Solo Trip to Mongolia? You Need to Form a Team First—Here’s Why
In February this year, I decided I wanted to spend my summer vacation in Mongolia. Of course, going with friends would have been ideal, but matching schedules was practically impossible. So, I made up my mind to go alone and began researching the trip—only to hit my first obstacle.
Mongolia is considered a remote travel destination, which means you can’t just travel there entirely on your own. You must have a team that includes travelers, a guide, and a driver. The trip is done using a vehicle called a Furgon, which seats up to six people. The cost per person is lowest when the vehicle is full.
A Solo Mongolia Trip Isn’t Truly Solo
Even if you’re going on a “solo” Mongolia trip, you can’t really go alone. Forming a team is essential due to the nature of remote area travel. That’s why finding travel companions is a must.
Tips for Finding Teammates on the “Love Mongolia” Cafe
While preparing for my trip, I discovered a community called Love Mongolia Cafe. It’s like a sacred hub for anyone planning a Mongolia trip. I didn’t post my own “looking for travel mates” thread at first. Instead, I searched to see if there was a team traveling on my preferred dates. You can save your search dates so that you’ll get notifications whenever a matching recruitment post goes up.
Joining a Mongolia Travel Team—Success!
Fortunately, a recruitment post appeared for the exact dates I wanted. The team accepted me, and from there, I could officially start preparing for the trip.
Our Team Had 6 People? Nope—Our Leader Managed 3 Teams!
While most Mongolia travel groups have about six members, our leader took things to another level—he organized three teams, bringing the total number of travelers to 19. Since I was tagging along, I simply trusted his pre-planned course and schedule.
Why We Chose “Nora Tour”: It Was All About the Camping
We picked a tour company called Nora Tour. It’s not officially affiliated with Love Mongolia Cafe, but it had excellent reviews, and the unique “first-night camping” experience was a big draw for us.
Our 5 Nights, 6 Days Gobi Desert Route
We followed a 5-night, 6-day Gobi Desert course.
Route: Ih Gazriin Chuluu → Yolyn Am → Gobi Desert → Bayanzag → Tsagaan Suvarga → Terelj
According to most Nora Tour reviews, this is a fairly standard route for Mongolia trips.
Upgrade to the Caravanserai Hotel at Tsagaan Suvarga
At Tsagaan Suvarga, we upgraded to the Caravanserai, considered one of the most luxurious hotels in Mongolia. It was a great decision—finally, a chance to rest in real comfort.
Booking Flights to Mongolia: Skyscanner + Onlinetour Was the Answer
I searched for flights using Skyscanner, and at that time, the cheapest option was through Onlinetour. Our group flew with MIAT Mongolian Airlines. The departure flight left at 1:50 a.m., and the return flight landed at 8:30 p.m.
MIAT Flight Schedule & Booking Timing
From reading Nora Tour reviews, I learned that ticket prices vary greatly depending on when you book. The earlier, the better. We booked our flights in March.
The Guide and Driver: The Heart of a Mongolia Trip
One of the most crucial factors in a Mongolia trip is your guide and driver. Our Nora Tour guide spoke excellent Korean and took great care of us the entire time.
Why the Guide and Driver Matter So Much
Our driver was in his mid-20s but was one of the most experienced in the group. He navigated without GPS as if he knew every road by heart. It’s no exaggeration—reviews saying that the guide and driver determine your trip satisfaction are absolutely true.
Can’t Decide on a Tour Company? Read Nora Tour Reviews First
If you’re preparing for a Mongolia trip, you’ll probably compare multiple tour companies. I highly recommend checking Mongolia Nora Tour reviews. The routes may be similar across companies, but the guide and driver can completely change your travel experience. For anyone, even solo travelers like me, Nora Tour is a solid choice.