Health & Safety

Vaccinations

• Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (dogs and wolves!), TBE/Tick-borne Encephalitis (ticks in the northern taiga)
• Standard Refresh: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Measles
• Rabies Vaccination Especially Important: Every ger has guard dogs that can become aggressive. Stray dogs in UB are a risk. And in an emergency, there is no immunoglobulin in the countryside.

Medical Care

In Ulaanbaatar, there are acceptable hospitals (SOS Medica and Intermed for foreigners). Outside the capital: practically no medical care. In the steppe, the Gobi, or at Lake Khövsgöl, you rely on yourself and your guide. The nearest clinic can be 8–12 hours away by car.

Travel health insurance with repatriation (helicopter evacuation!) is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL! Do not skimp here — a medical emergency in the Gobi without evacuation insurance can be life-threatening and financially ruinous.

Specific Health Risks

• Altitude: UB is at 1,350 m, the Gobi at 1,000–2,000 m, the Altai over 3,000 m. Altitude sickness possible above 3,000 m — acclimatize slowly.
• Sun & Dehydration: Extreme UV radiation at altitude and in dry air. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, sunglasses, and at least 3 liters of water per day.
• Cold: Even in summer, night temperatures can drop below 0°C. A warm sleeping bag and layers are essential.
• Dogs: Every nomad ger has guard dogs that can be aggressive. Always approach a ger with calls (Nokhoi Khor! — "Hold the dog!"), so the owner calls back the dogs. Never run!
• Gastrointestinal: Mongolian food is greasy and meat-heavy. Your stomach needs a few days to adjust. Bring anti-diarrheal medication (Imodium) and electrolytes.

General Safety Situation

Mongolia is an exceptionally safe travel destination. The crime rate is low, and violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Mongolians are a hospitable, honest people, and you feel particularly safe in the countryside. The greatest risks are not human in nature, but the extreme environment: cold, heat, isolation, unpredictable weather changes.

What to Watch Out For

• Pickpocketing in UB: Be careful at the Narantuul Market, on crowded buses, and at the train station. Carry valuables on your person, backpack in front.
• Alcohol: Alcoholism is a serious social issue in Mongolia. Drunk individuals can become unpredictable — travel in groups in the evenings in UB and avoid conflicts.
• Orientation in the Steppe: Without GPS and an experienced driver, you can get fatally lost in the endless steppe. NEVER travel or hike alone — distances are deceptive, and there are no landmarks.
• Weather: Weather in Mongolia can change within minutes — sudden thunderstorms, hail, temperature drops of 20°C. Always carry warm clothing and rain protection, even if the sun is shining in the morning.
• River Crossings: In summer, rivers can swell quickly due to rainfall. Your driver knows the safe fords — trust their judgment.

Emergency Numbers