W.A.M Responsible Tourism Policy

Mongolian Etiquette in a ger.

Educational responsibility

Consistent with our efforts to bring a truly cross-cultural perspective to each of our trips, we have developed excellent working relationships with local communities where we travel in Mongolia. By bringing together local schools, womens groups, we continue to foster the active exchange of information and resources between individuals and organizations. Better access to education and health facilities is always important for the wellbeing of the rural population. Therefore, we are currently supporting two schools in western Mongolia providing renewable energy source-solar panels- and books for local schools with supports from our previous clients. Near future, we are aiming to help these two schools to access to a full renewable energy source for their winter heating system that will enable to rural children to study in a warm comfortable classroom and learn modern technology computer for their learning activities. We therefore encourage our clients to be active participants and supporters to these projects.

Cultural Responsibility
In our rapidly changing and shrinking world, travel is increasing to destinations that were once inaccessible. Contact between unique cultures, such as the traditional nomadic, horse-based culture of Mongolia, and the outside world can have a definite impact on both sides. By promoting cultural interaction based on mutual respect and an understanding of cultural differences, we strive to maintain a delicate balance, neither accelerating the modernization of ancient cultures, nor suppressing their natural evolution.

Environmental Responsibility
As members of the Ecotourism Society, we are dedicated to providing sustainable travel and strive to minimize our impact on the environments that we explore. We continue to actively promote awareness of conservation and sustainable tourism in local and international media. We are providing ongoing training for our guides and drivers so that travellers can receive interpretive environmental information regarding conservation issues throughout the areas that we explore. By promoting sustainable tourism practices, we help to provide economic stability for many local communities and individuals thereby reducing the necessity to relocate to cities-clearly a desirable alternative to rapid urbanization and industrialization.

Responsible Travel Tips

Please always bear in your mind that you are travelling in one of few untouched wilderness areas in the world. The landscape in Mongolia is fragile and it deserves a great care. Thus, in order to protect the wildlife, we keep educating our local guides, drivers, staff throughout our operations.
Please keep all your cigar tales with you and be careful while you are smoking in wilderness areas. Climate is generally dry, thus it may cause potential forest and steppe fire easily;
Using bottled water always generates an enormous amount of plastic litter in the area. You should use your own reusable water bottle;
Please take all non-degradable trash with you and destroy in nearest trash point which includes cans, plastic bags and bottles etc;
Please always bury degradable trash including vegetable peels;
Please wash out of rivers, springs and lakes as local nomads and animals consume it for drink. Biodegradable soaps are recommended in order to keep the water clean and fresh. Please keep the consumption of chemicals as little as possible;
Be aware that, dropping dairy products, blood any dirt in streams, rivers and lakes is prohibited in Mongolia for centuries and treated as a taboo;
During expeditions, please make sure that your toilet is at least 200m away from nearest well, rivers, springs and lakes and the depth should be at least 1m;
Please keep a single line during your trek and share your knowledge of environmental conservation with others;
Never disturb wild species and do not follow by a car.

Responsible Horse Riding.

Travel Tips for Sociocultural and Economic Responsibilities

Please ask for your guide about dos and don’ts before you visit the local families.
Respect locals’ sacred mountains, rivers, landmarks, customs, traditions and values;
Do not treat them as museum exhibitions;
Please do not strip off when you are bathing, as Mongolians do not bath in nude next to each other.
Never kiss each other in front of children as it may be disruptive to them;
You should contribute to children’s education, health and well being via a small amount of donation to our responsible projects
Women are not allowed to climb up wholly mountains;
Be aware that, walking over man’s hat, belt, a table is very offensive to Mongolians. A man’s head is untouchable by anyone as Mongolians believe that human spirit is in their head;

Please consume locally produced food and vegetables as much as possible. Free range organic beef and mutton is very much local delicacy;
Your horse and camel riding fee can contribute to nomads living, so please try to use horses and camels during your trip in the country;
Please do not buy prehistoric fossils, petrified trees and stones as it is not only breaking a law but also encourages some people keep doing this. Eventually, it will mitigate the heritages of future generations.