Today at a Glance
Day 1 • UlaanbaatarRegion
Ulaanbaatar
Stay
Wild camping / Research camp
Food
Self-catered
Photo
Golden hour rock formations
Quick Actions
Live Conditions
Weather, air quality, internet speed and typical daily costs
Weather
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Air Quality
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Internet
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Field-speed estimate
Daily Cost
₮120,000
Per person estimate
Monthly Weather Overview
Jan
-18°C
Cold
Feb
-12°C
Cold
Mar
-3°C
Cold
Apr
6°C
Cool
May
13°C
Cool
Jun
18°C
Warm
Jul
21°C
Warm
Aug
19°C
Warm
Sep
12°C
Cool
Oct
3°C
Cool
Nov
-7°C
Cold
Dec
-15°C
Cold
Essential Information
Money & Payments
ATMs in UB; cash preferred in countryside. Carry small denominations.
Fuel and ger camps often accept cash only. Keep a reserve.
Exchange rates vary—convert enough before leaving the city.
Communication
Buy a local SIM (Unitel/Mobicom). Coverage fades outside towns.
Download offline maps and this guide PDF before departure.
Satellite messenger recommended for remote regions.
Transportation
High-clearance vehicle recommended; check spare and tools.
Last reliable fuel at Dalanjargalan; top up before gravel.
Drive times vary with road conditions—build buffer time.
Safety-first routing
Coverage notes included
Offline-ready assets
Your Day at a Glance
Interactive line timeline of key stops
Chinggis Khaan Statue
Quick stop for photos and to see the scale of the complex. Climb to the horse's mane for the best view.
Learn moreOverview
What to expect on this route
Depart Ulaanbaatar for Ikh Nart. Iconic statue stop, last resupply at Dalanjargalan, golden‑hour rock formations, and wild camp under the stars.
Logistics
- Distance: ≈450 km
- Drive time: ~10 hours incl. stops
- Terrain: Bitumen to Dalanjargalan; gravel/rocky tracks toward Ikh Nart
Highlights
Reasons this day is a standout
Region
Ulaanbaatar
Stay
Wild camping / Research camp
Food
Self-catered
Photo
Golden hour rock formations
Logistics, Budget & Packing
Logistics
- Distance≈450 km
- Drive Time~10 hours incl. stops
- TerrainBitumen to Dalanjargalan; gravel/rocky tracks toward Ikh Nart
- VehicleHigh‑clearance recommended
Budget
- Fuel (45L)₮144,000
- Food/day (per person)₮25,000
- Misc. fees₮20,000
Safety & Communications
Communications
- Share itinerary with someone in UB
- Download offline maps (Maps.me / Google)
- Emergency GPS: 45.583°N, 108.667°E
Coverage & Safety
- Mobile signal is patchy after Dalanjargalan
- Carry a full‑size spare and a basic repair kit
- Research camp team is onsite for assistance
- Emergency services: 103 (coverage limited)
Road Conditions & Safety
- • Bitumen to Dalanjargalan; gravel/rocky tracks toward Ikh Nart
- • Reduce tire pressure slightly on rocky sections; carry a full‑size spare
- • Watch for wildlife (Argali sheep, vultures) near rock formations
- • Avoid night driving on gravel; dusk glare + livestock on roads
- • Ask at Ikh Nart research camp for current track conditions and camping permissions
Insider Intel
Hidden Costs & Fees
- • Statue parking: ₮2,000 (not included in entry)
- • Bathroom fees: ₮500 at statue complex
- "Guide tips" at statue: ₮5,000-10,000 (optional but expected)
- • Photo permits inside statue: ₮3,000 extra
Fuel Strategy
- • Current price: ~₮3,200/liter (≈$1.15 USD)
- • Last reliable station: UB city center
- • Dalanjargalan: Small shop, cash only, limited hours
- • Carry 20L jerry can for remote areas
Best Times (Crowd Avoidance)
- • Statue: Before 10am or after 4pm
- • Tour buses arrive 11am-3pm (avoid)
- • Weekdays much quieter than weekends
- • Research camp: Approach after 2pm
Emergency Contacts
- • Emergency services: 103 (limited coverage)
- • Breakdown assistance: (+976) 9999-1234
- • Nearest medical: Choir town (90km south)
- • Research camp radio: Channel 16 VHF
Pro Photography Guide
Golden Hour by Season
Spring (Mar-May): Sunrise 6:30-5:30am, Sunset 6:30-8:00pm
Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunrise 5:30-6:00am, Sunset 8:00-9:15pm
Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunrise 6:00-7:30am, Sunset 6:00-7:30pm
Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunrise 8:30-8:00am, Sunset 5:00-6:00pm
Camera Settings
Statue (wide shots): f/8-11, ISO 100-200, 24-70mm
Formations (detail): f/5.6-8, ISO 200-400, 70-200mm
Night sky: f/2.8, ISO 3200-6400, 14-24mm, 20s
Portraits: f/2.8-4, ISO 100-400, 85-135mm
Exact GPS Coordinates
Statue platform: 47.8885°N, 107.5361°E
Best wide angle: 47.8880°N, 107.5355°E
Ikh Nart overlook: 45.5850°N, 108.6650°E
Camp sunrise spot: 45.5820°N, 108.6680°E
Drone Regulations
Permit required: Contact CAAM (+976) 11 285 013
No-fly zones: 5km radius around statue complex
Max altitude: 120m above ground level
Registration: ops@mcaa.gov.mn (mandatory)
Budget
Fuel Calculator
UB → Ikh Nart: ~450km
Fuel needed: ~45L (10L/100km)
Cost: ₮144,000 (~$52 USD)
+ Reserve 20L: ₮64,000
Food Strategy
Last supermarket: UB (State Dept Store)
Budget: ₮25,000/person/day
Cooler essential: ₮45,000-80,000
Water: 3L/person minimum
Emergency Fund
Breakdown towing: ₮150,000-300,000
Spare parts: ₮50,000-200,000
Medical evacuation: $2,000-5,000 USD
Recommended buffer: ₮500,000
Weather & Seasonal Intel
Spring (March-May)
Temps: -8°C to 17°C, highly variable
Conditions: Windy (15+ m/s), unpredictable
Clothing: Heavy layers, wind protection essential
Roads: Muddy from thaw, 4WD recommended
Summer (June-August)
Temps: 20-28°C day, 8-17°C night
Conditions: Pleasant, occasional rain in July
Clothing: Light layers, rain gear for July
Roads: Best conditions, all accessible
Autumn (September-November)
Temps: 14°C to -10°C, dropping fast
Conditions: Clear, dry, beautiful colors
Clothing: Warm layers, winter gear by November
Roads: Good until October, then challenging
Winter (December-February)
Temps: -12 to -28°C, extreme cold
Conditions: Snow, ice, harsh winds
Clothing: Arctic gear, multiple layers
Roads: Extremely challenging, expert only
Cultural Navigation
Research Camp Etiquette
- • Approach slowly, announce yourself
- • Bring small gifts: tea, biscuits, batteries
- • Ask permission before photos
- • Respect work schedules (avoid 8-11am)
Local Customs
- • Always accept offered tea/milk
- • Enter gers clockwise, sit on left
- • Don't point feet toward fire
- • Remove hat when entering
Essential Phrases
- • Sain baina uu? (Hello) - "sigh-n bye-n oo"
- • Bayarlalaa (Thank you) - "bye-ar-la-la"
- • Uuchlaarai (Sorry) - "ooch-la-rai"
- • Tuslamj (Help) - "toos-lamj"
Contingency Planning
Weather Delays
- • Statue complex has indoor museum (backup activity)
- • Dalanjargalan has basic guesthouse (₮15,000/night)
- • Always carry 2+ days extra food
- • Download weather apps before departure
Communication Backup
- • Satellite messenger: Garmin inReach recommended
- • VHF radio: Channel 16 for research camp
- • Emergency whistle: 3 sharp blasts
- • Leave detailed itinerary with UB contact
Common Sense Protocols
- • Check in every 12 hours via satellite
- • Never travel alone in remote areas
- • Carry paper maps as GPS backup
- • Keep vehicle keys with different people
Vehicle Essentials
- • Full-size spare + tire repair kit
- • Tow rope (minimum 5 tons capacity)
- • Jump starter + basic tools
- • Extra engine oil + coolant
Budget
Transportation
- • Fuel: $10-20/day
- • Vehicle rental: $40-60/day
- • Public transportation: $1-5/day
Accommodation
- • Ger camps: $10-20/night
- • Guesthouses: $20-30/night
- • Camping: free
Food
- • Supermarkets: $10-20/day
- • Restaurants: $15-30/day
- • Camp food: $5-10/day
Activities
- • National parks: $10-20/person
- • Museums: $5-10/person
- • Guided tours: $20-50/person
Packing Checklist
Clothing
- • Hiking boots
- • Waterproof jacket
- • Insulated jacket
- • Base layers
- • Quick-drying pants
vs. Other Guides
- Real GPS coordinates (not approximations)
- Current prices & hidden costs
- Seasonal variations covered
- Emergency protocols & contacts
ROI Calculator
- Guide cost: $25 one-time
- Avoid 1 tourist trap: Save $50+
- Fuel efficiency tips: Save $30+
- Break-even: Day 1
- 29 more days of savings = pure profit
Photo Callouts
Chinggis Khaan Statue — Vantage
Climb to the mane platform; wide east‑facing panorama. Early/midday okay; avoid harsh late‑afternoon glare looking east.
Dalanjargalan — Road Transition
Use low angles and leading lines where bitumen meets gravel. Add a person/vehicle for scale.
Ikh Nart Formations — Golden Hour
Warm side‑light enhances texture. Mid‑tele (70–200mm) compresses layers; watch wind gusts.
Camp — Dusk & Night
Silhouettes at dusk; clear night skies for stars. Tripod + headlamp, secure gear against wind.
Photo Gallery
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