Top Tips for Successfully Completing the Mongol Rally

Tips for Driving the Mongol Rally

The Mongol Rally presents an incredible adventure through countries like Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. The border crossings turn into adventures of their own, but it’s the breathtaking landscapes and the wonderful people that make this experience unforgettable.

Planning is crucial, from obtaining visas to selecting routes and preparing necessary gear. Here are our top tips for a successful Mongol Rally journey.

1. Mongol Rally Car Tips

Your choice of car is the cornerstone of your Mongol Rally experience. While many picture high-end vehicles like Range Rovers or Land Cruisers designed for such trips, ordinary cars can also handle the journey effectively. Many believe that the average person can’t drive around the world, but we are here to reassure you—it’s possible!

Initially, we knew little about car mechanics when we decided to participate in this cross-continental journey. However, with support from friends and plenty of research, we reached Mongolia’s capital with minimal issues.

2. Good Choice for a Mongol Rally Car

Choosing the right car is vital. Our 2002 Nissan Almera turned out to be perfect for the journey. Surprisingly, it continued to perform well throughout the adventure, costing us initially £1000, with additional repairs totaling £400 for tires, shocks, and brakes, making it an economical option for such a grand road trip.

The Nissan Almera proves to be fuel-efficient and easy to repair, allowing us to focus on enjoying this extensive adventure.

3. Get a Roof Rack for Your Car

Upon arrival in England, we invested in a roof rack that significantly expanded our storage options. This enabled us to keep camping gear atop the vehicle while safeguarding cameras and coolers in the back. It’s essential for remote travel—keeping your car simple means that local mechanics can assist with repairs if needed.

4. Mongol Rally By the Numbers

5. Costs to Expect on the Mongol Rally

• The entrance fee is a hefty £750 ($1200).
• Visas can total around $800 each ($1600).
• Fuel costs can soar to about $3000 USD (prices tend to vary in Russia and Kazakhstan).
• Accommodations throughout the trip can run up to $2000 (while camping often, hotel stays are necessary).
• Return flights to Canada from Mongolia each cost at least $1000.
• Car insurance adds another £265 ($437) to the budget.
• There’s a £297 ($489) penalty for larger engine sizes.
• We aimed to raise a minimum of £1000 for charity, which we are pleased to be well beyond now.
• A car deposit of £800 is required by the Adventurists ($1317), non-refundable if you can’t reach Mongolia.
• Also, additional car insurance fees apply outside of Europe.
• Bribes may also be necessary in specific regions.

All in all, anticipate spending over $10,000 for a two-month odyssey.

6. Sponsorship

Securing sponsorship presents a formidable challenge for participants. It’s vital to create a compelling hook to attract sponsors to your journey.

A mere backpacking trip might not pique interest; hence, focus on what distinguishes your adventure from others.

7. Be Clear on Exposure

Establish clear guidelines on the return you offer your sponsors, including the number of posts, tweets, and shares on social media platforms, as well as demographic insights about your audience.

8. Have an Attractive Package

Your sponsorship package must detail precisely what sponsors will gain in exchange for their financial or material contributions.

9. Tires

Initially, we planned to take two spare tires but received valuable advice to bring only one extra. Tire repairs are accessible, and replacements can be found in most locations.

Starting your journey with new tires sets you up for success, as we learned through our experience.

10. Only 3 Flat Tires During Our Journey

During our 15,000-mile trek, we encountered just three flat tires. Simply swapping for the spare and having the puncture repaired in the nearest town kept us on the move. We carried ‘puncture seal’ to ease our worries in case of multiple flats in one day.

11. What We Should Have Brought

A 12-volt compressor for inflating tires would have been a smart addition to our gear list. Thankfully, many truck drivers kindly offer assistance.

We also realized that a roll of chicken wire would have been handy, as we had to borrow some from fellow travelers to secure loose parts and our muffler.

12. Paperwork

Having your paperwork thoroughly organized is paramount for border crossings. Ensure that you maintain original ownership and insurance copies, and obtain a carnet de passage for countries like Iran.

While traversing Russia and Kazakhstan, only ownership documents and your international driver’s license are necessary, along with secured visas.

13. Visas for the Mongol Rally

Sorting out visas can prove to be complicated when traveling through various countries. With 15 countries on our route, proper visa planning became crucial, involving five countries that require visas, with two needing an invitation for entry.

Properly timed entries are essential—incorrect visa dates can lead to delays or entry denials. Understanding border conditions and road usability is also key.

Visa complications can be mitigated by ensuring all documentation is prepared before departing Europe.

Visa Machine

The Adventurists offer valuable assistance for visa processing by preparing invitation letters and managing visa acquisition for participants, facilitating a smoother journey.

Bribes

Be prepared for the possibility of bribery. While we encountered situations where we might have needed to pay off officials, our total payment was limited to €50. Remaining polite, organized, and aware can often help in these situations.

Speed Limits

Speeding can result in hefty fines should authorities catch you, potentially costing hundreds of Euros. While GPS use is discouraged during the rally, it remains an invaluable tool for monitoring speed limits in places like Russia and Ukraine.

14. Money

Most countries accept credit cards, but having some cash on hand is advisable. Most regions offer ATM access, so carrying vast sums of cash is unnecessary. Small denominations can prove useful for emergencies or border exchanges.

15. Filling Up a Car

Knowing your vehicle’s fuel capacity is essential for prepaying for gas. Always inquire about the amount of fuel you need and ensure you have alternative payment methods available, as some stations may not accept cards.

By following these practical tips, anyone can embark on the exhilarating journey that is the Mongol Rally without overspending!