Health & Vaccinations
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.
