DO watch over your wallet and/or purse. Pick pocketing is common in crowded places such as the black market, on buses, and at tourist attractions.

DO avoid stray dogs. Many dogs are wild and some are rabid.

DO be ready for an elbow in the side in crowded areas. It is common to shove a little in Mongolia, but don’t get carried away.

DO sit if there is seating in someone’s home. Mongolians show respect by sitting.

DO remember, If your are giving a gift do so when your leaving and not when you are arriving. This is customary in Mongolia.

DO be aware that it is customary for Mongolians to offer tea and food to guests. You do not need to say, “thank you” each time it is offered, but give your thanks when you leave.

DO hold cups from the bottom and never by the rim.

DO use two hands or the right hand to give or receive something.

DO roll down your sleeves when giving or receiving anything or before being introduced to someone older.



DON’T refuse any tea or food offered to you. It is polite to try the food offered first and then return it.

DON’T show large amounts of money or you will be a target for pickpockets.

DON’T show the bottoms of your feet to anyone while in close proximity to them; it is considered an insult.

DON’T whistle inside any buildings or in a Ger camp; it is considered rude.

DON’T give money to beggars because it will encourage beggars to target tourists and tourist areas. It is better to donate money to local organizations designed to help the homeless community.

DON’T drink untreated water. Try to find bottled water or boil the water yourself.

DON’T take photos inside temples or monasteries. These are sacred places and are not meant to be photographed. In some museums cameras are not allowed unless you pay an extra fee. You should also avoid taking pictures of military buildings, government buildings and border crossings.

DON’T sit with one leg over the other or people will think you are looking down on them.

DON’T cross your arm over your chest or people will think you’re sick.

DON’T point at people. It is thought that pointing at someone brings evil to them.

Cultural Crossroads Tours of Mongolia at a Glance

• Mongolia: Cultural Landscape and Diversity
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads for a cultural trip to Mongolia, a country with ancient Tibetan-Buddhist traditions, monasteries and friendly spiritual people. Meet lamas, hear the low tones of the horns used to call the lamas to the temple and observe their daily rituals. Our travelers have special access to the Arts Council of Mongolia and its art collection. Meet local artists and crafts people. Enjoy the Hustain Nuruu National Reserve, home to the last remaining species of wild horse, the Takhi. Learn about current conservation efforts and the status of the herds found within the reserve. We will see the Kharakhorum, site of the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire of Chinggis Khan. Take in the remote and stunning wilderness of Mongolia when we stay in South Gobi, home to Bactrian camels, Argali mountain sheep, goitered gazelle, golden eagles, saker falcons, jerboas (similar to kangaroo rats) and many endemic reptiles. The Gobi is also home to some of the Northern Hemisphere’s rarest and most elusive mammals such as the dhole, snow leopard, wild camel, and Gobi bear. Cultural Crossroads travelers will stay at the Three Camel Lodge in gers (Mongolian tents), an eco-lodge located near the Gurvansaikhan Gobi National Park. Our trip ends with a visit to a nomadic family leading a local movement to protect and preserve the Bactrian camel populations