Packing for Mongolia can be challenging. A single day on the steppe can feature burning sun, freezing winds, and sudden downpours. The secret to comfort in Mongolia is layering. Here is our essential packing list for a standard summer or autumn tour.
Clothing & Layers
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking t-shirts and thermal underwear (merino wool is highly recommended for cold nights).
- Mid Layers: Fleece jackets or woolen sweaters.
- Outer Layer: A windproof and waterproof jacket. Even in summer, a warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic) is essential for chilly evenings.
- Bottoms: Comfortable, durable trekking pants. Avoid jeans as they take too long to dry and are uncomfortable for long drives or horse riding.
- Headwear: A wide-brimmed hat for the harsh sun, and a warm beanie for the nights.
Footwear
- Hiking Boots: Sturdy, broken-in, and waterproof. You will walk on uneven terrain, sand, and rocks.
- Camp Shoes: Slip-on shoes or comfortable sneakers for walking around the ger camp or visiting nomad families (where you must take off your shoes).
Gear & Accessories
- Daypack: A small backpack for daily excursions to hold water, layers, and camera gear.
- Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential for navigating ger camps at night to reach the bathroom facilities.
- Power Bank: While our premium ger camps have electricity, charging points can be limited or only available at certain hours.
- Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and lip balm (the air is very dry).
- Personal Medical Kit: Basic first aid, personal prescriptions, and medication for stomach upsets.
A Note on Luggage
Soft-sided duffel bags or backpacks are strongly preferred over hard-shell suitcases. They are much easier to pack into our 4x4 vehicles and carry into gers.