Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form
The following pages contain the application to lead an AMC Major Excursion. Please complete the form with as
much detail as possible, and attach additional sheets if necessary. Also include a detailed budget/costing sheet
that clearly shows all costs associated with your planned excursion. The trip proposal form and budget are due
two weeks prior to the MEC meeting in which it will be reviewed. Deadlines will be posted on the MEC leader
website (http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/) and sent to you on the MEC leader listserv well in advance of the
meeting. The MEC will not accept late proposals unless the chair is notified in advance with a compelling reason.
Incomplete applications will be returned to you and not reviewed until complete, so please make sure to fill in all
applicable sections.
The application was created in a Microsoft Word protected document. To fill in each section click on the check
box and/or on the grey text box and start typing. The boxes will automatically get larger as you fill in text. If you
find that you need a lot of space to explain a section, please say “see additional attachment” and attach a separate
page.
In addition, the following are helpful during the review process, but need only be submitted after your proposal is
accepted:


50 and 150 word notices for the AMC Outdoors and www.outdoors.org. Please see the current rules http://snebulos.mit.edu/orgs/amc/listings/ and schedule for submitting notices for the AMC Outdoors.
Trip prospectus – without the application forms attached – in Microsoft Word or PDF format
Finally, we need to have on file at Joy Street, the following documents:



A completed confidential medical form for the leader and co-leader (after approval is given)
Copies of first aid and CPR certifications for leader and co-leader (before or after approval is given)
A completed application to be a co-leader if the co-leader is new (before proposal is submitted)
We will accept snail mail applications, but electronic forms are preferred. Please save and forward your
electronic document with the following naming convention:


Leader’s last name, trip destination, year of trip and what type of document it is (application, budget,
Outdoors listing or prospectus
For example, Smith-New Zealand-2007-Application.doc or Smith-New Zealand-2007-Budget.xls
Applications should be sent electronically to the MEC Chair, Stacia Zukroff, at mecchair@amcboston.org and to
amcexcursions@outdoors.org. They can be mailed to: Travel Programs Coordinator, 5 Joy Street, Boston, MA
02108. If you have any questions, please contact Stacia at: 781-648-5503 or mecchair@amcboston.org.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 1 of 8
SUMMARY OF TRIP INFORMATION
Mongolia Expedition: The Ancient Migration Routes of the Darhat Mongols
Leader Susan Lach
Co-leader Dick Cable
Mongolia Expedition:Lake Khovsgol, Saridag Mountains, and the Darhat Valley
Total # of days 8
Hiking
Downhill skiing
Kayaking
Title of trip
Leadership
Location(s)
Dates
Type of trip
check all that apply
Backpacking
Cultural
Road biking
Nordic ski
Mountain biking
Snorkeling
Other – please describe
horseback riding
Max 14
$ 3925.00
$ 2000.00
Number of participants
Advertised cost
Airfare range if not included
Min 10
Does it include airfare? Yes
No
LEADER AND CO-LEADER INFORMATION
Leader name
Leader address
Leader email
Leader phone
Wilderness first aid training
CPR training
Prior leading experience
Trip one
Trip two
Trip three
Other related trip experience
Co-leader name
Co-leader address
Co-leader email
Co-leader phone
Wilderness first aid training*
CPR training*
Prior leading experience
Scouting
Susan Lach
73 Amherst Drive, Manchester, CT 06042
suelach@sbcglobal.net
Home 860-533-0219
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 4-09
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 12-10
Please list the last three longer (5+ day) trips you have led for the AMC including
destination, type of trip, dates and number of participants. Feel free to list additional
trips you have led, particularly if they demonstrate experience related to the trip you
are proposing.
Belize- 11-06: 16 participants
New Zealand- 12-07: 10 participants
Yosemite National Park - 06-08: 8 participants
Dick Cable
8 Heather Lane, Burlington, CT 06013
r.cable@sbcglobal.net
Home 860-673-1940
Work
WFA
AWFA
WFR
Expiration: 5-09
CPR
BLS
Expiration: 3-09
If you are a new co-leader you must submit an application to be a major excursions
leader or co-leader prior to submitting this application.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:

To lead a major excursion you must have current CPR and WFA at the time of your trip (or AWFA for all backcountry
trips). If you do not have the required level of certification at the time you submit your proposal or it will expire before
the date of your trip, you will need to make arrangements to recertify in a timely manner.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 2 of 8
Have either of you led this trip
before or traveled to this
area?
Languages
Does either the co-leader or
leader speak the local
language?
Couples
Do the leader and co-leader
have a significant personal
relationship?
Private trips
Do either of you lead trips that
are private - not sponsored by
the AMC?
Co-leader: Yes
No
Leader: Yes
No
Not applicable:
Yes
No
If yes, please list who has agreed to be your back-up in case one or
both of you need to drop out. This is required for approval!
Yes
No
If yes, please note that you cannot advertise AMC and private trips
together unless there is a clear distinction between the two in any marketing
materials you send out.
LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF TRIP
Executive summary
Please provide a brief
description of the trip and the
activities planned.
This trip will consist of a 17 day expedition in the northern region of Mongolia. The first
two days and the last day are devoted to travel to and from Ulaan Bataar. Internal air is
required to reach Moron and then travel overland to Khatgal. The group will journey by
boat up Khovsgol Lake to begin trek/horseback over Saridag Mtns. to Darhat Valley.
We will then trek/horsback south where we will conduct a one day social service project.
Upon completion we will travel back over the Saridag Mtns. via the Russian Pass ending
in Khatgal for the Fall Naadam [festival]. The final leg will take us back to Ulaan Bataar
for our departure home.
(See attached itinerary for day to day activities)
Accommodations
Please describe your plan for
accommodation(s)
The first and last night will be spent in a hotel in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The
rest of the trip will be tent and ‘ger’ camping. While they vary (often year to year) in
quality and service, all ger camps have the same basic format. You sleep in gers, the felt
covered round tents of Mongolia’s nomads, which have 2-4 beds, a table and a wood
stove. A hot water thermos is available and sometimes you get tea bags as well. There is
a bathhouse which always has sinks and showers and sometimes a sauna. Toilets may be
incorporated into the bathhouse and flush with varying efficiency. Or toilets may be in a
separate building or of the outhouse variety. Also present will be a large kitchen/dining
hall, sometimes a newly constructed building, other times a converted structure, and
often a giant ger-like structure.
All in all ger camps are comfortable, relaxed, and offer a good break from homestays or
camping while traveling cross country. The following offers addition information
pertaining to gers:
What is a ger?
It’s a portable round house uniquely suited to the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle, and the
Mongolian climate. It’s warm in winter and cool in summer oweing to the excellent
insulation properties of the felt and canvas walls.The ger consists of a circular wooden
frame carrying a felt cover. The frame consists of one or more lattice wall-sections, a
door-frame, roof poles and a crown. They vary regionally, with straight or bent roofpoles, different sizes, and relative weight.
What is a ger camp?
A ger camp is a place where tourists can experience living in a ger. A ger in a ger camp
is the same construction and furniture as a family ger. The beds, table, stools, and stove
are all the same. However the tourist ger won’t have the objects of daily Mongolian life:
cooking pots, food, saddles and bridles, dishware and utensils. Also, there is no altar in a
tourist ger. Tourist gers can fit 4 beds around the perimeter, whereas the traditional
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 3 of 8
family ger in the countryside has two.
For the portion of the trip off the tourist track, the group will be camping. A support
vehicle or pack animals will carry the components of comfortable camping: tents,
sleeping bags, stoves, foodstuffs, water cooking gear, and a cook. The outitter provides
comfortable backpacking style tents, designed for 3-4 people but assigned to just two.
For toilets they will dig a latrine or provide a shovel, toilet paper, and the opportunity for
participants to make a contribution to the greening of Mongolia at a distance from camp
determined by their personal comfort and aesthetics. Bathing is done with a basin of hot
water, prepared by the cook or at an appropriate distance from the nearest lake or stream.
Meals
Please describe your plan for
providing meals
All meals are provided.
Meals are plentiful and basic – mutton, rice, and noodles form the basis of the diet, just
as it does for the local people. Potatoes, carrots and cabbage are common vegetables
served in Mongolia. Generally, they are boiled in a broth made from meat. Trail rations
will include eggs, peanut butter, cheese, and yak or cow butter and yogurt. Typical
seasonings are salt and red pepper (like paprika), but food is generally bland. A small
bottle of hot sauce may come in handy. The outfitter can accommodate special dietary
needs provided they are notified ahead of time (including vegetarian diets or specific
food allergies).
Meals are provided, but not trail snacks. It is encouraged that participants bring snacktype camping food: granola, dried fruit, nuts, Cliff bars, ect.
Permits or permissions
Does the trip require special
permits or permissions?
(required on many U.S.
federal lands and national
parks)
Special equipment
Does the trip require special
equipment?
Special experience
Does the trip require special
skills on the part of the
participant?
Pre-trip activities
Do you plan to get your group
together before the trip for an
activity or social event?
Conservation, education and
recreation
How will this major excursion
meet the mission of the AMC?
www.outdoors.org/about/
mission.cfm
Revised 7/15/2016
Boojum uses an expedition-size Katadyn filter pump (www.katadyn.us, item code
2050000). Also, note – Lake Khovsgol has some of the purest fresh water found in the
world (certainly more pure than the bottled waters that can be purchased off the shelf).
The area we will be traveling through has no giardia concerns (and when traveling
through the lower altitude cattle impact areas, filtered water will be provided).
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below:
Visas are required for non-US citizens.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of equipment and how you
will ensure that people know how to use it:
However, Boojum will provide a detailed gear list that they strongly recommed each
participant follows. This will aid in the transportation of gear. The groups belongings
will be with us at all times and there will be no place for additional bagage to be held
during the expedition.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what type of experience? Also describe
how you will ensure that the participant has this experience?
Previous hiking, camping/backpacking, and horseback riding is required.
This will determine through the screening process.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe below what you will do:
Pre-trips will be scheduled to allow the group to meet prior to the trip. Ideally, one or
two day hikes will be scheduled or a social event. This is all contingent on the location
of the participants.
We will have excellent local guides who will familiarize us with both the geography of
the country but also the history and rich cultural traditions. The horse plays a pivitol role
in the life of Mongols and has a rich tradition. Of importance is the Naadam festival
that occurs across Mongolia. Naadam includes three traditional sports: horseracing,
wrestling, and archery. We will be able to move from tent to tent and mingle with the
competitors in the town of Khatgal and watch all three events.
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 4 of 8
Khovsgol National Park is the gem in the Mongolia National Park System. Formally
created just about 20 years ago, the park is underdeveloped and under many different
pressures as tourism grows along with domestic interest in travel. Along our route we
will see the good, the bad and the ugly of development and conservation efforts
underway in the Park. We will meet with local herders and officials and learn about the
many perspectives on the park and it’s benefits and drawbacks to the community. AMC
members bring a much needed historical experience with the value of Parks and
Reserves that will make for lively discussions and sharing of views with local people.
The group will be participating in a Service project day. This is an exciting and vital part
of this expedition. In conjunction with Boojum Expeditions and the local government,
we will have the opportunity to work on one of several service projects…yet to be
decide. Three options will take place in the vicinity of Renchinlhumbe associated with
the school or hospital or ecotoilet at the range camp while the fourth would be to work to
reconstitute a safety hut that served as shelter for the migrating families. The latter fell
into disrepair during the socialist period of Mongolian history. [This could be an
ongoing AMC project if other AMC trips follow in the footsteps of this first Mongolia
Expedition to this area.] As leaders we are excited to offer this opportunity…part of what
AMC believes and embodies.
TOUR OPERATOR AND GUIDE SERVICE INFORMATION
Will this trip require a tour
operator or guide service
during part, or the entire
trip?
Name of tour operator/guide
service
Tour operator website
Safety record
Please provide information
about their safety record.
Insurance
Do they have liability
insurance?
Emergency response
Please describe the outfitters’
response plan in the case of an
emergency.
Yes
No
Please describe their services. If you are using a tour operator for the entire trip,
please describe why you will be using them rather than doing this trip on your own:
Due to the location and need for guides on the migration routes, ger accomodations,
horses and wranglers, internal air, and overland travel, a guide service is necessary
Boojum Expeditions
www.boojum.com
This outfitter is the oldest outfitter in Mongolia…now in their 24 th year.[14 years in
Mongolia. They have led trips for the Sierra Club as well as the special expedition to
this area for National Geographic [2003]. Over the last 14 years in Mongolia, Boojum
Expeditions has had one death on a trip, a detached retina, appendicitis, a broken bone or
two and the usual stomach upsets. The death was not reviewed in detail, but Boojum
stated that there was never any responsibility for the death placed on Boojum
Expeditions by family or estate.
Liability? Yes
No
Maximum amt: $ 1 million dollars.
Are we willing to list AMC as an
additional insured? Yes, we will get a
rider on our liability insurance. We will
need to coordinate with you on the
releases each passenger signs (either to
modify ours to include the AMC or to
have each traveler sign both)
Yes
No
Are they willing to list AMC as an
additional insured?
Boojum guides are first aid trained and will be carrying the basic first aid supplies. The
leader and co-leader are also wilderness first aid trained and will be carrying group first
aid kits as well.
Refer the "Emergency Action Plan" section for more details.
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 5 of 8
RISK ASSESSMENT
Please assess the risks and hazards of your trip. Carefully consider each area of risk and how it may affect your trip.
Devise a plan to prevent each hazard and to respond to it if it becomes necessary. Please be very specific for each section
if applicable.
Trail conditions, river crossings, weather, wildlife (bears, snakes, etc.)
Climate/terrain
Potential hazards
Potential Hazards: Hiking in rough terrain, boggy ground, lightning and thunder storms,
horseback riding related injuries, cold exposure, river crossings. THERE IS NO
DANGER FROM WILDLIFE NOR POISONOUS SNAKES, ETC..
Response
Boojum guides will carry a basic first aid kit. For a trip of this nature, Boojum also will
require that the AMC leaders carry a first aid kit as well. Each participant is expected to
carry a personal first aid kit and bring their own supply of over-the-counter medicines
(for example a pain reliever with codeine, a couple days’ supply of cipro). Empirin,
tetracaine (ophthalmic anesthetic drops) and an ophthalmic antibiotic are also
recommended by Boojum to bring as well.
Political concerns, crime, language translation, terrorism
Foreign Country
Potential hazards
1. Petty crime is common, as it is in any large metropolitan area.
Terrorism and political concerns are minimal risks.
2. Most native Mongolians do not speak English.
3. Security is generally so-so at ger camps. .
Response
1. Awareness of the surroundings and the location of individuals
personal belongings will be sufficient to prevent most petty crimes.
Only two days will be spent in UB, the nomadic population of western
Mongolia is largely removed from world politics.
2. Guides are fluent in both English and Mongolian.
3. A padlock is provided to lock each ger. It is recommended that
participants keep important papers and cameras with them as an extra
precaution.
Transportation
Potential hazards
Response
Participants
Potential hazards
Response
Other
Potential hazards
Response
Revised 7/15/2016
Road conditions, drivers, insurance
Roads will range from reasonably well maintained paved roads to rough dirt tracks.
Probably more dangerous driving to and from the airport in Ulaan Baatar than driving
cross country in a Russian jeep. Drivers are also mechanics and in many areas
alternative vehicles can be hired on short notice in case of major breakdowns
Boojum is largely self reliant with vehicles, owner operated, when in the backcountry.
Level of fitness, screening concerns, experience with equipment or activity
Participants should be well experienced with ROUGH travel and camping,
minimal toilet and bathing facilities, simple campfire cooked meals.
Participants should be capable of hiking 10-15 miles per day. Some
previous horseback riding experience is preferred though not required
.Potential participants will be screened by one of the trip leaders
prior to registration. Participants should be current with Tetanus and
Hepatitis.
Conditions unique to this type of trip
We will be traveling by boat on a large lake. We will be in the border
control region and subject to inspection by the Mongolian Border
Patrol.
The boat will be equipped with life jackets and the captains are very
conservative and only travel in good weather. The boats are very
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 6 of 8
seaworthy, but sometimes the engines need to be tinkered with.
All
participants need to provide a COLOR scan (min 150 dpi) of the face
page of their passport to obtain border region permits.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Please describe your plans for dealing with emergencies. Use as much detail as possible, and list any special
communications equipment you may need to ensure the safety of your participants. DO NOT LEAVE THIS SECTION
BLANK
Emergency communication
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:
Phone contacts, language,
If participants need to be contacted while you are in Mongolia, please
documentation, distance from
use the following:
emergency services
Kent Madin Cell 406-595-2310 (Montana)
Ariunbolor Dorjsembe 406-599-5172 (Montana)
Cellphone of Anya (office manager in UB): 99-11-5929
Cellphone of Zaya (office assistant) 99188950
Email: klm@boojum.com
Khovsgol Lodge Management Company
33-16, 1st Horoo, 5th Microdistrict, Sukhbaatar District,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Emergency equipment
Satellite phone will be provided. Additionally, most of the country
What sort of emergency first
has cell coverage. An emergency first aid kit is provided and guides
aid or communication
are trained in basic first aid. AMC Leaders will also be carrying a
equipment (satellite phone,
group first aid kit and are wilderness first aid trained.
two-way radios) do you plan
to use, if any?
Two-way radios will also be carried by the leader and co-leader.
Evacuation
All Boojum clients are required to have pre-paid coverage that pays the
Please describe your plan for
cost of being evacuated from where they are injured. Because of the
evacuation from the
remote location of this trip, additional evacuation insurance will be
backcountry location if
required. In case an evacuation is required, Boojum will utilize
applicable?
either a cell or satelite phone to reach base to organize the
evacuation.
The order of events is as follows:
1. Call the Boojum office in UB (NOT the US office). Provide the date,
time, and nature of the injury or illness. Provide your exact location.
Allow the client to speak to the UB office if possible. Set a time to
call back to the UB office with an update.
2. Contact the helicopter evacuation company if the condition is lifethreatening. Boojum has a business arrangement with the helicopter
evacuation company to get a helicopter in the air as soon as possible
after a call is made, owing to the policy that every single one of our
passengers has evacuation coverage. If the client is able to be moved,
or ride a horse or jeep, they will be transported to the nearest county
seat to see a doctor and make additional arrangements.
3. Boojum’s office staff in UB locates specific information about the
injured party (all client information is available immediately to UB
and US staff via our web-based system). Boojum staff in UB contacts the
emergency evacuation provider and puts them in touch with the SOS
emergency clinic staff. The SOS clinic in UB belongs to an
international string of clinics. If SOS is unavailable, there are
several competent hospitals in UB. Transport to Beijing is available if
Revised 7/15/2016
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 7 of 8
necessary..
Medical care
Please describe the medical
care available in the area(s)
where you will be traveling
and list names and telephone
numbers for these facilities.
There are local doctors in every town. In UB, there are several
hospitals in addition to the SOS Clinic. Bear in mind that there is a
large year-round diplomatic community in UB that requires modern
medical facilities. If a specialist is needed that is unavailable in
Mongolia, air transport to Beijing is possible.
SOS Medica Mongolia UB International Clinic
This is the most modern medical facility in Mongolia. X-ray and general
lab facilities are on site. Referrals to specialists or other
facilities available if necessary.
Phone: 976-11-464-325
Fax: 976-11-454537
SOS Medica Mongolia
UB International Clinic
4a building, Big Ring Road, 15th Microdistrict, 7th Khoroo, Bayanzurkh
District
Email: contactus@sosmedica.mn
Hospital Number 2
This is a Mongolian-run facility, and is the designated hospital for
high-ranking officials for the Mongolian government. Translation
services are provided if an English-speaking doctor is not available.
Phone: 976-11-458-191
Emergency phone: 976-11-450-129
Fax: 976-11-458-191
COST AND BUDGET DETAILS
Deposits
What deposits will be required
by airlines, hotels, tour
operators, etc., and when?
Refunds
What is the latest date you can
cancel and still receive a full
refund?
Participant deposit
What are the initial deposit
and your schedule of
payments?
Cancellation policy
What will your cancellation
policy be for the participants?
Minimum numbers
Will you still run the trip if you
do not get the minimum
number?
Revised 7/15/2016
Boojum requires a $1000.00 deposit to secure the guide. Balance is due 60 days before
departure [June 15, 2009].
Will be possible if leader and co-leader find an acceptable replacement who can process
paperwork in a timely and necessary fashion.
$1000.00 due with application.[Non-AMC members add $50.00], $1000.00
due Dec. 15, Feb. 15, and bal. May 15, 2009 .Final balance [to Boojum
Expeditions] is due 60 days prior to departure.
Nobody's cancellation will be allowed to raise costs for others.
Minimum penalty schedule: zero before 1 March 09, $100 from 1 March 09
to 31 May 09, $300 after 31 May 09. If actual costs are higher, they
will be assessed instead.
Yes
No
If yes, please describe conditions:
Major Excursions Trip Proposal Form, page 8 of 8