What to Pack for Mongolia

Pack for Mongolia in layers: even in summer you can see 30 °C in the afternoon and near-freezing temperatures at night, with wind, sun, rain and dust on the same trip. Bring clothing you can add and remove easily, sturdy footwear, strong sun protection and a few items for life on the road, where shops and electricity can be far apart. If you visit in winter, you will need proper cold-weather gear.

Clothing for summer trips

• A warm fleece or light down jacket for evenings and early mornings.
• A windproof and waterproof shell jacket; rain trousers if you will ride or hike.
• Two or three quick-drying shirts, including a long-sleeved one for sun and insects.
• Comfortable trousers; jeans are fine for driving days but slow to dry.
• A warm hat and light gloves, plus a brimmed sun hat or a buff for dust.
• Sturdy walking shoes or light boots, and sandals or slip-ons for camp and gers.
• Swimwear if you plan to visit lakes or hot springs.

For visits to monasteries and family homes, carry clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Clothing for winter trips

From November to March, temperatures across much of the country stay below −20 °C for weeks. You will need thermal base layers, a warm mid layer, an insulated down parka rated for severe cold, insulated waterproof boots with room for thick socks, a balaclava or face covering, mittens over liner gloves and a warm hat that covers your ears. If your trip includes overnight stays with herding families, your operator may provide extra blankets or a traditional deel; ask in advance.

Gear and travel essentials

• Sun protection: high-factor sunscreen, lip balm with SPF and good sunglasses. The sun is strong at Mongolia's altitude.
• Headlamp: ger camps may have power for only a few hours, and outdoor toilets are often unlit.
• Power bank and car charger: many vehicles have a 12 V socket. Mongolia uses 230 V with Type C and E plugs; bring an adapter if you need one.
• Water bottle and purification: a refillable bottle with a filter, or purification tablets, cuts plastic waste and is useful in remote areas.
• Toiletries for the road: toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitiser and a quick-dry towel. Camps range from hot showers to none at all.
• Sleeping bag: needed only for camping or homestays; ask your operator what is provided.
• Day pack and dry bags: to keep gear clean in dusty vehicles and dry on river crossings.
• Personal medical kit: prescription medicines in their original packaging, plus basics for headaches, stomach upsets, blisters and motion sickness on rough roads.

Documents and money

Carry your passport, a printed copy of your visa or e-visa approval, your travel insurance details and emergency contacts. Bring a bank card that works abroad, but also enough cash in tögrög for the countryside, where card payment is often impossible. Clean, undamaged US dollar or euro notes are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange in Ulaanbaatar.

Practical tips

Pack in a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase: it fits better in a van or a Land Cruiser and survives rough roads. Keep your luggage light, because domestic flights often have lower baggage allowances. A small gift for host families, such as photos of your home country, good-quality sweets or useful items for children, is appreciated and should be offered with the right hand. Anything you forget, from warm socks to cashmere layers, can be bought in Ulaanbaatar before you head out.