners, just opportunistic. Pick pocketing and bag slitting with
razor blades are increasingly common on buses and in the Central Market, but not nearly as a
rife as in China. Valuables should be kept in a money belt and buried under your clothes. Some
people find this arrangement uncomfortable, so another alternative is to keep these valuables
sewn inside of a vest (waistcoat.)
HORSERIDING
One thing to bear in mind is that when mounting a horse do so only from the left. The animals
have been trained to accept human approach form the left and may rear if approached the
wrong way. The Mongolians use the word chu! to make their horses go. Most important advice:
watch and learn- Mongolians almost invented horsemanship. It is mandatory that everyone
bring a riding helmet, or top of the line, mountain bike helmet.
12.04.09