Backpacking

Many people want to save money and do not care about creature comforts.

We have a network of Mongolian people who you can link up with.

They can be with you everyday if you want.

They are trustworthy, but may only speak Mongolian or Chinese. Little or no English.

They can arrange simple Mongolian tents without Toilets or running water. There may be a cold water shower close. Maybe there will be electricity.

Remember, we can put you in contact, but you are totally on your own.

These are not guides. They do not know hotels, restaurants, or sights.

You have to tell them what you want to do.

They can arrange a car. They can go on a bus.

They usually charge much less than we do.

However, if you want an English speaking M<ongolian guide who knows everything, you must use Nara.

Oh, I should say, Nara means sun in Mongolian (Naren).

We charge UD$100.00 for this to cover phone calls, arrangements, airport in Beijing pickup, and so on. You will get their phone number or email address. We can call them to verify that everything is "fine" and take care of you in Beijing. We will meet you and take care of you untill you fly to Hailar. We will pick you up at the Beijing airport and take you to your hotel. We will take you back to the airport.

The $100.00 buys you transportation from the airport in Beijing, and linking up with someone in Hailar.
It may be a man or lady. We cannot predict now. They charge somewhere between Rmb 300 and 500 per day. Plus/Minus. The $100.00 buys you nothing else. No tours.

You can bring your own tent if you want to Hailar. The Mongolian man may charge you something to put your tent near his toilet, but it will be less than Rmb 100 per day.. This will bring costs down even more. The tent will be on the grasslands near the horses you can ride. You must pay extra for riding the horses, but this is MUCH costly than in a tourist compound.

Sometimes it is a college student, other times just a person who will help. All persons are known to us, but untrained. They are only friends, not guides.

Once we receive payment from you, we will find someone. We cannot do anything without payment, but we can do this easily.

Remember, you are 100% on your own. We assume no responsibility or liability. Make sure everything especially the horse is safe.

We can find a very cheap hotel for you in Beijing as long as it is clear you are on your own and do not mind noise, a small hotel, a neighborhood, no lobby in the hotel, etc.

I know you want more details, but that is the difference between a "backpacking" tour and an organized one. We cannot now even predict who will be available. Sorry. Cheap hotels in Beijing usually run from Rmb 100 (cold water) to Rmb 500 (Hot water).

Updated 6/26/2008