Off The Map Tours are a family-run company who have been organizing cultural adventure tours in Mongolia for the past 10 years. We specialize in mountain biking tours and our guides for these trips are former professional cyclists. The company founder was coach for Mongolia’s Olympic cycle road racing team from 1964 to 1990. We also do hiking, horse riding and most recently motorcycle tours. Our company owns good quality well-maintained mountain bikes and off-road motorbikes which are available for hire to clients joining one of our tours. Most of our trips are for small groups of up to 12 people, although we also manage larger groups for charity challenge events.
We have offices in the UK and Germany which are staffed by Mongolian and local people who know the trip routes, itineraries and tour logistics well. In most cases the office staff have themselves done the tours being offered, so are in the best position to be able to offer knowlege and advice.

By introducing our clients to the Mongolian people, we inspire them (the clients) to achieve more important goals and a greater understanding of life. The generous hospitality, lack of material wealth, practical survival skills and pride of the Mongolian people are instrumental in this. It is our policy to offer every opportunity for travellers to enjoy spontaneous interchange with the local people.

To demonstrate that visitors to Mongolia are looked upon and treated as guests, by the staff as well as local people we meet along the way.

To travel through Mongolia causing the very least amount of change to the environment and by the behaviour of the tourists to influence actions of the local people, especially with regards to disposal of non-biodegradable rubbish.

To provide the best possible working conditions for our employees.

Income from the business benefits only people in Mongolia. We have small offices in UK and Germany which are staffed by Mongolians and have negligible overheads.

All accommodation utilized, both hotel and ger camps, are owned by Mongolian people / companies.

During the short tourist season (June to September) permanent staff are given a salary that is equivalent to an annual salary for a person with their qualifications

Temporary staff such as local guides and horsemen are paid a fair wage and provided with the same food and accommodation as regular staff.

Local people providing horses, camels or yaks, are paid a good rate.

Tips donated by clients at the end of a tour are distributed equally among all the staff who accompanied that tour.

Tourists are encouraged to purchase souvenirs (Mongolian handicrafts) that are made by local people in the places we visit, thus supporting the local economy.

Where possible we include in itineraries visits to projects of interest to tourists which have been set up to create employment for local people. For example, when passing through Tsetserleg town we see a felt making project with demonstrations of how felt is made on a small scale and felt products made for the tourist market.

All the accommodation we use on tour, be it hotels, guest houses or ger camps, are owned and staffed by Mongolians. They are all quite small local enterprises and employ local staff. One particular restaurant and guest house that we use in Tsetserleg town is the result of a successful project intended specifically to provide employment in a town where many people do not have jobs.

Tourists are informed before the start of the tour about the most important environmental considerations. This includes use of drinking water, washing in lakes or rivers and rubbish disposal.

Staff are trained to take responsibility for their actions re: water usage, contamination of rivers and lakes, rubbish disposal, vehicle maintenance and fuel consumption, use of fuel for cooking.

Rubbish is carried with us until we reach a town or village which has proper facilities for rubbish disposal.

On camping tours a pit latrine (with toilet tent) is made at each site. Before departing, used paper is burned and the pit closed.

Clients are instructed before arrival in Mongolia of the requirement for biodegradable soap, shampoo, etc. for camping tours because washing is often in rivers.

Clients are only allowed to light camp fires when permission has been given by local people to use windfall.

Our complete brochure can be downloaded from our website, saving plenty of paper and printing materials.

At most of the ger camps where we stay hot water showers are provided and water is heated using solar power.

At ger camps each ger has a wood-burning stove which staff will light if requested. We encourage our clients not to use this facility if it is not very cold because the fuel used is trees cut down in the nearby forests.

Some of the ger camps that we use have built very clean wooden pit-latrines and use sawdust to prevent flies and smell.
Upon booking a tour, clients are given a Tour Dossier which includes a section on attitudes and behaviour. We explain some of the most important issues so that tourists will not be embarrassed nor locals offended.

During the tour, the leader or interpreter will educate the group on the more important points of Mongolian etiquette so that everyone feels more comfortable when we enter a local home or temple.

We do not take advantage of the need of financially poor nomadic people to make money by inconveniencing them unnecessarily. We put our tents beside a nomadic family’s ger rather than clients sleeping in a family ger and displacing family members.

Staff are treated fairly. They are provided with good quality, well maintained equipment and appropriate clothing.

Staff are given good and safe working conditions with quality tools and equipment.

The health of our staff is a high priority and the company assists with medical costs when appropriate.

NOTE: THERE ARE TWO SETS OF TERMS & CONDITIONS - ONE FOR MOTORBIKE TOURS AND A SEPARATE SET FOR OTHER TOURS (SEE BELOW)

Motorcycle Tours & Motorbike Hire
Terms & Conditions

1. The Contract

These conditions form the contract between Off The Map Tours ("The Company") and the client named on the booking form. To secure a booking the Company requires a completed and signed booking form and the necessary deposit. Registration on one of our trips implies that the client agrees with our general conditions. Bookings are accepted on the understanding that the client appreciates the possible risks inherent in adventure travel.



2. Cancellation by the client

? In case of cancellation more than 60 days before departure the deposit will be retained by the Company.
? In case of cancellation 30 - 60 days before departure 50% of the tour price will be retained by the Company.
? In case of cancellation less than 30 days before departure the full amount of the tour price will be retained by the Company.



3. Cancellation by the company

? Our dated group tours are subject to a minimum of four clients. Each tour will be reviewed one month before departure and if it is necessary for us to cancel on account of low numbers a full refund will be given.
? If the tour has to be cancelled for any reason beyond our control the Company will offer the client a full refund of money paid, less the non-refundable deposit.
? The Company will not be liable for compensation beyond a refund of money paid. It is your responsibility to arrange travel insurance at time of booking to cover financial loss due to tour cancellation.



4. Responsibilities of the client

? Clients are responsible for ensuring the validity of their passport beyond the full duration of their travel.
? Clients are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and vaccinations.
? Clients must yield to the conditions and formalities of police, customs and health in the country at the time of travel. If the client does not respect the laws of the country, cannot show the correct documents, or is delayed because of his own fault, he is responsible for the incurred costs.
? Each client must accept the authority of the tour leader.
? The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative.
? If the health or conduct of any client before or during the tour appears likely, in the opinion of the tour leader, to endanger the group, the client may be excluded from the tour. Expenses resulting will be borne by the client and a refund of money paid will not be given.



5. Travel Insurance

? It is obligatory to have full travel insurance covering cancellation, illness, loss of luggage, repatriation and helicopter rescue.
? Clients must ensure that there is no exclusion clause limiting protection for riding a motorcycle of engine size 250cc.
? The Company will not accept any responsibility for luggage and personal property of the client.
? A copy of each client's insurance is required by the Company prior to departure. This must include the insuring company name, 24-hour emergency telephone contact number, policy number and specific reference to riding of 250cc motorcycle.



6. Age Limits and Fitness

? The Renter of the motorcycle is not less than 18 years of age.
? Children under 18 years are only accepted on the tours if riding in the support vehicle and on the condition that the parent or guardian accepts full responsibility for them.
? All clients must satisfy themselves before booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary. If in any doubt, professional medical advice must be obtained.



7. Illness and Disability

? Anyone suffering from any illness or disability, or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition, must declare the nature of the condition at the time of booking. Such a client must make his own arrangements for drugs and treatment required during the tour. If the Company is not so informed this constitutes a breach of contract and may result in the client being excluded from the tour. In this case money paid will not be refunded to the client.



8. Alterations to the itinerary


? If any unexpected events or circumstances which imply the security of the clients should occur (e.g. broken bridges, defective roads, epidemic, etc.) we retain the right to alter the dates, timetable or route as we see fit. The client cannot claim any compensation in these circumstances.

? The Company will not be held responsible for providing refunds if a situation arises during the tour which necessitates a change in the itinerary (including threat of war, riots, civil action, strikes, political or legal restrictions, force majeure, technical problems, decisions of air carriers, or other situations beyond our control) unless it can be proved that the situation has arisen out of negligence on the Company's behalf.
? If for any reason beyond the control of the Company your return to Ulaanbaatar is delayed causing missed international departure, costs incurred must be borne by the client. The company will endeavor to give all practical assistance in obtaining necessary documents of proof if required by the insurance company for repayment of costs incurred.
? After arriving in Mongolia, the client will not request changes to be made in the itinerary except if necessary due to reasons of health or a serious emergency.




9. Motorbike Hire Conditions

? The bike equipment, including all accessories supplied, is let out on hire. The bikes, accessories and spare parts are all genuine Yamaha and have been imported from UK. There are no Yamaha dealers or parts available in Mongolia.
? The Renter must travel with a valid driving licence endorsed for motorcycles. A copy must be provided at the time of booking.
? The equipment remains the property of Off The Map Tours LLC (“The Owner`) and the client (“The Renter”) will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with it. The Renter will not allow the bike he has been allocated to be handled by any other person.
? A security deposit of Euros 700 will paid by the Renter to the tour Leader on arrival in Mongolia. It will be refunded in full at the end of the tour providing the bike is returned without damage, other than normal wear and tear. Any damage to the motorcycle will be assessed and an estimate of repair cost provided. Spare parts will be charged at UK retail rate excluding VAT plus cost of shipping by DHL.
? The Renter will not make any modifications to the bike whatsoever without the prior permission of the Owner. Factory original settings must not be tampered with.
? The Renter undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received.
? If the Renter rides strays from the main track without the express permission of the Tour Leader, he is responsible for any damage to the bike, including tyre puncture, occurring at that time.
? The Owner shall be entitled to charge the Renter for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
? In the event of a breakdown, other than as a result of the Renter’s misuse, the Owner will endeavour to repair or procure the repair of the equipment.
? If any repairs or adjustments are required to the bike, the Renter must inform the Tour Leader in the evening on arrival at camp.
? The Owner shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or defects in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the Owner’s control.
? The Renter shall compensate the Owner in respect of all costs, claims, expenses and demands which he may suffer or incur, and which arise directly or indirectly out of use of the equipment during the period of hire. The Owner reserves the right to charge the Renter for partial or full settlement of any such claim.
? The Renter will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when in use. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost whilst in the possession of the Renter, the Owner reserves the right to call upon the Renter to compensate the Owner the replacement value of the equipment, including shipping from UK to Mongolia, being not less than GBP 5000.
? The Renter will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.




10. Use of Camping Equipment

? The client is responsible for returning the equipment, which is the property of Off The Map Tours, in the same condition as it was found at the start of the tour.
? If the client notices any defect in the equipment at the start of the tour he is bound to report it to the tour leader, otherwise he will be held responsible and must pay appropriate compensation.
? Clients must utilize all equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking or use of candles or petrol lamps inside the tents is not allowed. Cooking equipment and accessories must not be left outside the tents at night.
? In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost the client must compensate the Company the replacement value of the equipment.




11. Complaints Procedure

? Any complaints that arise about any aspect of the tour or service must first be directed to the Off The Map Tours leader. Complaints must be made at the time of the incident. Any complaints received after the tour has ended will not be accepted.







General Rules For Motorcycle Tours


Off-road motorcycle trips with Off The Map Tours are intended to be a positive experience for all involved. The tour is not a race or competition and dangerous riding will not be tolerated. All participants are expected to respect the culture, nature and people of Mongolia.

It is our duty to travel through Mongolia without damaging its pristine environment, nor disrupting the lives of the local population and their animals. Sometimes we will be riding through National Parks and Natural Reserves where flora is protected by law. Sharp braking or spinning wheels will be frowned upon by the locals and damage the reputation of the Company. Arrival at camp signals the end of the riding day. Please do not continue riding round the area wasting petrol and damaging the ground.

Most of the roads we travel on are not black-topped, but clear trails are obvious. Straying away from the tracks risks damage to the environment and the motorcycle. Places which are or have been inhabited by nomadic families are likely to be surrounded by rubbish such as metal or bones which can easily damage the tyres. Additionally, if you divert from the trail to an area that cannot be accessed by the support vehicle, it will be difficult to rescue you in case of accident.

All riders must follow the instructions of the Tour Leader. Often Mongolian roads are a like a maze, splitting and re-joining so it is not possible to describe in advance every trail and split in the road. Everyone must stop and re-group with the support vehicles at river crossings. If the water is deemed to be too deep the bikes will be loaded onto trailers and taken across, or we will find an alternative route. No one must attempt to make a river crossing by themselves when they are alone.

Due to weather conditions and other factors, tracks can change from one year to the next. Bridges can break, rivers flood and roads become impassable. Do not disturb the Tour Leader and drivers by continual quizzing on the trail. We will do our best to follow the written itinerary.

Petrol for the motorbikes will be supplied by the Company and is included in the price of the tour. It is your responsibility to inform the Tour Leader if your tank needs refilling. If every motorbike needs refilling on the trail at the same time it will cause delay.

Mongolia has a zero tolerance law in relation to alcohol. Do not drink excessively the night before the start of the tour. Police in Ulaanbaatar are particularly vigilant and may seize the motorbike if the driver gives a positive alcohol reading.

The bike allocated to you is your responsibility until it is returned at the end of the tour. You must not allow local people to sit on it or ride it. They may damage the bike or remove accessories.

Mongolia is a great country for off-road riding and our tours offer a wonderful opportunity to see the way of life of the nomadic people of Central Asia. To ensure the smooth running of our motorcycle tours everyone is obliged to follow these instructions and to abide by our Terms & Conditions.












Off The Map Tours Booking Conditions
Please read carefully



1. The Contract


These conditions form the contract between Off The Map Tours ("The Company") and the client named on the booking form. To secure a booking the Company requires a completed and signed booking form and the necessary deposit. Registration on one of our trips implies that the client agrees with our general conditions. Bookings are accepted on the understanding that the client appreciates the possible risks inherent in adventure travel.


2. Cancellation by the client

? In case of cancellation more than 60 days before departure the deposit will be retained by the Company.
? In case of cancellation 15 - 60 days before departure 50% of the tour price will be retained by the Company.
? In case of cancellation less than 15 days before departure the full
amount of the tour price will be retained by the Company.


3. Cancellation by the company


Our dated group tours are subject to a minimum of four clients. Each tour will be reviewed one month before departure and if it is necessary for us to cancel on account of low numbers a full refund will be given. If the tour has to be cancelled for any other reason beyond our control the Company will offer the client a full refund on money paid. The Company will not be liable for compensation beyond a full refund of money paid.


4. Responsibilities of the client


? Clients are responsible for ensuring the validity of their passport beyond the full duration of their travel.
? Clients are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and vaccinations.
? Clients must yield to the conditions and formalities of police, customs and health in the country at the time of travel. If the client does not respect the laws of the country, cannot show the correct documents, or is delayed because of his own fault, he is responsible for the incurred costs.
? Each client must accept the authority of the tour leader.
? The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative.
? If the health or conduct of any client before or during the tour appears likely, in the opinion of the tour leader, to endanger the group, the client may be excluded from the tour. Expenses resulting will be borne by the client and a refund of money paid will not be given.



5. Travel Insurance

? It is obligatory to have full travel insurance covering cancellation, illness, loss of luggage and repatriation.
? Clients must ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour (e.g. horse riding, boating).
? The Company will not accept any responsibility for luggage and personal property of the client.
? A copy of each client's insurance is required by the Company prior to departure.


6. Age Limits and Fitness


? All clients must satisfy themselves before booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary. If in any doubt, professional medical advice must be obtained.
? Children are accepted on the tours on the condition that the parent or guardian accepts full responsibility for them.


7. Illness and Disability


Anyone suffering from any illness or disability, or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition, must declare the nature of the condition at the time of booking. Such a client must make his own arrangements for drugs and treatment required during the tour. If the Company is not so informed this constitutes a breach of contract and may result in the client being excluded from the tour. In this case money paid will not be refunded to the client.


8. Alterations to the itinerary


? If necessary or advisable to do so, the Company reserves the right at any time to alter arrangements for any aspect of the tour. Clients will be informed of any changes prior to departure, and if the change involves a significant change in the itinerary then the client may cancel the booking within seven days of notification and receive a full refund of money paid.

? If any unexpected events or circumstances which imply the security of the clients should occur (e.g. broken bridges, defective roads, epidemic, etc.) we retain the right to alter the dates, timetable or route as we see fit. The client cannot claim any compensation in these circumstances.

? The Company will not be held responsible for providing refunds if a situation arises during the tour which necessitates a change in the itinerary (including threat of war, riots, civil action, strikes, political or legal restrictions, force majeure, technical problems, decisions of air carriers, or other situations beyond our control) unless it can be proved that the situation has arisen out of negligence on the Company's behalf.


? If for any reason beyond the control of the Company your return to Ulaanbaatar is delayed causing missed international departure, costs incurred must be borne by the client. The company will endeavor to give all practical assistance in obtaining necessary documents of proof if required by the insurance company for repayment of costs incurred.
? After arriving in Mongolia, the client will not request changes to be made in the itinerary except if necessary due to reasons of health or a serious emergency.


9. Use of Camping Equipment

? The client is responsible for returning the equipment, which is the property of Off The Map Tours, in the same condition as it was found at the start of the tour.
? If the client notices any defect in the equipment at the start of the tour he is bound to report it to the tour leader, otherwise he will be held responsible and must pay appropriate compensation.
? Clients must utilize all equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking or use of candles or petrol lamps inside the tents is not allowed. Cooking equipment and accessories must not be left outside the tents at night.
? In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost the client must compensate the Company the replacement value of the equipment.

10. Bike Hire Conditions

? The bike equipment, including all accessories supplied, is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of Off The Map Tours Co Ltd (“The Owner`) and the client (“The Renter”) will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with it.
? The Renter undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received.
? The Owner shall be entitled to charge the Renter for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
? In the event of a breakdown, other than as a result of the Renter’s misuse, the Owner will endeavor to repair or procure the repair of the equipment.
? The Owner shall not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or defects in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the Owner’s control.
? The Renter shall compensate the Owner in respect of all costs, claims, expenses and demands which he may suffer or incur, and which arise directly or indirectly out of use of the equipment during the period of hire. The Owner reserves the right to charge the Renter for partial or full settlement of any such claim.
? In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the Owner reserves the right to call upon the Renter to compensate the Owner the replacement value of the equipment, being not less than € 400 and not greater than € 1200. The Renter will be informed of the value of his bike before the start of the tour.
? The Renter is over 16 years of age, and will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, and will immediately notify the Owner in the event of breakdown or loss of the equipment.