Kayaking - Canoeing in Mongolia
FAQ about Kayaking and Canoeing in Mongolia
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How much previous experience do I need to join one of the trips?
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Do I have to paddle and how much paddling will we do in a day?
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What do I do if it starts to lightning while I am on the river?
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How much previous experience do I need to join one of the trips?
Our expeditions are designed to be safe and fun for both novice and expert alike. Our guides are qualified and experienced and will teach you all you need to know. Whether you're a first time adventurer or have been on expeditions around the world you'll feel at home with our complete instructional sessions and our concern for the safety and comfort of our guests. We will run through basic canoeing techniques and give hints on how to "read the water" before each trip.
What are physical limitations?
Pregnant women, people with injuries/recent surgeries or other medical situations should consult with your physician before attempting any river activities. All participants must be able to swim. Our canoes and kayaks have weight capacities, we cannot exceed those limits. Please call for individual concerns.
Do you do custom tours?
Custom tours can be arranged. You should make plans well in advance to ensure that we can accommodate your group. Send us a mail to discuss your vacation.
How big are the groups?
We do not make groups, but only organize tours for people who are a group. The minimum size of the group is 2 participants. We limit the size of the group to 6 people + a local canoe or kayak guide. You will thus only travel with people you know.
Is there an age limit and can I bring my kids?
We do not recommend children under the age of 16 to participate in the trip. All participants must be able to swim.
Is it safe?
Any safari activity is potentially hazardous and all operators indemnify themselves against responsibility for any illness, accident or loss. We focus on a sensible balance between the adventurous and expeditionary nature of the canoe safaris whilst maximizing safety and support by providing top guides plus appropriate and well-maintained equipment and vehicles. Travelling in a country that has poor transport means and no communication facilities at all, demands participants extreme caution.
Do I have to wear a life jacket?
All participants are required to wear LIFE JACKETS at all times while on the river!
Do I have to paddle and how much paddling will we do in a day?
Yes, you do have to paddle. The river twists and turns through valleys and you do have to steer your canoe or kayak to avoid river obstacles. You will paddle an average of five hours a day, with stops to rest and explore and enjoy a shore lunch. Paddling time will vary with the group’s ability, desires and the type of trip you are on. Weather or other conditions may occasionally require more or less paddling time.
Do we have a guide?
Yes, each group is accompanied by an experienced kayak or canoeing guide.
What are the guides like?
Our guides have been elected for their extensive experience, outdoor skills, reliability and outgoing personalities, just to name a few. Our guides are devoted to making sure that you have a comfortable, safe and enjoyable vacation. You should however know that the touristic season in Mongolia lasts only 4 months and thus all guide are semi-professionals with a totally different job during the long winter season.
When is the best time to go?
You will have to do your canoeing or kayaking tour between beginning of June and end of September. August is the rainy season making canoeing and kayaking an even wetter sport.
What if it rains?
In Mongolia the weather can change quickly. It will be up to you to decide to kayak and canoe during the rain or to wait in a Mongolian family until the rain is over.
What do I do if it starts to lightning while I am on the river?
We do not operate river trips during lightening storms. You’ll have to find a Mongolian Nomadic family and wait until the lightening is over.
How cold is the water, how deep?
The water of the rivers heats up with the months. If in June the water is still cold, water gets a nice temperature in September. In July when the weather is the hottest, the rivers are refreshing. Depth of rivers really depends of the river and the section of the river. Some rivers can be at certain points only 30 centimeters deep, while other rivers are more than 2 meter deeps.
What about bugs?
You are likely to encounter some problems with mosquitoes. Mosquitoes generally come out for a few hours in the morning and a few hours at dusk. We recommend that you bring some long sleeved shirts and pants as well as some bug repellent.
Can I fish?
Yes you can fish in Mongolia. We do not provide fishing equipment, so please bring your own fishing gear or by some equipment in Ulan Batar.
What if I want vegetarian meals?
We are very accustomed to preparing vegetarian meals for guests as well as catering to other special dietary needs and are pleased to do it. Please be sure to inform us of any dietary concerns in advance of your trip.
What to bring?
Here's our list of items you should bring along. Of course if you think of something you might need that's not listed here you should certainly bring it, too!
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Change of clothes
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At least 2 pairs of water shoes/old gym shoes (they will get wet!)
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Raincoat
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Light Jacket
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Bathing suit if you want to swim
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Towels
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Sunblock (very important!)
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Insect Repellent
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Hat & sunglasses
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A ziplock bag for your "dry items"
What not to bring.
Do not bring valuables on trip (jewelry, rings, etc.) or electronic devices. You can bring you camera with you but better keep it in a ziplock bag.
Can we stop along the way?
Yes, if the group decides to stop the trip or shorten it, it is possible, but no refund wil be paid.
International scale of river difficulty
Class I: Easy, fast moving water with riffles and small waves, few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.
Class II: Novice, straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful is seldom needed.
Class III: Intermediate, rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume Rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.
Class IV: Advanced, intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable wave and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong Eskimo roll is highly recommended.
Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes, or steep congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies may exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable Eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.
Class VI: Extreme, one grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be un-run-able, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.
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