Packing for Mongolia can be intimidating. With extreme temperature variations, unpredictable weather, remote locations with limited shopping options, and diverse activities from horseback riding to monastery visits, knowing what to bring is crucial for a successful trip. This comprehensive packing guide covers everything you need for Mongolia, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, planning a luxury tour or budget camping adventure.
Understanding Mongolia’s Packing Challenges
Before diving into specific items, understand why packing for Mongolia requires special consideration:
Extreme Weather Variability: Mongolia has dramatic temperature swings. Summer days can reach 30°C (86°F) while nights drop to 5°C (41°F). A sunny morning can turn into a hailstorm by afternoon. You need layers for all conditions.
Limited Shopping Options: Outside Ulaanbaatar, shopping is nearly impossible. If you forget something essential, you’ll go without it for your entire countryside trip. Pack everything you might need.
Dust and Rough Conditions: Unpaved roads create constant dust. Everything gets dirty quickly. Bring durable items and accept that your clothes and gear will get dusty and worn.
Remote Locations: You’ll be far from medical facilities, pharmacies, and repair shops. Bring first aid supplies, extra medications, and backup gear for critical items.
Basic Facilities: Most accommodations are ger camps with shared bathrooms, no electricity, and limited running water. Bring toiletries, hand sanitizer, and items that don’t require power.
Choosing the Right Luggage
Your luggage choice significantly impacts your Mongolia experience. Here’s what works:
Main Luggage
Best Option: Duffel Bag or Duffel-Backpack Hybrid (60-90 liters)
Duffel bags are ideal for Mongolia because they’re flexible, durable, and easy to pack in vehicles. Unlike wheeled suitcases, they can be stuffed into tight spaces in 4×4 vehicles and don’t have fragile wheels that break on rough roads.
Look for:
- Water-resistant or waterproof material
- Heavy-duty zippers and reinforced seams
- Padded shoulder straps and handles
- 60-90 liter capacity (don’t overpack)
- Compression straps to minimize size
- Lockable zippers for security
Day Pack (20-30 liters)
What NOT to Bring:
- Hard-case wheeled suitcases (useless on unpaved roads)
- Oversized luggage (won’t fit in vehicles properly)
- Expensive designer luggage (will get scratched and dusty)
Essential for carrying daily items, camera equipment, water, and valuables. This stays with you while your main bag goes in the vehicle storage.
Must-Have Features:
- Padded laptop/tablet compartment for electronics
- Water bottle pockets
- Comfortable padded straps
- Rain cover or waterproof material
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Lockable zippers
Pro Tip: Keep all valuables (passport, money, camera, phone, medications) in your day pack that stays with you at all times. Never leave it unattended in vehicles.
Universal Packing List (All Seasons)
These items are essential regardless of when you visit:
Documents and Money
- Passport (valid 6+ months beyond travel dates)
- Visa documents (if applicable)
- Travel insurance documents (mandatory)
- Photocopies of all important documents
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel and tour confirmations
- Credit/debit cards (multiple, different issuers)
- Cash in USD and local currency (MNT)
- Money belt or hidden pouch for valuables
Electronics
- Smartphone with offline maps downloaded
- Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
- Universal power adapter (Type C/E plugs for Mongolia)
- Portable power bank (20,000+ mAh capacity)
- Charging cables for all devices
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- E-reader or tablet for entertainment
- Waterproof phone case
- Ziplock bags for protecting electronics from dust
Important: Many ger camps have no electricity. Charge everything in Ulaanbaatar and bring sufficient power banks. Solar chargers can help but aren’t always reliable.
